Documentry: 1st Workshop

Documentry: 1st Workshop

Today we had our first workshop for the documentry unit. This was a practical session where we got to gips with using some of the equipment like the clip mics. 

Having never used theese kind of mics before we had a quick talk on how they work and how they are best used. Although they are used to capture dialouge from one person in a crisp clear manner, they don't pick up background noise well and are usually battery powered. This is why it is best paired with a boom or a shotgun mic at the very least. This way you can create a buzz track easilly, and always have a backup if the clip mic were to fail for whatever reason.

We also picked up valubal information when it comes to filming on the set of your documentry. You should always try to find a backdrop that is relevant to your topic and make sure it is at least mildly interesting enough to create depth of feild. It is advisable to frame your subject slightly to one side of the shot so that the audience has something to look at other than the talent, and similarly the talant has room to move or hold up props (or you can insert graphics) etc. 

When filmng especially in an interview situation it is advisable to leave a few seconds pause before asking/answering a question and between each question. This way you can easilly cut away to other footage without interupting the flow of the interview as well as being able to plcae the answers in any order you wish.

You should also where possible try to stick to the three point lighting system. By having a key light illumionating the person in frame. A second light for coveradge (removing any harsh shadows cast by the first and ensuring a fairly balanced range of tones). As well as a backlight to help your talent stand out from the background. However if you are in a tight space or have limited lighting options then you should at least make sure that the eyes of the person on screen are lit. Since theese are the windows of emotion and we will be drawn in to the dialouge if we can see the emotion in theor eyes.


If possible try to vary the camera angles (shot size) slightly. Since you are boun to have a lot of cut away's it makes it look more profecional whenever you cut back, and not like you are using the same shot over and over. Always record the dialoge of the interveiwee first and if you have time, then record one or two of the actual questions (since usually they are not neccessary for the veiwer to understand whats going on, however the first and last questions especially can help re-establish the scene).