In-person impossible?
Improving Remote Interviews: COVID-19 and Beyond!
Every year we partner with Public Justice in Washington, D.C. to produce short documentary-style videos telling the stories of their Trial Lawyer of the Year nominees. Each Summer Public Justice holds a gala, at which all of the videos are played, all of the nominees are honored and the winner is announced. Public Justice fights for social justice, our environment, and to protect citizen’s access to the courts. These stories are some of our favorites to tell–tackling issues near and dear to the hearts of all of our team members. Each year we produce 4 or 5 of these stories quickly, and on a tight budget, hopscotching across the continental US to get the story.
The story of Inetianbor v. Western Sky Financial, typical of the stories we’ve produced for Public Justice’s galas pre-COVID-19.
By Spring 2020 it was clear that we wouldn’t be permitted to travel all over the country to shoot these stories. As always, we’d have documents, existing b-roll, and photographs to help enhance the videos. All of the interviews, however, would have to be shot remotely. We’ve always done remote interviews. They were the stop-gap solution for those situations when the money, or the time that was budgeted would not allow for a crew to conduct an in-person interview. With lockdowns, travel restrictions, and physical distancing, we knew we had to step up our remote interview game. We were sick of seeing Zoom or Skype recordings using webcams. Too often these shots were poorly lit and barely audible. Newer iPhones and iPads are capable of shooting excellent footage, just ask Steven Soderbergh. However, not everyone can be Steven Soderberg, even if they have an iPhone 11. In order for us to “direct” shoots from afar, we licensed a platform that allows us to take control of the interviewee’s iOS device. We can help them compose the shot while we control the exposure, focus, and white balance. All recording is done in-phone, and once the “virtual shoot” has ended, the file is uploaded to us. Problems with connectivity do not result in the degradation of image quality.
There was only one piece missing. Ok, there were only two pieces missing. We are video people–to us, quality really matters. We feel that some part of the story is lost if it can’t be easily seen and heard, without distracting quality issues. We decided we would send all interviewees a large ring-light with stand to hold their phone steady. These ring lights don’t just ensure that the subject has enough light, but that the light is soft, even, and flattering. We also enclose a clip-on lapel microphone, something which dramatically improves audio quality. In order to make the experience as hassle-free as possible, we even include packing tape so that the subject can easily re-seal the cardboard box in which everything came. We take care of shipping, in both directions. It’s a totally safe, physically-distanced AND high quality way for us to interview a subject for your video.
CW: disturbing recounting of violence towards minors. Deborah LaBelle, the lead in the Does v. Michigan case was generous with her time and gave us a great interview. Setting up the ring light with her iPhone inside of her law office in Michigan.
Our ring light and mic setup worked very well for Public Justice’s videos, and has many times since. Every one of our remote subjects gets coached beforehand on how to make the occasion a success, and we use the same methods for subjects who are appearing as live guests in a virtual event. In an era of “virtual” everything, maintaining a certain production value can mean the difference between holding your audience’s attention–or not.
Let’s talk! If you have questions about how to improve your remote interview process, or your virtual event, pick a time to chat: We’re always happy to answer questions and hear ideas. Pick a time to chat here!