Side by side scenes of myself

chasmcg wrote on 5/24/2009, 6:25 AM

Is it possible to film myself interviewing myself? For instance, I want to shoot a scene asking questions, then film another scene with me answering the questions. And finally, put the 2 together and it comes out with me asking and answering questions. I hope I'm being clear. Thanks.

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 5/24/2009, 8:14 AM

Yes. Make sure you don't move the camera even the slightest bit between the two recordings. Make one recording with you in the left half of the frame and the other with you in the right half. Place both videos on the timeline, one above the other, and synchronize them. Add the Cookie Cutter effect to the top track. Choose the rectangle preset with a rather large size, the default .5 may be ok but you might have to make it a little bigger. Side the center of the effect to one side or the other to expose the track below. When you get it just right, you'll see half of each track (hopefully the halves containing you) side by side.

GerryLeacock wrote on 5/24/2009, 9:52 AM

I did this once and it turned out pretty good. Play with the cookie cutter attributes to get the desired size/effect. Set the border = 0.

chasmcg wrote on 5/24/2009, 3:17 PM

Thanks, guys for the replies and information. Going to try this very soon.

MSmart wrote on 5/25/2009, 12:53 AM

Here are some tutorials that detail what Chienworks described:

http://onthelinemedia.com/tutorials/vegas.html

(Split Screen)

richard-amirault wrote on 5/25/2009, 10:17 AM

Besides the technical effect in VMS you also need to get the timing of the questions/answers correct.

You may find it helpful to record, on a audio tape, the question side of the conversation (leaving space for the answer). Then, when you record the answer part .. play the tape back (at low volume) so that you know *when* to answer.

You could also vary the camera angles. For instance show a close up of you asking the question, but go to a two shot when you answer it. OR .. the other way round .. a two shot when you ask the question, and a closeup when you answer.

The problem is it's hard to leave exactly the right amount of space for the answers. Too little and you start asking the next questin before the first is answered. Too much and you have "dead space" where nothing is happening.