Aside from the 4 a.m. call time (ouch), today was a typical day of shooting on location. The setting for part of the shoot was an unassuming classroom auditorium, far from the glitz and glamour of a television set. The star of the show is a charismatic host — a master of balancing fun with professionalism, a man known for his ability to make any conversation engaging and insightful.

Alongside him were two guests, women from the local university, ready to share their perspectives and engage in a lively discussion about cheese (yes really. It’s pretty cool). As the videographer running the shoot, it was my job to make sure that the video and the audio got captured, and captured well.

The Missing Mic Dilemma

As I unlatched my audio gear case, a wave of confusion washed over me. Instead of the expected three lavalier mics, there were two. The third was conspicuously missing, and a quick scan of the auditorium confirmed that it was nowhere to be found. A quicker scan of adjoining rooms and the other gear bags and cases confirmed the disappearance.

A less experienced videographer might have panicked at this point.

The Creative Solution

I quickly dismissed the thought of having the guests share a mic. It wasn’t practical, and the audio quality would suffer. My gaze then shifted to the host, who was conveniently seated between the two guests. An idea began to form.

What if the host, in his central position, could serve a dual purpose? I could attach one mic to his right lapel – ordinarily intended primarily for his use, it would also pick up the woman to his right. The second mic could be given to the woman seated on his left. It was unconventional, but it just might work.

A Lesson in Adaptability

As the interview commenced, the host played the role of a human microphone stand for the guest to his right. As he turned his head from one guest to another, the mics picked up the conversation beautifully. Admittedly, the audio from the un-mic’d guest on the right was slightly softer. However, with a bit of post-production magic, I was confident that I could balance the levels.

Reflecting on the day’s events, I realized that this experience served as an important lesson for all aspiring videographers. We often put a lot of emphasis on having the perfect set of gear, but this incident served as a reminder that creativity and adaptability can be just as crucial.

The Show Must Go On

In the end, it wasn’t about the missing microphone, it was about finding a solution and ensuring that the show went on. The host, still blissfully unaware of his pivotal role in the day’s success, carried on with his usual flair. The guests shared their thoughts and perspectives, and the interview was a success.

This is the tale of the two-mic, three-person interview — a story of unexpected challenges, creative solutions, and the determination to carry on despite the odds. So, to all my fellow videographers out there, remember: when you find yourself short of a mic or facing any other unexpected hurdle, take a moment, think creatively, and find your solution. After all, the show must go on.

As for the third mic? It’s still missing, but its absence has served as a valuable lesson in adaptability. And in the end, isn’t that what being a videographer is all about? Making the best of any situation and turning even the most unexpected challenges into a successful production