Nailing Jell-O to a wall is easy.

Filming kids nailing Jell-O to a wall is hard.

Kids are incredibly compelling subjects. Their energy and unpredictable nature makes them entertaining to watch but it’s also the reason why it is so difficult to capture useable footage.

If you work with kids in your nonprofit and you’re trying to capture them for your nonprofit, you may want to continue reading!

“Asking for forgiveness instead of permission,” will never fly in court.

You must, must, must always ask for permission to film anyones child, preferably in writing. A quick google search will bring up a release template like this but I recommend you get a proper blessing from a lawyer.

Some organizations such as daycares already have umbrella waivers in place, but occasionally, specific kids are not cleared for filming or photography, so double check in advance.

Even if you’re shooting in a public space, show discretion and ask anyways.

Downscale the distractions. Downgrade the gear.

Big expensive video cameras can be a huge distraction for kids which is why I sometimes recommend you use a smartphone.

If you want to learn how to make better iphone videos, you should check out the tips and tech recommendations contained in this PDF I put together.

Get your knees dirty.

Kids have a different perspective.

If you want to capture it properly you’ll have to get closer to the ground.

You may need a back massage the next day, but grabbing those shots is worth it. Characters that tower in the frame tend to look more heroic and important.

When it comes to interviewing kids, don’t put all your eggs in one basket!

Pre-interview multiple potential subjects. This will save you in the long run. Some kids (and adults for that matter) clam up when the cameras are rolling.

Kids can get cold feet.

And colds, for that matter.

Engage with your subjects beforehand if possible. This will help reduce the eventual awkwardness that comes with more people, lights, cameras, and sound equipment.

A short documentary story produced for KYCC includes kids living in permanent supportive housing.

Ask twice. Cut once.

I like to re-ask questions from earlier in interviews since subjects are typically more relaxed towards the end. Repeat and rephrase as often as you can.

This will give your subjects multiple opportunities to develop their thoughts and change their delivery.

Your editor will thank you.

Forget the script and ignore the messaging. Just meet them where they are.

You will not be able to hold a conversation with every type of kid. If they are really young, say under 5, the chances of any kind of audible conversation is narrow. Kids around 6 or 7 are able to have simple conversations. Once they’re older, around 8 or 9 they can share basic facts and more developed opinions.

That being said, age is not a very good indicator for success. I’ve interviewed kids as old as 12 or 13 who are so uncomfortable and shy that it makes it hard to connect on a deeper level.

Be yourself and try not to worry about getting your subjects to say what you want (or need) to hear.

No answer is ever wrong. Validate and redirect.

This is a piece of advice I got from Ellie, a woman I met who performs at kids birthday parties.

Make it a (relaxing) game.

Games are way more fun than conversations or interviews. They have specific rules that kids can follow—and sometimes challenge.

Bring in props or family members to help relax your subjects and make sure you budget enough time to try new approaches to break the ice or warm up their vocal chords.

If they want to walk away at the last minute from the whole interview, don’t push it.

Remember, it’s only a game.

Ask for stories. Not for answers.

Instead of asking, “What is your favorite toy?”

Say, “Can you tell me a story about your favorite toy?”

In fact, this type of question applies to any type of interview and helps avoid one-word answers such as “Yes” or “No” or “Elmo.”

Good luck!

—Reuben

How To Film Kids For Your Nonprofit Video