Setting Up the Environment

1
Setting Up the Environment

• Video and Audio Skills

2
Overview

• Choosing a location
• Lighting
• Sound
• Backdrop
• Review

3
Choosing a location

• Essentials
• A place with power
• Available outlet to power the equipment
• Protected from the elements
• Make sure technology is not put at risk due to
  the weather (rain, snow, etc.)
• Steady
• A place where you will not be interrupted during
  your session

4
Backdrop

• Should not distract from the interviewee.
• Should be steady no movement.
• Makes your interviewee comfortable.
• Should be a plain color or an inviting scene.
• The backdrop color should not be a distraction to
  the viewer, such as very bright or neon colors.
  Muted colors such as gray, beige, or blue make
  good choices.
• Try not to videotape in front of a cinderblock
  background (grid pattern).
• For an audio recording, make sure that background
  noise (i.e. talking, chairs moving, wind blowing,
  etc.) is low enough that it will not be heard on
  playback.

5
Lighting

• Overhead
• Can create shadows beneath the eyes.
• Side
• Will shade one side of the face.
• Sun in the face
• Will cause your interviewee to squint.
• The sun should not be behind the recorder.
• Proper lighting
• Should not be directly on the face
• Diffuse it should not be a direct beam, but
  should fill the shooting location and completely
  light the interviewees face.

6
Sound

• Microphones Are recommended because they amplify
  sound Are crucial tools for effective
  videotaping sessions.
• Universal microphones will capture sound from all
  sources in the area May capture unwanted sound.
• Unidirectional microphones capture sound directly
  in front of them.
• Digital audio recorders have built in
  unidirectional microphones Camcorders usually
  have a universal microphone.
• Microphone should be directed toward the
  interviewee.
• Limit background noise. If a good microphone is
  used, extraneous noises from a neighboring room
  may be heard! Carefully scout out your location.

7
Review

• Location Choose a place with power, protected
  from the elements, and will be safe from
  disruptions.
• Backdrop Makes your interviewee comfortable,
  does not distract from your interviewee, and
  background noise is undetectable.
• Lighting Is diffuse and bright enough that the
  interviewees face is well lit and is not
  squinting.
• Sound Interviewee should be miked and should
  speak clearly.

8
Good luck!

• Any questions?