Interview Segment Project

Okay, so it's time to put together your own broadcast segment. This is by far one of the most challenging projects you have been asked to complete to this point. Pre-production, camera work, audio quality and editing all come together in the creation of this piece. One thing you'll notice about all the segments that go to broadcast is that they all relate to Capuchino's community. You can choose to high light a person, activity, sport, club, teacher, classroom project, social issue, or school event, but it must in some way relate to our community here at Cap. The only catch is that you and you alone are responsible for making the all the necessary contacts, meetings and interviews. This means doing all it takes to get what you need to pull your piece together. Here's a list of the steps and requirements for the project:

PRE-PRODUCTION
Most Important Using a "segment pre-production sheet," fill in the necessary ideas and details you would love to have included in your segment. Try to imagine what your audience would like to know about the subject you are focusing on. The more time and detail in your pre-production the better!!! All segments must be approved!!

Try to choose a subject that you think you can realistically accomplish.
1. Do the leg work… contact the people you need for your piece and see when and where you can get them in front of the camera.
2. Visualize, visualize, visualize…If you can’t imagine how the piece is going to be, then how do you ever expect to create it!!!
3. Shot Selection and Location… what are your dream shots that will absolutely dazzle your audience? Remember B-roll can make or break a segment… talking heads put us to sleep!!

Your segment must include the following:
a. 1 to 1.5 minutes in length
b. an intro and closing voice over
c. 2-3 interviews
d. B-roll footage or still frames related to the audio content
e. An opening title

PRODUCTION-
1. Make sure you have all necessary ingredients for a successful shoot/interview..
a. tripod
b. camera with a charged battery
c. blank mini dv tape
d . wireless microphones with 2 9-volt batteries
2. Select a backdrop or background that is appropriate for the subject you are focusing on.
a. Watch out for the light from those windows!!!
b. Be wary of competing sounds and noise
c. Make sure to compose you interviewee with decent headroom in a close-up or bust shot.
d. Get variety in your b-roll shots…close-ups, lateral motion, zooms, etc…
e. Have focused questions and directions ready to go the minute your subject is ready for the interview…
f. REMEMBER You’ve to take charge and get your subjects to do exactly what you need! If you drop the ball here, you’ll be forced to shoot again till you get it right!!

POST-PRODUCTION
1. Open the applications folder and click on the Final Cut Pro
2. Create a new project and folder in FCP The folder should be in the "User" folder and should have your full name on it. The project name should be your first name and last initial followed by "interview".
3. Capturing (SOT’s) or soundbites … Connect your camera to the computer using "firewire" and capture "only" the clips you plan to use on your project!!! This is important because loading the machines up with lots of footage slows them down and tends to make them crash a lot.
4. Create your script that includes your voice overs and SOT’s written out. See hand-out on preparing a script.
5. Polished projects can be expected to it to broadcast here at Cap and out to the San Bruno
.

printable copy here