Insight/advice - One man crew

J

JeffW

Member
I'm planning on making a documentary (short) and I'm hoping to get some insight.

Is it naive to think that I can work the camera, (lights = natural/available) and sound by myself while following a group around town?

I also want to shoot some interviews (talking heads) and I think that I will use an assistant for these shots.

Please give me some insight on what sound equipment to use and if natural light will suffice.

I sincerely apprecaite any feedback.

Thx.
 
i am often a one man crew. it is possible but you must be talented. i use a shotgun mic on the camera and try to stay close to speaking subjects. with the dvx you dont need much light to get an image so lights are not absolutely need. tripod interviews so you are free to engage the subject more humanly and mount the mic closer to them. also control light for sit down interviews.
 
I am often a one person crew. It is never ideal but often in the doc and journalism field necessary. i guess the longer you do it the better you get at it like anything, but here are a couple of "for what its worth" points and they don't necessarily relate directly to the camera we all use.
On interviews and people:
Try to survey ahead as many of the locations you will shoot in as possible. Even if this means an insane day of cabs and buses around towns or such. Get photos of the location if you can't get there ahead of time. Pre interview regarding sound and picture conditions with your subject or anyone you can. Try to look for common elements and work out a 'look" for your film. Docs often mean lots of talking heads. Try to imagine where each person fits in your story and framing... consider what might be editied back to back. Framed left..right.. cu-mcu..ecu Carry a small light kit for run and gun. I use a Chimera fired with a Lowe Tota and small chimera fired with a Lowel Pro and I try to use as much practical light as I can. If I know it will be mostly flourescent offices I carray a "Kinda Kino" kit of home depot electronic ballast work lights and two stands two superclams and two magic arms. they fill and warm up an otherwise flat office lighting situation.
Bring only the equipment you need.
Arrive early and NEVER late if you have to wait, pre-set as much of your kit as possible.
Most people don't share our love of technology, spare them the details and get into your game as fast as you can and have a plan or a series of questions that warms up both your subject and your camera and gear. You don't want to ask the "killer questions" and not be happy with audio or light. Give youself a bit of time.
I often wear a headphone-mic headset and feed my questions into one track. I always try to use a lav (wired if possible) for interviews and avoid camera mounted shotguns due to noise from the camera and my operating it. But sometimes you have not choice, then use the best gear you can afford or rent .
On "B" roll
when you are allowed to shoot:
Gor for it as usual

when you are not allowed to shoot:
Strip your camera down to the minimum, dress like a tourist and good luck. I carry a Sony PC110 that I have had for a few years in a belly pack and it has proved to be invaluable.
Don't forget to get people you interview to sign whatever paper work yo will need to use their image and sound and that varies. If you are in Vancouver BC,Canada, you will find tons of info through Telefilm and the NFB or contact someone at J school at BCIT on what you should do for a release . If you are in Vancouver Washington,USA other folks here could suggest where to look.
Dress low key,always bring mints,leave people homes like you found them and tell great stories. And CHECK YOUR TAPE before you leave!
And let me know when and where to watch.
Cheers
Brian
 
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at the end of the day viewing tapes i always notice everything looks/sounds better with 2 person crew ...
solo - just too many things to do/remember to keep it running smooth ...
 
donatello said:
at the end of the day viewing tapes i always notice everything looks/sounds better with 2 person crew ...
solo - just too many things to do/remember to keep it running smooth ...
Click to expand...
For sure !!When you can. Another set of eyes and ears and experience will always make a positive difference. i didn't mean to suggest it should be done as a single person crew, just sometime you have no choice.
 
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