Let's get started.
First things first, let's open up this AV kit and see what's inside. The hard case opens like this:
1. With your case laying on a stable flat surface, press down on the grey tabs on both sides of the case.
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2. Lift the bottom latch up.
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3. Flip the top latch down.
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Here's what's inside:
A. Blue Snowball USB microphone
B. USB cable for Snowball microphone C. Stand for Snowball microphone D. Logitech 1080p HD webcam E. Rode Lavalier microphone with clip F. Aux to lightning adaptor for iPhones G. USB hub |
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You'll also find a padded envelope with an ethernet cable, USB to ethernet adapter, and USB-A to USB-C adapter, as well as a pack of disinfecting wipes and blotting papers.
Here's what you'll need to complete the set up:
1. A well lit, quiet place to film with an attractive, uncluttered background. Place a window in front of you or slightly off the side for the best light, and avoid being backlit.
2. One or more sources of light other than daylight, like a ring light, LED light, or household lamps. You can drape white fabric over lamps to diffuse (aka soften) the light. NOTE: DO NOT cover halogen bulbs with fabric, this is a fire hazard.
3. All necessary apps downloaded to your computer/phone. We'll cover these in the audio and video sections.
4. Available household materials to help you raise your computer/webcam to eye level.
5. The ability to connect directly to your router via ethernet cable, or a very strong wifi connection.
6. Proximity to an electrical outlet or an extension cord so you can plug your computer and phone in during your interview.
2. One or more sources of light other than daylight, like a ring light, LED light, or household lamps. You can drape white fabric over lamps to diffuse (aka soften) the light. NOTE: DO NOT cover halogen bulbs with fabric, this is a fire hazard.
3. All necessary apps downloaded to your computer/phone. We'll cover these in the audio and video sections.
4. Available household materials to help you raise your computer/webcam to eye level.
5. The ability to connect directly to your router via ethernet cable, or a very strong wifi connection.
6. Proximity to an electrical outlet or an extension cord so you can plug your computer and phone in during your interview.
Here's an at-a-glance overview of how video and audio will be captured during your interview:
Tips for being interviewed:
1. Be prepared
We'll have time to prep the tech and discuss interview topics/questions before your interview, so on the day of you can be as comfortable and conversational as possible. You are welcome (and encouraged!) to write down notes so we're sure to cover everything you'd like to say on camera. Before your interview day, stage your interview area, think about what you want to wear, and gather your equipment. Feel free to send me screenshots or photographs, and ask as many questions as you like in the lead up to interview day, I'm here for you!
2. Get ready for your close up
If you wear make up, this is a good time to use a bit of under eye concealer and eyeliner or mascara (don't worry if you don't wear make-up, fresh faced is just fine, too!). I've included some blotting papers with your kit to help dab shine during your interview.
Wardrobe tips: Avoid stripes, polka dots, or other busy geometric patterns (they show up poorly on camera). Avoid jewelry that makes noise when you move. And no visible logos or intellectual property on clothes, please.
3. Remember, we're recording, not broadcasting
This isn't a live interview, and saying something on camera does not mean it will end up in the final work. There will be time during post-production to edit any statements that are inaccurate or that you'd like to re-record as voice over or have removed. Try to be as conversational and open during your interview as process, and save the editing for post. You're welcome to take breaks, stop and start over, and repeat yourself as many times as necessary.
4. My voice won't be in this project, so answer questions completely
We'll experiment with staging some Zoom-style "hand offs" between interview subjects, but my voice (including the questions I ask) will not be part of the finished work. Remember to tuck the question into your answer and avoid giving "yes" or "no" answers. My questions will be set up to help make this as natural as possible.
5. Don't rock the boat or clutch the pearls
You'll be filming yourself using your computer (which will possibly be raised on boxes or a stack of books), with a table top microphone AND a lavalier clipped to your clothes. Be mindful of tapping your foot, spinning in your chair, drumming your fingers on the table, or slapping your chest ("clutching the pearls") or otherwise brushing up against/hitting the microphones during your interview. All of these things will interfere with the quality of your audio and sound.
6. Bring your passion for this project and let's have fun!
My job on interview day is to have checklists, technical support, and the interview questions well in hand, and to create the space for you to talk about about the gorgeous and groundbreaking work of The Snowy Day opera. Thank you for being part of this filming process, and for inviting me to document your unique perspective and talents, as well as your enthusiasm for this work and the incredible team of artists you've been creating with! Our passion for this project will absolutely telegraph on screen, let's show audiences why this story is so special. 🖤
We'll have time to prep the tech and discuss interview topics/questions before your interview, so on the day of you can be as comfortable and conversational as possible. You are welcome (and encouraged!) to write down notes so we're sure to cover everything you'd like to say on camera. Before your interview day, stage your interview area, think about what you want to wear, and gather your equipment. Feel free to send me screenshots or photographs, and ask as many questions as you like in the lead up to interview day, I'm here for you!
2. Get ready for your close up
If you wear make up, this is a good time to use a bit of under eye concealer and eyeliner or mascara (don't worry if you don't wear make-up, fresh faced is just fine, too!). I've included some blotting papers with your kit to help dab shine during your interview.
Wardrobe tips: Avoid stripes, polka dots, or other busy geometric patterns (they show up poorly on camera). Avoid jewelry that makes noise when you move. And no visible logos or intellectual property on clothes, please.
3. Remember, we're recording, not broadcasting
This isn't a live interview, and saying something on camera does not mean it will end up in the final work. There will be time during post-production to edit any statements that are inaccurate or that you'd like to re-record as voice over or have removed. Try to be as conversational and open during your interview as process, and save the editing for post. You're welcome to take breaks, stop and start over, and repeat yourself as many times as necessary.
4. My voice won't be in this project, so answer questions completely
We'll experiment with staging some Zoom-style "hand offs" between interview subjects, but my voice (including the questions I ask) will not be part of the finished work. Remember to tuck the question into your answer and avoid giving "yes" or "no" answers. My questions will be set up to help make this as natural as possible.
5. Don't rock the boat or clutch the pearls
You'll be filming yourself using your computer (which will possibly be raised on boxes or a stack of books), with a table top microphone AND a lavalier clipped to your clothes. Be mindful of tapping your foot, spinning in your chair, drumming your fingers on the table, or slapping your chest ("clutching the pearls") or otherwise brushing up against/hitting the microphones during your interview. All of these things will interfere with the quality of your audio and sound.
6. Bring your passion for this project and let's have fun!
My job on interview day is to have checklists, technical support, and the interview questions well in hand, and to create the space for you to talk about about the gorgeous and groundbreaking work of The Snowy Day opera. Thank you for being part of this filming process, and for inviting me to document your unique perspective and talents, as well as your enthusiasm for this work and the incredible team of artists you've been creating with! Our passion for this project will absolutely telegraph on screen, let's show audiences why this story is so special. 🖤