Want to connect with a volunteer videographer by Friday. Help!
September 7, 2009 12:50 PM Subscribe
A Seattle nonprofit needs a videographer to help record interviews of people experiencing homelessness at an event. Difficulties: the event is on Friday and it needs to be a volunteer. Do you have any ideas of how I can connect with someone? Or some DIY tips?
On 9/11, the nonprofit I'm with is having an a large event for people experiencing homelessness (if you know what Project Homeless Connect is, we're modeled after that). We had the last-minute idea of creating a station for our clients and volunteers to share their stories and experiences because so much of what our volunteers like about this event is really getting to see a different side of homelessness.
Because this is so last-minute, we are scrambling to see if there is a way to make this happen. Ideally, we want to connect with a volunteer videographer that has the time (7am - 2pm), equipment, and experience to be able to help us with this aspect of the project. I've posted on VolunteerMatch but I was wonder if some mefites would have any good ideas of where else to look. I feel like if I had a month lead time, this wouldn't be that difficult because it's a pretty cool and unique project.
If we aren't able to get someone to help, we are planning to go for a DIY option. Normally, I'd have no concerns about setting up a Flip, my G9, or a small camcorder to do this but there are some things that make this option less appealing: sound and lighting. We are going to be in a big, cavernous area with a camera set up in one end of the space. I imagine that without an external mic, clear sound will be near impossible to pick up. Also, this space has some fairly dark'ish areas (especially for cameras/video work). If I am able to get a camcorder and a tripod, how else can I have a successful setup?
Of course, if what I'm asking for is impossible, we'll just have to deal. However, it would be a missed opportunity. What say you, mefites?
On 9/11, the nonprofit I'm with is having an a large event for people experiencing homelessness (if you know what Project Homeless Connect is, we're modeled after that). We had the last-minute idea of creating a station for our clients and volunteers to share their stories and experiences because so much of what our volunteers like about this event is really getting to see a different side of homelessness.
Because this is so last-minute, we are scrambling to see if there is a way to make this happen. Ideally, we want to connect with a volunteer videographer that has the time (7am - 2pm), equipment, and experience to be able to help us with this aspect of the project. I've posted on VolunteerMatch but I was wonder if some mefites would have any good ideas of where else to look. I feel like if I had a month lead time, this wouldn't be that difficult because it's a pretty cool and unique project.
If we aren't able to get someone to help, we are planning to go for a DIY option. Normally, I'd have no concerns about setting up a Flip, my G9, or a small camcorder to do this but there are some things that make this option less appealing: sound and lighting. We are going to be in a big, cavernous area with a camera set up in one end of the space. I imagine that without an external mic, clear sound will be near impossible to pick up. Also, this space has some fairly dark'ish areas (especially for cameras/video work). If I am able to get a camcorder and a tripod, how else can I have a successful setup?
Of course, if what I'm asking for is impossible, we'll just have to deal. However, it would be a missed opportunity. What say you, mefites?
Have you tried Craigslist?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:17 PM on September 7, 2009
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:17 PM on September 7, 2009
In addition to the above suggestions, I'd maybe try asking the Seattle LJ Community
posted by girlstyle at 3:03 PM on September 7, 2009
posted by girlstyle at 3:03 PM on September 7, 2009
Universities or word-of-mouth are going to be your main source of volunteers.
No. 1 tip on making good video - get good sound. Use an external mic and preferably a recording device that allows you to monitor the sound and adjust the levels.
No. 2 - use a tripod. Shakeycam sucks.
No. 3 - Don't underestimate the editing.
You can get little lights that sit on a hot shoe. I recommend either the Paglight C6 or the Litepanels Micro. These can really make a big difference when you need the light. You can probably rent something like this from a local rental house for not much money. For better quality video, however, just having a continuous off-camera light source (even just a lamp of some sort!) lighting that space will look a lot better. If you know someone with a big floor lamp or something similar, I'd recommend that. Plus it'll look less intimidating that a big Light For Filming.
So, in summation - if you can't wrangle a student, then rent a cheap sound kit. If your camera doesn't let you adjust the input volume level, then record onto something that does, such as a laptop or a mobile sound recorder. Make sure that it sounds good by listening through headphones. If you're recording sound off-camera then MAKE SURE you sync up the takes with a clap, and preferably say the number of the take at the beginning of each shot. This will make your life in editing approximately 1000x easier.
Also, borrow a lamp.
Have fun, and feel free to ask any more questions.
posted by Magnakai at 3:15 PM on September 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
No. 1 tip on making good video - get good sound. Use an external mic and preferably a recording device that allows you to monitor the sound and adjust the levels.
No. 2 - use a tripod. Shakeycam sucks.
No. 3 - Don't underestimate the editing.
You can get little lights that sit on a hot shoe. I recommend either the Paglight C6 or the Litepanels Micro. These can really make a big difference when you need the light. You can probably rent something like this from a local rental house for not much money. For better quality video, however, just having a continuous off-camera light source (even just a lamp of some sort!) lighting that space will look a lot better. If you know someone with a big floor lamp or something similar, I'd recommend that. Plus it'll look less intimidating that a big Light For Filming.
So, in summation - if you can't wrangle a student, then rent a cheap sound kit. If your camera doesn't let you adjust the input volume level, then record onto something that does, such as a laptop or a mobile sound recorder. Make sure that it sounds good by listening through headphones. If you're recording sound off-camera then MAKE SURE you sync up the takes with a clap, and preferably say the number of the take at the beginning of each shot. This will make your life in editing approximately 1000x easier.
Also, borrow a lamp.
Have fun, and feel free to ask any more questions.
posted by Magnakai at 3:15 PM on September 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by nzydarkxj at 12:55 PM on September 7, 2009