16mm Filming Simulation: Interviewing a subject
Channel: ADAPT Television History
Date: 2015-07-23

This video was produced as part of the European Research Council funded ADAPT project based at Royal Holloway, University of London. For more information about the project visit http://www.adaptTVhistory.org.uk

This is a rush preview of material filmed as part of the ADAPT project's 16mm filming simulation. This material was shot at Royal Holloway, University of London on 13 May 2015.

In this sequence, the 16mm film crew complete their preparations and interview their subject. This sequence shows the director, Ray Sutcliffe, introducing the subject (Prof. John Ellis) and explaining where to look and how he will ask questions. After the interview is completed, sound recordist Bill Chesneau confirms that the tape recorder has worked correctly, while assistant camera operator John Adderley "checks the gate". The team then discuss whether to obtain reverse angle shots, including "noddies" and "fly-catchers".

This video emphasises the challenge of filming a team at work. Several separate conversations take place at once. Both audio and video in this clip are continuous and real-time. Audio has been mixed to spotlight the most interesting conversation at any given time. Nevertheless, to the casual observer, the conversations are confusing and disjointed. Further videos will give greater details of some of the processes referred to by the veteran film crew here.

For more information about the ADAPT television history project, visit www.adaptTVhistory.org.uk or follow the project on Twitter at www.twitter.com/adaptTV