Interviews

Even more important than the video is audio. this doesn't mean you need the most expensive gear, ,but a lot can be accomplished with your phones mic and an awareness of your surroundings. 

A lot could be said here but for the most part, have an idea of the what will be said and the direction. I good foundation would be       (1: Introduction/set up - 2: hardship/trial - 3: resolution). Plan your questions to direct the conversation like this. Let the person you are interviewing have an idea of the questions to be asked or the story you want shared. Lastly, Relax. The more you're relaxed and can make it feel like a real conversation (because it should be, Just with cameras) the more comfortable they will feel.

Be prepared, Scout a location and have a general idea of lighting and camera angles. try not to have too much distractions in the background while they are talking. I'ts a good idea to have both (all) people in the shot if you only have one camera. That will allow the viewer to fell as though they are a part of it. 

This part is fun. be creative. b-roll allows the scene to not feel stale. film some steady but moving shots details, the environment, the location. if you have time, film the person doing something relative to the story. for instance, the story is about a mom who tends a small ranch with her husband and children, while making sure to find time to play and photograph her family making memories. lastly wrap it up. get some shots shaking hands, hugging, laughing, etc. this will help bring it all to an end or if its a two parter leave a cliff hanger. 

Remember, While a high quality production is desired. Real, Raw and honest is preferred. if something goes wrong, a location is unavailable, a light goes out, someone gets sick or something just came up. Be kind and understanding. The heart behind this is to serve people, not to be served. Grace and Mercy are beautiful things. Grace is when something is given that isn't deserved, Mercy is when something isn't given that is deserved. I heard this story once about a teacher who had a kid in his class that was not listening and acting out. While the teacher know the kids Homelife wasn't great, on this particular day The teacher took the kid aside, pointed out his error and gave him a lolly pop. While the kid was shocked the teacher said "Mercy is when you don't get what you deserve." Sometimes people just have it hard, weather for a season or a day. This is where Grace and Mercy thrive.