One take shoots...

[chromeboy007]

Got a job shooting interview videos with some very busy business people. I tell ya, they don't give you much time to setup your shots, lights, audio etc. My asst and I had maybe about 10 mins to setup prior to the interviewee coming on camera. And once he is on camera it's action more or less right away. And no second take.

I'm not used to this pressure cooker environment, so some of my shots weren't the greatest. Framing and lights issues mostly, just glad that my focus was good since I'm new to HD. By an large they were ok. I eventually learned to use my assistant as a stand in, so that saved me some time.

Do you guys have experience and advice on how to handle situations like this? How to get your setup done fast, and right the first time?

 

[RyanT]

Could you not get in there earlier to have a moment to setup your lighting? I feel like it's not too crazy to only have one shot with these people with not much time to tweak, but usually they give you time before hand to get things right before they come in.

 

[chromeboy007]

We have 10 to 15 mins to setup. Anything over 10 mins they start getting impatient. Because these shoots were taking place at their place of business we had to go in, shoot, and leave. So no we didn't have more time.

Perhaps its just my inexperience but is this scenario typical of corporate interviews?

If it is I'm going to take a course on how to set up your shots fast!

 

[xqzt]

Speak up to your subjects and client. Tell them, "Just give me a second here," Keep a little banter going to loosen up your subject as you frame up your shot. Have your assistant get your subject miked up while you get your cam set. Also that little bit of banter will help you anticipate any extraneous movement your subject may naturally do on their own as they speak, keeping them from feigning off camera. Make sure you're lighting is good first and foremost, so that it requires little or preferably no re-adjustment.