Capture the passion! - Handheld technique for solo documentary filmmakers

[Mike Pulcinella]

This trick is not for everyone and it's certainly not a standard professional technique, but it has served me well since I began making documentaries as a completely untrained solo amateur filmmaker in 2004.

http://www.vimeo.com/3733071

What this technique is NOT:

This is not a way to “catch” your subject off-guard and make them say something incriminating. Do not say, “This is off the record but how do you REALLY feel...”

You are NOT trying to fool your subject. DO NOT attempt to get them to say anything they would not have agreed to say in a formal interview. If they do say something that would be embarrassing to them or anyone else DO NOT USE IT.

At the very end be sure to inform the subject that the camera was rolling the whole time and that they did a great job. They will usually be very pleased with themselves, as long as you didn’t lead them to make any incriminating or derogatory statements.

I have used this technique many times and I have never had anyone feel like I had taken advantage of them when they saw the final video.

Go to www.fitnessvideou.com for more hints, tips and tutorials.