{"id":94601,"date":"2017-09-13T06:00:54","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T11:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=94601"},"modified":"2017-09-12T13:44:48","modified_gmt":"2017-09-12T18:44:48","slug":"how-to-approach-people-interviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/how-to-approach-people-interviews\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Approach People for Interviews or B-Roll Shots"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/b>Asking permission to film people in public places isn\u2019t always easy. Keep these tips in mind to make the process painless.<\/h2>\n

Cover image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve all been there. You go to\u00a0corporate events, community fundraisers, weddings<\/strong>, and the like where videographers are necessary\u00a0but not always welcome<\/strong>\u00a0by everyone in attendance. As a video professional, it\u2019s important to understand the boundaries of personal space <\/strong>and privacy, but at the same time it\u2019s important to get the shot<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore some helpful tips<\/strong> to help you respectfully, professionally, and pragmatically approach people for interviews or B-roll shots<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Be Confident<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"How
\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Because you can just be more confident<\/strong>, right? It\u2019s not always easy, but if you follow the tips below, confidence will come with understanding and time <\/strong>as you get out there and try it a few times. Besides the practical tips below, approaching strangers for permission to film them can be a fun experience if you frame it that way<\/strong>. Big smiles, professional demeanor, and respectable distance are all key.<\/p>\n

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Have a Plan<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"How
\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Before heading in, ask yourself what you need for your edit<\/strong>. If you need three interviews and at least ten good cutaways<\/strong>, keep that in mind. Once you know what you need, make a plan and stick to it<\/strong>. This will allow you to focus on specific people and types of shots \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0and help you stay on track and avoid\u00a0unnecessary footage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Stay Back (Use Zooms)<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"How
\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

A good zoom lens<\/strong> can be your best friend for shooting unobtrusive, candid B-roll<\/strong>. Canon\u2019s 70-200mm<\/a> is an industry standard for videographers and photographers alike<\/strong> for that very reason \u2014 especially if your lens is coupled with a crop sensor camera<\/strong>\u00a0so you can get extreme closeups from far away<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Record Audio Simply and Discreetly<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"How
\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Audio is always very\u00a0important, but it doesn\u2019t have to be obnoxious for event attendees<\/strong>. If you\u2019re shooting an interview, you\u2019re certainly allowed and expected to mic them up<\/strong> with either a boom setup or wireless lav<\/strong>. However, if you\u2019re just getting room tone and ambiance<\/strong>, you can keep it discreet and simple<\/strong> by placing an audio recorder (like an H4<\/a> or H1<\/a>) on a nearby table or using attachable mics<\/strong> (like the Rode<\/a>) with your camera.<\/p>\n

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Be Prepared To Film Right Away<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"How
\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to politely approach people to film them at an event<\/strong>, it\u2019s important to be ready to go immediately upon their consent<\/strong>. Nothing can be more awkward than asking to film a casual group conversation, then proceeding to get equipment out of a bag and set up a camera on a rig<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

By the time you ask permission, you should have your camera and settings ready<\/strong>, and you should know \u00a0the type and duration of the shot you\u2019re going to get.<\/p>\n

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Offer to Circle Back Later<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"How
\n<\/a>Image via Shutterstock<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to be flexible when asking permission. G<\/strong>ive attendees a chance to say “No, not now.”<\/strong>\u00a0That\u2019s perfectly all right, and it does not reflect on you. People can have private moments that they don\u2019t want captured. Don\u2019t dig yourself in,\u00a0and be prepared to smile, move on, and circle back later<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Have Release\u00a0Forms Ready<\/h3>\n

Also, don’t forget to have talent release consent forms<\/strong> printed and ready to go. It’s helpful to have not only a full stack but also a good binder where you can access and store them quickly and safely<\/strong>. Depending on your event, you may get away with having a sign posted acknowledging video release consent<\/strong>, or you can always keep a stack out if there is a front desk<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 but it’s better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n

Here are some resources on release forms<\/strong> (including some free templates<\/strong>).<\/p>\n