June 16 is the departure date for this summer documentary trips to Israel and Poland. I am preparing for an adventure and a lot of long days. I am fortunate to have a journalism student with me for the Poland trip, but not for Israel. The student gains so much from helping me, not only physically, but with situations that require them to think, prepare and to solve problems. Nothing like the unknown to explore new ways to be creative.
Piazza del Popolo
On a trip to Rome, I was to interview LIz Lev, a world renowned art historian. We were to meet at Piazza del Popolo, so I was waiting for Liz to arrive, preparing the microphone, check the white balance and all that on the camera. I hate to keep an interview waiting while I do all the technical stuff. When we began the interview I forgot that some people have a lot of arm and hand movement when they speak, especially when they are passionate about the subject. So halfway thru the interview her hand caught the microphone cord and ripped it from the connector. I had an on-camera microphone connected as a backup, but I don’t like the “distant” sound it records. We stopped the interview, found some gaffer tape (similar to duct tape but not as gooey) and repaired the connection, finished the interview and was pleased that this was not a disaster.
Liz Lev
There are alternatives that could have been used, record using the on-camera mic, take the on-camera mic off and have the guest hold it (if there is a long enough cord) or re-schedule the interview. For this current trip I have 4 microphones. 2 wireless lavalieres, the on-camera microphone and a wired lavaliere. I also carry a hand microphone that can be wired or use a wireless transmitter, but I only carry that when i know I will be doing quick interviews and will not have time to position the lavaliere under clothing etc.
Speaking of wireless, checking with the countries you are visiting to be sure the frequencies you are using will not interfere with police or government broadcast is important. There are websites that offer assistance in choosing frequencies and advice on which ones to avoid.
Mary Jacquel
The student that accompanied me on this 13 day documentary trip was Mary Jacquel. Her experience as a reporter, photographer and lover of true Italian food was invaluable to me. Not only was she willing to take a less traveled road or street, but also was constantly thinking about locations, people to interview and ways to tell the story. She only got us lost a few times. Coming back from Piazza del Popolo we were seperated. She gave me instructions on how to get back to our home base in the outskirts of Rome. I remembered all the instructions how to take the metro and get off at a specific location and wait for her. Well I was very good at getting off at the right stop and taking time to sit and people watch. You should have seen the expression on her face when she arrived and saw me there. Such joy! I was happy I remembered her directions.
There are so many stories to tell about those 13 days in Rome, but this blog is focused on 2012 trip, so I better stick to the topic. I just wanted to relate the fact that though you can be over prepared, sometime it just takes a little gaffer tape to make the world a better place.
OK, just one more picture from Rome.
The Spanish Steps