That template feeling

JeganRX

JeganRX

Well-known member
I've been loathing the feeling of editing interviews to such a template lately... I'm sure many of you know the feeling.

It's two cams, switch around when possible and/or necessary to keep it interesting, throw in some b-roll, put a bug of our website, dump a stock music track in, add an intro/ending logo (of our site), and color correct if necessary.

This is also hardly exciting in a visual sense since I'm limited to a *one person job*. I interview the person, so the cameras must remain on tripods. I could get movements afterward, but they're still limited to pan/tilt since we lack any real sliders or dollies. They're XL-2s, so while they're great SD cameras, the ceiling is right there, and it's not really practical to go with dramatic and unusual angles for interviews.

It's quick and easy work though, and it's also consistent (staff job), so I can't complain, but I'm not the only one bugged by template work, right?
 
Before the interview... get your talent in position... then ask him or her about any hobbies, sports, children, etc.

This will loosen them up for the interview (unless it's an emotional topic and this is inappropriate) and during this time just tell them that you're doing some settings on the cam... but be recording and doing some exploratory shots... like burst zooms into expressive hands... settling in on a smile... wandering camera moves showing some of the surroundings, etc.

You don't have to hide the fact that you're recording... but if the talent thinks this is all just prep then you'll get some fun stuff to pump up your edit a little more by using appropriate hand gestures to punctuate interview points, etc.

I'm not saying this will fix your burnout with these jobs... but it might help.
 
You know it's funny, I usually do get into conversations with several of the clients. There's always the ultra-reserved type that doesn't seem to *want* to talk, but in general, I've never bothered to keep the camera on for this time. Would definitely help indeed, I'll keep it in mind!
 
Searching shots... don't waste time on the face unless it's ECU in the eyes or something... never forget that this time is shooting "talent b-roll" that you'll intercut with the real topic... so shots of the guys mouth talking about his kids are wasted... you're better focusing on his hands... or as he/she finishes a sentence that's going to make him smile... be sure to land on that smiling face just after he/she finishes speaking.

In the edit that's a move you can put in after a confident, up-beat statement.
 
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