HandsOnHDV: How to Setup, Light & Shoot Great Looking Interviews

Jim Harvey JHV Digital New York, USA ©Copyright 2006 Jim Harvey and Creativecow.net. All Rights Reserved

The guys over at Vortex Media are busy all the time. With their HandsOnHDV series, Media Filer Professional Tape Database Software and other projects, you'd think that they couldn't squeeze another project in. Well, they must make them stay late over there because they've popped out another well crafted training DVD that will make lots of you happy.

How to Setup, Light & Shoot Great Looking Interviews (using a light kit that costs under $1500.00) is one of the better lighting tutorials that I've come across. Broken down into 17 distinct chapters, the DVD covers virtually everything that you need to know to accomplish just what the title claims. Doug Jensen is the host and his bona fides are beyond reproach. He's been working in the industry for over 25 years and has lit, shot and put together interviews and set pieces for major networks, cable companies, documentaries and corporate clients.

Fig. 1 setting up the room is covered in detail

Jensen's theory is that time is money and why would you waste it by fiddling with a complex light kit when you can get great results with an inexpensive light kit? He goes on to prove his point throughout the rest of the video.

The video starts with a detailed look at the equipment that you need to put together to get things rolling. I liked the fact that Jensen assembles the kit without having to be beholden to any particular manufacturer. That's the nice part of NOT being sponsored by one of the big guys. His mix and match technique winds up giving you the flexibility that you're going to need to get your kit up to spec. If you go right down the line and follow his recommendations, you'll lay out slightly less than $1500.00. This will get you squared away in short order and allow you to concentrate on the rest of the process for getting your lighting techniques perfected according to Doug.

I really liked his commentary throughout the video as he has this subject so dialed in that there is no dancing around or wasted breath. Jensen is succinct and to the point and his suggestions and explanations are right on target. The way he explains the initial setup of your camera is the best I've ever seen. In contrast to some other lighting video's that are out there, you won't be using any shower curtains or Home Depot Work lights. This DVD will give you a professional light kit that won't embarrass you in front of your clients.

fig. 2 Professional lighting demystified

As the video progresses, Jensen takes us step by step as he adds one light at a time explaining the reasons for every addition. Showing us how to set the room BEFORE we add our subject or lights is something that will really get you thinking the next time you have to create an interview or headshot.

The 60 minute video shows you everything you need to know so clearly that if you watch it a couple of times and let it all simmer in your grey matter, you'll be knocking out top quality interviews and head shots much to the envy of your peers.

©Copyright 2006 Jim Harvey | Creative Cow
All Rights Reserved