on 1/28/09 12:39 PM US/Central, Lou Judson wrote:
I think the video element wasted most of the resources, and talking
heads are something I would not watch myself anyway!
I shot almost 100 video interviews of various older musicians, each
interview being nominally two hours long.
The personal quality of these videos far exceeds audio only
interviews.
1. The success of the effort depends largely on the ability of the
interviewer to connect with the subject. Hopefully the interviewer and
subject know each other already, or at least the interviewer has done
his/her homework.
2. Go to subject's home, and do not use lights. White balance with
available
light, whatever it is.
3. Use the best camera and the widest angle lens you can get. You
don't want
a talking head, you actually want to record the subject in his/her
living
area. The subject will be much more comfortable, and it adds interest.
3. Use wireless mics, even though you will be close to the subject.
You
might be taken on a personal tour of the glory wall, on short notice.
4. Turn off mobile phones.
5. Pay the subject an honorarium when you get the release signed.
Some may think this last item is controversial, but when you are
dealing
with professional musicians it's a good idea to approach an
interview as
another gig.
I was fortunate to be able to use a good wide lens (with a 90 deg
included
angle) so we could really take in the living space. The wireless
units were
also top quality.
Even though I shot these interviews just a few years ago, many of
these
musicians are now gone.
--
Parker Dinkins
CD Mastering + Audio Restoration
http://masterdigital.com