[This article was first published in the February, 2009, issue of
Larry's Final Cut Pro Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.]

Over the years, I've done a lot of documentary producing and shooting. The talking-head interview is something I've done hundreds of times.

When dealing with non-professional talent, there are three challenges I always keep in mind:

• They are terrified of being on camera, so keeping them loose and relaxed is critical.
• They will unconsciously phrase their answer based upon how I ask the question, so I never ask a question that can be answered with a 'yes' or 'no'.
• They have no clue how to look good on camera, so I always bring makeup.

Most women are completely comfortable wearing and adjusting makeup. However, asking a guy to wear makeup is about the same as asking them to sing in front of a group of their friends. They are going to be very, very uncomfortable.

Also, most of the shoots I go on don't have the budget for a hair and makeup person. Which means I need to do the makeup myself.

We now have the worst of all situations: a very, very nervous amateur being made up by another guy. Sigh... The things I do for my craft.

Recently, I was in the studio doing some shooting for a book I'm writing -- I needed to create some video examples that I could use in screen shots. So, while I was there, I asked Andrew, one of our actors, to pose for a before and after makeup picture.

The "before" is on the left, the "after" is on the right. See the huge hot spot in the middle of his forehead? Notice how his whole face seems to be glowing, just sitting there he looks uncomfortable.

On the right is the same actor under the same lighting - this time wearing makeup.

A product I've used for the last fifteen years can quickly make people look good under lights. Its made by Lancolm and its called: Pure Focus T-Zone Powder Gel. It costs $25 - 30 and is worth every penny.

A tube provides coverage for dozens of interviews. I suggest you apply it from cheekbones up into the hairline. It is very thick and a little goes a long way. Rub it in well.

I've also learned that guys are most comfortable, when you want to put makeup on them, if you distract them with a story. Anything to keep them from thinking about wearing makeup. I tend to talk about how great they are going to look walking around the office later in the day. I may, perhaps, exaggerate the effect a bit.

Nothing makes your lighting look great like a face that doesn't reflect it back to the camera like a mirror.

UPDATE - Feb. 3, 2009

Craig Sommerer sent in the following:

Finally, you've addressed something very fundamental that few people seem to understand; the talent needs to look good, regardless of what they look like.

I am a freelance video operator for live multi-camera events and my big TV cameras have a skin detail circuit, a selective de-focus, to help blur out the contours on talent.

"Pro-sumer" cameras also have a very ineffective skin detail circuit which quite honestly, shouldn't be used, as the defocus parameters are not selectable.

Your Lancome hint is great. Now take your talent's looks to the next level with Patrick Sheffield's "Electronic Makeup Artist" and "Digital Coverup" filters for Final Cut Pro. The "Electronic Makeup Artist" effects are astounding, in other words, a little bit goes a long way. http://www.sheffieldsoftworks.com/

Full disclosure, while I'm listed in the sidebar on the website of Sheffield Softworks, I make no financial compensation from spreading the good word. I hope you give these filters, as well as Pat's free filters a try.

Larry replies: Thanks, Craig, for your comments.

Larry Jordan is a post-production consultant and an Apple-Certified Trainer in Digital Media with over 25 years experience as producer, director and editor with network, local and corporate credits. Based in Los Angeles, he's a member of both the Directors Guild of America and the Producers Guild of America.

The information in this article is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, the author assumes no liability in case things go wrong. Please use your best judgment in applying these suggestions.

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