Interview with RJ (international student)

Interviewing

To compose the interview we worked collaboratively in groups of three, this allowed us to allocate jobs including, lighting, camera operator and interviewer. We decided to interview an international student from America, RJ. We put together open questions with the idea that the interview would be prolonged enabling the interviewee to expand on his answers. The questions we chose were about why he decided to come to the UK and how it compares to education in America etc. Giving us and the viewing audience an insight into what it’s like being an international student, also helping us understand more about the American culture.

We used a three-point lighting set up for the interview. “A basic but widely used lighting method where you employ a key light for main exposure on one side of talent, a fill light to contrast control on the opposite side, and a back light for subject/background separation.” (Thompson, 2009: 195). Three lights were used to light the subject from three different directions. The key light was used to irradiate the interviewee and we positioned this at an angle, giving an authoritative and strong light source.

The second light used is the backlight, this is used to make a distinct separation between the interviewee and the background. By doing this is makes the subject clear and gives a sense of depth to the overall image. In addition to this, we used the third light which was the fill light. This helped us to achieve a good ratio between the lights and the shadows caused by the key light, making an overall appealing contrast between the two. This meant that the end film had neither harsh shadowing nor bright lights, it displays a good balance.

In order to achieve a softer finished look we used diffusers on the lights, this prevented the end film having a harsh look. We also adjusted the brightness of the three lights until we were content with the skin tone of the subject, harsh lights can cause un-natural looking skin tone and unflattering shadows. However, we experimented with the lights until this was not a problem.

Health and safety actions were taken into account before the filming of the interview. “A risk assessment is a methodical way of identifying any hazards inherent in a work activity and identifying how these should be managed or controlled to prevent harm.” (Cook, 2011: 146). We noted any hazards that may be caused onto a Risk Assessment before filming the interview e.g. tripping hazards from cables, burning from light equipment. We further measured the likelihood of this happening, who would be harmed and the harm that could be caused. This was submitted and accepted, if a potential hazard did happen the Risk Assessment would be examined but if it is found to be inadequate, prosecution could occur due to the law that stands. “Videographers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves, those working alongside them, and anyone who might be at risk as a result of their work.” (Cook, 2011: 144).

References:

Cook, K., Waterlow, C., Janvier, P., Kay, M. and Baker, M. (2011) Video Skills the Core Competencies of Videography, 3^rd edition, Essex: Institute of Videography.

Thompson, R. and Bowen, C. (2009) Grammar of the edit, 2^nd edition, Oxford: Elsevier.