In this weeks workshop we were introduced to the Sony MC50s. This particular camera is one we can borrow from RMIT for assignments. This was the first time I had used this camera however I have used Sony F9s once in the past. So we started off with the basics; format the card, fiddle with focus and change the exposure. Next we had to work in groups to conduct an interview about how to survive your first six weeks of university.

One thing we struggles with was to find a quiet place because when doing an interview it is best to be in a quiet room. However, at RMIT it can be very difficult to find a quiet spot. Additionally, given we had three people speaking and only two lapel microphones, we decided to rely on the shot gun microphone for audio. This however did not work out as well as I would have liked. Given that the microphone was attached to the camera, it picked up the noise from adjusting your hand which was holding the camera. Furthermore, not everyone spoke at the same volume which meant it is difficult to hear some peoples answers. In post production I tried to take out some of the background noise and then raise the volume, however this only improved the audio very slightly.

The shots which contain all three people do well in establishing the interview which is taking place. Additionally, it was good to have the close ups to cut to as another shot to try and keep things a little more interesting. Unfortunately due to running out of time we were unable to get cutaway shots and much of the interviewers reactions.

I found that it was best to try and keep each shot balanced with what is seen in the frame. For example, have both interviewees in the shot sitting next to each other provided nice symmetry. However, I think having all three people either sitting on standing could have been better so that everyone is at the same eye level. It looks unnatural to have the interviewee looking diagonally up in a close up and is distracting for audiences. She does this because the interviewer is standing and thus addresses them. Thus, I think it is best to have everyone at the same level which is then equal to the camera.