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SHOOTING A 'VOX POP'

A vox pop is the 'Voice of the People'. They are made up of many responses to the same question. Vox pops are a quick way to gauge public opinion on an issue. They can be serious or just fun. Best of all they are very easy to make.

The Vox Pop Dance

Step 1 Grab a group of friends typically around 5 works well. Decide who will be reporter, camera operator, assistant etc.

Step 2 You need a camera with an external mic, a tape, a charged battery etc.

Step 3 Decide on the question you are going to ask.

Step 4 Shoot an introduction, something like:-

Reporter: 'Hi I'm ....... Today on School Torque we're at ........ High School asking the question .................?, lets go!!'

Step 5 Find a large group of people, target the first interviewee, start rolling tape before you reach your target to ensure you capture the entire interchange. Ask the question something like:-

Reporter: 'Excuse me, do you mind if I ask you a question......... If you were God what colour would you paint the sky???'

Step 6 Ask the same question to as many people that you can as time affords.

Step 7 If you come upon an interesting answer ask the interviewee to clarify:

Reporter : 'and why do you think that?'

Step 8 Shoot a conclusion. Something like:

Reporter: 'Well there you have it! The youth of Australia have spoken, but what do you think??, I'm ....... for 'School Torque'.

Step 9 Edit the vox pop. If you don't have edit facilities, don't worry send the raw camera tapes with a brief description of what you want done and we will edit it for you.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

• If you were God, what colour would you paint the sky?
• What's more important, love or money?
• What's the funniest thing that has happened to you on a date?
• What's the best excuse you've used for getting out of homework?
• What do you look for in a guy / girl?
• Should Australia be a republic?
• If Australia was a republic who do you think should be the President?
• Who is winning the human race?
• If you could say one thing to your parents and have them listen, what would it be?
• Why do you think so many young people commit suicide?

VOX POP HINTS

• Keep the camera set to wide angle. This creates a steadier shot and gives that 'in your face' look.
• Make sure the area that you are working in is relatively quiet.
• Edit the question in around every 5 responses.
• Play with camera angles and movement, you can afford to be creative here. Generally you will use a mid-close up shot, but don't be afraid to take a few paces back with the camera to get a two shot. This will give a context. Stay there for half the response and then walk back in, shooting the whole time.
• If you move into a crowd and the first couple of responses are negative, from experience, you are not likely to get a good response from the rest of the crowd ..... change locations.
• Take care in the playground, there is always one person that thinks they will be funny and tries to grab the camera. This could bring your entire project to grief, and is the reason why it is good to have a crew of 5.

Have fun!!