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Hello World

22 June 14
Incredibly happy and proud and overwhelmed... Our second child, Hanson Powers Mitchell, was born on June 22nd at home in our living room. He's strong. Seriously, he's like a strong little powerhouse. His website is now live, feel the power.

Ten Tips for Shooting a Vox Pop

2 November 08
"Vox Pop" is short for Vox Populi, in the USA we call these kind of short video interviews "Man on the Street".

  • Keep a shot list as you go.
    Include the subject's name (double check spelling) and timecode. Make notes on particularly good interviews or sections of interviews.

  • Have subject sign an appearance release form.
    Alternately, ask them on camera if it’s okay to use the video on your website and other places like YouTube.

  • Tell the subject to look at you.
    Or have them look at the camera. Just don't let them bounce back and forth.

  • Ask them to repeat the questions.
    “What's my favorite flavor of ice cream? Why, it's vanilla.”

  • It’s okay to ask the same question twice.
    Ask the subject to rephrase their response, maybe it needs to be shorter.

  • Help your interviewee self-edit.
    If they say something interesting, and then move on to something else, ask them to rephrase the interesting part.

  • Don’t record a conversation.
    It’s really hard to edit chit-chat. Let them finish their thought completely before you speak again... Don’t interrupt / comment along the way “yup”, “un hun”, “really”. If you need to cut them off, do it with the knowledge that you’re starting a new cut.

  • Get the microphone as close as possible to the subject.
    Position the subject so that nothing behind them emits or reflects reflect sound.

  • Light your subject from more than one source.
    No harsh shadows.

  • Frame your shot.
    Place your subject relatively high in the frame. Use a tripod. Do not use hand held camera. Do not zoom or pan.
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