What is top-notch reporting?
The exhibition of ceramic artist Shimizu Shiro is coming up on Thursday, July 23rd. In order to keep the online atmosphere going during the exhibition, I visited Shimizu's studio in Shiga Prefecture to take photos and interview him with Yoshiaki, who is in charge of "dialogue". Perhaps because of my experience on my last business trip to Tokyo, I feel that I have definitely acquired the patience to drive for long periods of time.
On the first day of filming, I met up with Shimizu-san in the pouring rain. After about 30 minutes of greetings and a meeting about the filming, we started the shoot.
The contents of the interview are available in the " Dialogue " and " Video " sections of the Utsushiki website, so please take a look.
This is the fourth time that Team Utsushiki has visited and interviewed artists who are holding exhibitions.
Although we manage to get something in shape each time, as we make more and more, issues always become apparent.
Of course, some of the people interviewed are good at talking, while others are not, so by creating a script and incorporating direction, it may be possible to film efficiently. However, even if the words that come out of that are not lies, who will be moved by them?
There are no scripts for the videos we make at Utsushiki. First of all, we value the live feeling of the interview, so I myself proceed with the production without knowing what the final video will look like until the filming is over and I start editing.
Putting aside whether this way of creating is correct or not, I believe that the reason we are able to proceed with the production even under these circumstances is because, as a premise, there is absolutely no contradiction between the "words" and "actions" of the artists involved with Utsushiki.
That's why, if you weave together the words that come naturally from the artist's mouth, you can create the pillars of the video.
The overall structure emerges naturally, and the video is created by overlaying the artist's actions (image cuts) over the words.
When something unplanned like that emerges out of chance, there are many moments when I myself, the editor, feel moved.
I always try to move my hands as if searching for that moment.
During the interview, he said, "When I put it into words, it sounds like a lie. Words are difficult."
I was impressed by the fact that Shimizu himself often said this, but it didn't sound like a lie to me at all.
Rather, I sensed in his words a serious attitude towards pottery, and as I observed Shimizu's approach to pottery throughout the interview, everything he said made perfect sense to me.
Words have no power if you don't know who is speaking them.
This interview made me realize once again that video is one method for giving power to words.
As I conduct interviews, I face endless challenges.
It's true that it becomes difficult to talk when the camera is rolling.
If that is the case, how can I approach an interview without feeling like I am there with a camera?
How can we create an environment where the other person can speak naturally?
Communication, timing, behavior.
There are many things to consider when shooting.
It is still common, even today, for people to try to force words out of the other person, which can be sensed by the other person, slowing down the pace of the interview or making the other person conscious of the camera and making them nervous.
On the other hand, I see improving this area as an area of my potential, and I would like to continue to ask myself what makes a first-class reporter and continue to work hard.
We are also currently working on editing ceramic artist Shimizu Shiro's second video and taking photos for online sales.
Please look forward to it.
Exhibition Information: Shimizu Shiro Ceramic Exhibition
2020.7.23 – 8/2
The store will be closed only on the 28th (Tue) during the period.
13:00 – 18:00
