What is a vox pop ?.
he term "vox pop" comes from the Latin phrase vox populi, meaning "voice of the people". The vox pop is a tool used in many forms of media to provide a snapshot of public opinion. Random subjects are asked to give their views on a particular topic and their responses are presented to the viewer/reader as a reflection of popular opinion.
For video and television vox pops, the interviewer approaches people "in the street" and asks them simple questions about the topic. These people will be new to interviews and will often be nervous, flustered, giggly, etc. It's therefore important to make them feel comfortable and relaxed.
When asking people to participate, fast is best - don't give them time to worry about how they look or what their friends will think. Use a short, sharp standard question such as "Would you mind answering a couple of quick questions about genetically modified food for TV3 news tonight?". (Note: Everyone will want to know what channel you're with and when the programme will be broadcast, so it helps to get that out of the way quickly.)
As always, ask open-ended questions and avoid leading questions. At the same time, you must be specific enough to obtain brief answers.
Camera shots are usually framed as an MCU or close up. It's important to think about the guest's looking direction, and get an equal number of left-facing and right-facing subjects. These can then be alternated in post-production. Some producers go so far as to get all answers with a particular opinion facing one way, and answers with an opposing opinion facing the other way. Whether or not you think this is effective is up to you — you may feel that it is too contrived.
It pays to ensure that an accurate mix of genders and races are represented, appropriate to the population being surveyed.
What group were you in?.
The boys group.
What were your questions?.
What type of teabags do you use and how do you think the earth began.
Was it hard to get people to speak?
Yes because the were all in a hurry.
What would you do different next time?
Get people before we go out so it will be easier and we would have more interviews.
