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Video Production Tips: Working with Kids
Author: Kurt Snider
September 2005
If your video production calls for working with kids, whatever the age, it
pays to make the child the most important person on set. Treat children with
respect, guidance and generosity to get the performance you desire.
When working with young children, it's necessary to provide them with fun games,
age appropriate snacks, meals and drinks as well as a "treat" for
a good performance. Try to work with a Director who has experience with children
as they will be more open to kid lingo and personalities.
Older children often
take acting very seriously and will want to learn as much as possible. Be
prepared to answer questions and explain what will happen during the shoot.
They will be more likely to work with you if you give them a tour of the set
and introduce them to the "grown up" crew and make them
feel special to the production.
Regardless of age, make sure to abide by state laws concerning time restrictions
and on-set schooling. Each state has different laws; for example California
requires a work permit for children working in theatrical employment, whereas
Arizona does not.
Above all, relax and enjoy yourself. Remember that children
will only listen for limited periods of time, after which pushing them just
leads to frustration for everyone. The key is to be ready to get the good
shots quickly and anything after that is a bonus. Kids can enhance your production
value so make it a fun experience for all!
Pre-interview Your Subjects
One of the best ways to improve your on-camera interviews is by conducting mini-interviews with your subjects before the camera rolls. Ideally, this is done in person with the subject a few weeks or days before your production. That way, they'll become comfortable with your interview style and you'll have an idea what they'll look and sound like on tape.
But if time doesn't permit a personal visit, a phone conversation is the next best thing. This is when you can determine whether your subject is long-winded, lacks energy, etc., so that you can find a better interview subject. It's also the time you can help your subject to be succinct and clear (i.e., "Am I understanding you correctly when you say..." or "Do you mean to say...").
Pre-interviews can also help you formulate better questions because you'll know what your subject is going to say. At the very least, take a few minutes before the camera rolls, while the crew is setting up, for a mini pre-interview to find out what your subject will say and to help him or her relax.
Get Close-ups
Television is a close-up medium, but you'd never know it by watching a lot of the video shot today -- wide shots of action, interviews framed at the waist, etc. Don't be afraid to call for meaningful close-ups or your subject or product -- just make sure to allow enough time for the crew to set up on a tripod to shoot these sometimes hard-to-get shots.
Good close-ups of facial expressions at a business seminar, for example, can turn an otherwise run-of-the-mill corporate video into an effective marketing tool. And when it comes to interviews, there's nothing more effective than a well-lit, close-up of a person delivering a testimonial -- it's much more memorable than a wider shot of the person with a banner or sign in the background.