How to record public 1-on-1 interview

[iKwak]

Two buddies and I will go out on a public, like the nearby shopping mall and will do random interviews. It will be an evangelism reachout, where we seek a person and ask them about their religion and teach them about christianity and all that good stuff.

I will take a lightweight tripod and my camcorder and 1 or 2 of the buddies will do the interview.

1) I've seen other videos online from christian website (forgot where) of their video recording of the interview. Do you normally ask the interviewee if you can record the interview first?

2) We have done the evangelism several times but this will be the first time with a camcorder. The video is to show our congregation and promote evangelism. How would you approach a person without intimidating them? We sure don't want people thinking we are soliciting them.

Thanks for your time.

[iKwak]

Oh and if you happen to know or find a similar video online (public interview), please let me know. Thank you.

[LordRPI]

I would think the camcorder would be tipping them off that you're recording it. You might want to tell them the purpose though.

[thekid]

yes, you should ask them before recording them and just be honest and tell them what you are recording them for.

If you explain it well they will either be very happy to help you do your interview or say no thank you and move on

thekid...

[jggimi]

You should obtain signed release form showing their consent, and keep a copy for the website's records. In most countries (EU, North America), this is a standard practice.

Use Google to search for a form that looks applicable, then modify it to your needs, and print.

Good luck!

[iKwak]

Thanks for all the responses.
Yeah, I should inform my buddy so that he can ask the interviewee for their permission.


You should obtain signed release form showing their consent, and keep a copy for the website's records. In most countries (EU, North America), this is a standard practice.
I don't think we want to go through this route since we will post the video on the church forum (college) and allow only the church members to download and view.
And having the interviewee sign a paper (more like a short contract) would really scare everyone away. :scared:

[jggimi]

I am not an attorney, so the following does not constitute legal advice:It is my belief that restricting access as you intend to do does not alleviate you from liability or protection from harm in any way. Depending on your country, you could face legal troubles that include violation of privacy, civil rights, slander, or defamation. Even a private publication for church members, as you intend.

In particular, your expectation that your interviewees would refuse is a indicative that you must request it to protect yourself, your interview team, your church, and its members.Please seek the advice of your church's legal counsel before making the decision to record people without obtaining written releases.

[Mug Funky]

in practice, typically release forms are only needed if you for some reason have a lot of enemies and it is necessary to do everything by the book and not step on any toes.

most people are kind enough to just let you record what they have to say. of course, some people can be vindictive, but as far as i'm aware, most vox-pops are quite spontaneous.

one thing you could do so as not to spoil the mood is to do the interview first, then sort out the paperwork. have a lot of business cards on you, too - hand them out to people so they know what's happening.

basically, if you're at the point where someone's talking freely and knows the camera is on, there's definitely an implied consent going on - after all, in a public place they can easily say "don't point that thing at me", etc etc. also, in a public place there are likely to be very many security cameras around that are videoing people 24/7 (i've met some campus security guards who have beer-nights and watch some of the saucier surveillance tapes - you'll be surprised what ends up on CCTV).

of course, i'm not a lawyer :) (i could offer you some opinions on religion, but i'm sure there's no need for that here :))

[edit]

oh, if at all possible, have a microphone with you - one people can hold. believe me, even if it's just a prop and doesn't do anything, people will open up if they're holding a mic. also, it will help because DV cams have terrible microphones that will pick up all the ambient noise, but jack-all of what the interviewee is saying. a microphone in someone's hand will be pointing up - very little sound comes from above, and a vocal mic is a fair bit more directional than a stereo mic on a DV cam.