As this was my first time ever making a mockumentary and I had only done a couple interviews in the past I decided to look at good camera angles for an interview. From the research I conducted I learned that neither of my subjects will look into the cameras as only newscasters or telemarketers do this. Instead the interviewer (me) will sit in a position so the subject will appear to be looking just off camera and at me. This is done to make the audience feel more comfortable with what is being said by the subject than they would if the subject were staring straight at the camera.
Also, position the camera to making the subjects look like they are looking up or down at someone. You also need to compliment your subject’s eye line by paying by observing the Rule of Thirds. Consider your camera shot as cut into thirds and place your subject so they are looking into place. This removes any dead space.
When I’m framing my shots I need to consider the subject’s surroundings. Try not place them directly in front of a ‘boring’ background. I need to strongly consider what is going on behind us. I thought because I am talking about college I thought having the background of a classroom would be nice and fitting.
To follow the composition rule correctly I need to frame my subject with a wide to medium shot, giving them just a little bit of ‘head room’ and ending the lower part of the shot around their mid-section. This is to allow the audience to see the subject’s facial expressions and body language, but not too far so the audience don’t consider them the focal point of the shot.
Something to think about is having me and the interviewee in one shot for the whole interview but I think my idea to have separate shots is better.
FMP Film Khary Palmer 