![IMG_0071 Carl sets up side-by-side cameras in a standard two camera shoot, here with author and corporate consultant Nance Guilmartin.]](https://closeupproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/IMG_0071-300x224.jpg)
Carl sets up side-by-side cameras in a standard two camera shoot, here with author and corporate consultant Nance Guilmartin.
The standard “to-camera” interview set-up used to be a single camera with a change of framing between shots to facilitate editing. Now, with low cost high quality HD cameras, we are using two matched side-by-side cameras, one framed to the close-up, the other set to a medium shot. With lenses only millimeters apart, and the cameras set far enough back to avoid off axis eye lines. In post production we cut between cameras moving to the close-up mid question for appropriate emphasis with perfectly matched quality. This has improved our shot options and allows building a single flow of response from multiple takes, cutting between cameras to cover edit points. We have noticed a big improvement in work flow.
We also now do all one-on-one interviews in “real time” with multiple cameras avoiding the need for reverse questions. Not only is this a godsend by insuring full question and response, but with Final Cut Pro we lay out the two cameras on the timeline and cut back and forth between them, on the fly.