Production Tips – #1 Nervous Talent

Feb 24 2012

Sometimes in this industry we run across that tricky shot we want to get, the difficult client that doesn’t understand production or maybe more commonly, that on camera talent that doesn’t want to be on camera. Well, that’s what this blog category is all about. Tips will come at random times, some will be long, some will be quick, but hopefully they all help someone out along the way.

Fir our first tip we are going to give you a few pointers on working with on camera talent. Recently, we had a shoot that we had to work hard with someone that really did not want to be on camera. I don’t blame them one bit. That is why I choose to stay behind the lens. However, the shoot got me to thinking, “This type of situation probably happens more often than I think”, which ended up as the inspiration for this category.

Below are a 5 tips that I have found to be helpful when working with someone who is not comfortable with being on camera. Some work for all, but all of them do not work for some. Feel the talent out and decided which technique is best for the situation.

1. Meet Before the Shoot – Set up a meeting with the talent before the shoot to introduce yourself, go over content and ask if they have any questions. Having a brief conversation before sticking them in front of the lens can have a huge impact on their comfort level during the shoot.
2. Look Off Camera - One of the hardest things about an interview for the talent is walking to a piece of glass. Get the camera rolling, sit down in a chair next to the camera and have a conversation with them. When you get rolling in the interview, they will forget there is even a camera in the room.
3. Have Everything Set Up - before they arrive. Get your lights in place, seating arrangement figured out and camera setting adjusted. This will leave more time for you to talk to the talent about what they will be saying and will also allow you to give them your full attention.
4. Don’t Let Them See the Monitor - When a nervous people see themselves on TV or in a photo, they tend to get self conscious. Keep them more relaxed by not letting them see their image. Further support them by telling them they look good on camera.
5. Eliminate Extra Distractions - Keep unnecessary people off set,  the fewer people at the shoot the better. The more people you have wandering around and watching, the more nervous your talent will get.

Remember. In the end, your job is to capture a story that your talent is comfortable talking about. Help them be at ease by staying personable and attentive to their needs. Without them, you have no story, and no video to finish the piece.