oral history videos - improving the look of your veterans oral history video
DESCRIPTION
Explains step by step how to produce oral history videos with a Canon FS400 and a Zoom H2 recorder. While some instructions relate to this specific equipment, there is general information about three point and ambient lighting, camera and sound setup, proper clothing for video recording, and planning an interview. Creative Commons-licensed images are by CarbonNYC, Phillipe Streicher, Derrick Takase. Please maintain Creative Commons attribution, add my name, and feel free to share this presentation with other groups focusing on oral history interviewing.TRANSCRIPT
YOUR VETERANS ORAL HISTORY VIDEO:
IMPROVING THE LOOK
Your checkout camera
Canon FS400 Flash memory card Light Easy to use, nice overall quality
Power button
Canon FS400 Side button tells you if it’s off, on, or charging
battery
Main buttons you’ll use
“Joystick” is marked “SET” “FUNC” = Functions “START/STOP” = Play or pause Camera/playback switch button
Operating the camera
Advanced Functions To change, hit "Function" and use the "joystick" to move
up and down the menu list, then use SET to select your chosen function.
Advanced Functions
“P” = “Program AE” Automatically
arranges best exposure for you!
You can use “Portrait”. Other options: Sports,
Night, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Low light, Spotlight, Fireworks.
Advanced Functions
Portrait mode arranges “depth of field” to best focus on subject, not what’s behind.
White balance
Setting White Balance
First, take a look around at your light sources. Are you in sunlight? Under fluorescent
lights? Using this info, select
the White Balance symbol under “Functions” to make your choice.
White Balance choices
AWB: “Automatic White Balance” Daylight Tungsten (incandescent) Manual white balance
Setting Manual White Balance
Use a “white reference” (like a piece of paper) in your shot.
Make sure the lighting for your reference is the same as your subject.
Click “SET” You’ll see the manual
symbol flicker as it adjusts to your lighting.
Recording with the camera
Tripod Screw camera into plate where available Plate clicks into tripod Try to match level
at least have the bubble intersect with the line of the circle, if you can't fit it in the center perfectly.
Eyeball it. Levels are a guide, but use your best judgment!
No tripod or your tripod is broken? Books, Tables, Furniture with flat background.
Additional Features Keep it set to SP, or
standard play.
“W-T” stands for Wide Angle & Telephoto. Think “Wide” to “Tight”. The “Photo” button allows you to take still photos.
Reloading the card
Looking good
Make them comfortable - but also at their best visually If possible, advise them about clothing Avoid caps (which cover eyes) if possible Give them a chance to comb their hair, check their makeup
The background should add, not subtract – or distract A simple background versus a busy one A muted or moderate color, rather than black, white, or neon
colors We typically use blue for San Jac videos
Look at your composition for distractions A TV set running in the background A bright and multi-colored poster that distracts Glare from subject’s glasses (change light or remove if you
can)
What Not to Wear?
Avoid Horizontal stripes Tight, small “plaids” “Busy” patterns that may
strobe, or cause a moire (‘mo-ray’) effect (see left)
Neon colors All black, all white Anything distracting Shiny clothing, jewelry,
makeup Hats (they shade the
face)
Best Bets for Interview
“Moderate tones” – Neutrals, pastels, medium colors Blues are great for most people (light to navy) Street makeup is fine
Lighting your subject:which one is best?
Lighting your subject
Harsh overhead light Dramatic Eyes are in shadow
Similar to hat being worn in interview
Bone structure emphasized
Not appropriate here.
Lighting your subject
Dramatic – aimed from one side. Light collects in
areas (cheeks, forehead)
Viewers’ focus is on the contrast between lit and shadowed areas
Focus is not on the interviewee.
Not appropriate.
Lighting your subject
This lighting is diffused, flattering, and best for any subject.
Subtle shadow and diffused light shows three dimensions of her face.
Lighting without a light kit
Ideal, “standard” setup for interviews is called the three point light.
Lighting without a light kit
You can “wing” three point lighting as best you can by simply seeking to create diffused lighting.
Diffused lighting = soft, mixed lighting from multiple light sources
Move your subject if needed, to get more diffuse lighting. Or turn on more existing lights.
You can also open drapes/shades on windows, but bear in mind that if your interview continues, the light may move or change – and you’ll be so engrossed in listening you might not notice!
You don’t have to be perfect! Use your eyes and judgment.
If all else fails, avoid having a single, bright light directly overhead or to the side.
Sound recording
You’re going to record the sound like a pro – on a separate track.
“Handy Recorder” or H2.
Can be used with or without external microphones.
H2 Basics
H2 loads a card underneath: be careful of “door” which can chip easily.
It has standard controls on both sides: Right: USB, Line In,
Mic Gain, Exterior Mic In
Left: Phones/Line Out, Volume (playback), Power, AC Jack
Setting up the Zoom
Record and playback controls are very intuitive
If you don’t have ext. microphones, than you can switch the setting of the built-in microphones.
Using ext. microphones
We use lavalier, clip on microphones
Try to keep them from tangling!
For ease of use, we use a “splitter” – two microphone cables plugged into one signal.
This signal is plugged into “Ext. Mic” on H2
Using ext. microphones
Using clip on feature
Avoid “rustling” by pointing microphone away from fabric
Remember to turn on!
• Clip can be removed, and switched to fit opposite side
Preparing the day before
Do I have all the equipment I need? Headphones SD card(s) Camera Sound recorder Extra batteries Biographical material & paperwork? Comb, mirror if needed
Are my batteries charged? Do I have space on my SD cards?
Preparing the day before
Have I contacted interviewee about location, clothing, paperwork, questions, etc? Have I gotten confirmation?
Does the interviewee have a solid way of getting in touch with me?
Have I practiced and considered any special questions or needs?
Preparing the day before
Do I have a map or directions to my location?
Do I have the interviewee’s phone number?
Do I have a copy of notes I might need, including telephone numbers, prior to the interview?
Preparing onsite
Readying the equipment Set up white balance Set up camera
Frame the interviewee properly Check light, background
Headphones/sound check Readying the interview
Paperwork Have them fill some out while you set up
Remember
You don’t have to be perfect! These are guidelines to help you do the best
you can. You aren’t trying to win an Oscar for
cinematography. You are just trying to improve the look and
sound of the video. Your goal is to help viewers see the real story:
the veteran and her experiences. You learn by doing.
Thank you
What you’re doing has value Each interview you do, you’ll learn more, notice
more, and improve more. These interviews benefit the local, national and
historic communities – and the veteran, family, and friends.
Veteran oral histories help bring meaning and context to experiences that are hard to understand.
Being present in the interview, and focusing your attention on the veteran’s story is also a gift.
Thank you!