The Dreaded “Talking Head” Doesn't Have To Be Dreadful

by Julie Otto and Victor Van Rees

Videos with “talking heads” - on-camera interviews/testimonials - often get a bad rap.  Many think talking heads are used because a producer lacks imagination and has nothing else to film.  The term “talking head” conjures up the image of a stereotypical professor-type - monologue-ing ad nauseam devoid of emotion or purpose. We disagree. In fact, talking heads can be your best asset for a video, if produced in a compelling and thoughtful manner. 

For example, the producer/director must be prepared before the shoot and know what the client requires from the interview/testimonial. We often write a script or treatment with all the key points we need the subject to present. If the subject elaborates a bit too much, no problem, we can fix it with an edit. Better to have too much rather than too little. Sometimes, when our on-camera subject will ramble on due to nerves, we have found that helping them parse out the soundbite, and giving them a second chance to say what they want to say, makes them more comfortable and able hit the nail on head the second time. Our producers emphasize that their job is to make the subject look and sound their best, creating a level of trust between the subject and the crew.

It is important to learn as much about the subject as possible before the shoot. Having a point of reference can offer subtle tips about how to couch questions for the best response. Plus, knowing some personal things about the subject will allow for a bit of friendly chit-chat warm-up before the shooting starts and create a relaxed atmosphere. A good example was taping an interview with a recent Commerce Secretary. His delivery was flat, and the presentation lacked force. We had him stand up from his comfortable chair and asked him to speak as if he were speaking to a group of fundraisers. His smile became infectious, and his delivery had the tone of sincerity.

From a technical standpoint, we always want our best camera crew - videographer, lighting director and, of course audio engineer with best of breed of professional cameras (high definition equipment if the budget allows.). What subjects say is certainly important, but how they look can add immeasurably to viewer attention. We like to, when possible, frame the interview in somewhat unique settings. We like to use a hallway or a well-decorated conference room with a deep depth of field, or a setting singular to our subject.
Lighting the background, particularly with colored gels, can warm up a scene and might even make the speaker more interesting, if not more attractive. If this is not possible we are able to create a polished look by using a lighted backdrop.  Oftentimes we’ll light this the backdrop to match the graphics package of the project, group or website in which this video will play. 

Many think of talking-heads as stuffy. But in reality, hearing directly from the video’s subject can be the most compelling experience.  EFX is often asked to create video profiles of award recipients.  We find that rather than list the awardeé’s resume or string of accomplishments, first-person interviews give the best portrait of the subject. It shows what makes that person unique, and why they are the recipient of an honor.  Their personal qualities and achievements come through best when they, or those close to them, can speak directly to the camera.

A favorite annual project for EFX is the annual Teacher of the Year Award for Friendship Public Charter Schools. 

To show why each nominee is chosen as the “Best of the Best,” we go right to the source.  The video production consists of interviews with each nominee, their colleagues and students. 

With the interviews you experience the candor, passion and commitment each nominee has for their profession and their students, as well as the respect and admiration others have for them.  You can’t replicate that with pictures and Voice-of-God narration.  In this case, EFX shows the heart that is behind the talking head.

You can view other sample videos at: www.efxmedia.com as well as the 2009 Teacher of the Year Awards at http://efxtv.com/media.cfm?c=596&m=2519