DVX100A/DVC30 Interview Critique

[comexback_kid]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to send some feedback my way in terms of lighting, audio, framing, etc. on these two very short clips. These are two interview subjects that we'll be using in our documentary on the fortune cookie.

The first interview in the clip was shot on a DVC30, the second.. medium shot was on DVX100A, the tighter was on DVC30. Both instances we were a little rushed for time and had to be quick, but any feedback, suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks fellas,

Chris

http://organizations.oneonta.edu/wony/cookie.mov

 

[MikeA]

Hey Chris, first off, nice job...Ive had my share of rushed shoots, so I can sympathize...


With the first intv, two main things jumped out at me right away:

-Be aware of whats in your background and any nasty reflections you may be getting that could distract the viewer (picture frames, computer screens, etc are particularly adept at reflecting your lights and ruining a shot). The shine off the cellophane in the top left part of the frame draws your eye away from your subject.

-Dress his lav mic. It's fine if the mic shows, sometimes you just cant avoid it - but an exposed cable like that will kill any shot! If youre rushed, have them slip the mic underneath his/her shirt as youre setting up...if they have a tie, even better, it's much easier to hide clipped to a tie.

I like the small light on the boxes to the right of him...did you light that or is it just a spill from somewhere else? Maybe try to make that the main light on the background? Just enough so you can see whats back there and get some separation between he and the boxes, but not as bright as he is (you still want him to "pop").


With the second intv,

-Maybe go in a little tighter on the MS? Obviously that's a creative decision, but IMO I'd love to have her from about the chest up on the MS, with the other shot being the tighter CU (neck up?)...just brings her closer to the viewer...to me, she feels a little far away.

-Try to get some more seperation between her and the bground...I like the exposure, but to me it seems a bit flat. Is there a backlight on her there?

-I dig the two camera look..do you plan on shooting every intv like that? Clearly it's great for editing, but also in terms of consistency...it may look kind of random if only one or a few intvs have those close cutaways.


Just my .02¢

Good luck!!
MikeA