on the fly

For: Groups of Two
Difficulty: Advanced

Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, students will demonstrate the ability to conduct short interviews on the fly, with almost no time to plan, using a hand-held mic and no tripod.

Points to emphasize

  • Must set up fast, with solid lighting and sound

  • Find a way to steady the camera

  • Have your explanation and questions prepared

  • Hand-held microphone etiquette

Equipment: One camera, hand-held microphone, and headphones per group

Assignment

Assign a reporter and photographer to go to a P.E. class, or to the lunchroom, or to the hallways (where there are a number of people) and conduct four short interviews about a selected topic. Allow them to only spend 60 seconds with each person they interview. 

Bonus: Award extra credit to the team that elicits the best sound bite or asks the best follow-up questions. (This gives you a chance to teach the importance of listening and following up.)

Tips for the Reporter:  

  • Know the exact content you are after since you only have a short time with each interview subject. 

  • You still need to get the name and spelling on camera first.

  • Take “no” for an answer and move on if someone does not want to talk to you.  This happens all the time and the best thing to do is to say “thank you” and continue to look for sources.

  • Practice your opening explanation so you have it down pat.  (i.e. “We are looking for reactions to today’s assembly. Could we ask you a couple of questions?”)

  • Be aware of mic management. While it’s fine to hold the mic to your mouth as you ask the question, it is more important to have the mic in front of the interview subject as they answer.

Tips for the Photographer:

  • Have headphones on, and audio checked before your reporter starts asking people for interviews.

  • Steady the camera by leaning against a wall, a column, anything that helps. You can even put the camera on a ledge if it allows you to frame properly. If all else fails, use both hands and steady the shot as best you can.

  • You are still responsible for proper framing and lighting, even on the fly.

  • Do not feel like you have to shoot the reporter asking the question every time. You might do this a couple of times, but the focus should be on the quick reactions the interview subject gives you.

Suggestion for Teachers: 

Assign a “real” topic for the reporter to ask about, such as the new lunch schedule, changes to the building over the summer, the first game or assembly, etc. Kids will give better answers if they are talking about something they have experienced/seen.

 

Relevant Lessons:
Volume 2, Chapter 2: “Run and Gun Interviews”