If you’ve watched Lenape Live, you’ve seen a MOTS segment before, where a reporter interviews regular people on a street or campus to gather opinions and reactions. A MOTS segment is short for Man on the Street–a fun and dynamic way to capture the real voices and bring personality to your storytelling. But filming a MOTS segment isn’t as simple as pointing a camera and hitting record. It takes planning, proper techniques, and specific equipment to get it right. This article covers a complete guide to understanding, filming, and creating exceptional MOTS segments at Lenape. 

What is a MOTS segment? 

A MOTS segment involves interviewing students or staff at Lenape around campus, usually with simple, relatable questions. A MOTS segment aims to get authentic, unscripted answers that connect with your audience. At Lenape, that could be asking students for their thoughts on different classes and which they like the most, their favorite music, artist, or album, or what they’re looking forward to in the future. 

Tips for Filming a Great MOTS Segment

1. Plan your Question and Audience

• • Choose a question that is broad enough to get varied answers but specific enough to be interesting. Questions for MOTS segments should be open-ended, not simple yes or no questions. An example of this could be “What’s the best lunch offered in the cafeteria?” 

Next, know your audience. Consider who you aim to interview for your MOTS segment: are you targeting students, teachers, or both? Approach the people who are likely to give unique and enthusiastic responses. This doesn’t just mean your friend group! Get out there and talk to people you’ve never interacted with before. You can ask for their names in your segment, too. 

2. Using the Right Equipment

• To create a professional MOTS segment, you’ll need reliable equipment. Sign out an XA camera and a microphone from ND-25. These tools will ensure your high-quality visuals and audio.

3. Focus on Shot Framing

• Frame your subject properly. Keep the person being interviewed centered or slightly off-center, using the rule of thirds. 
• Avoid distracting backgrounds. Make sure the setting is relevant but not too overwhelming for your audience. 
• Make sure your camera is steady. Use a tripod, or stabilize the camera with your arms to avoid shaky footage. 

4. Master the Audio

• One of the most common challenges in filming and making MOTS segments is getting good audio. Some tips include: 
  • Keep the microphone close, but not too close. The person being interviewed shouldn’t be practically eating the microphone, but shouldn’t be holding it down at their stomach, either. Keep the microphone 3-5 inches away from the person’s mouth. 
  • Monitor the audio levels on the camera while shooting. Adjust the microphone audio if it’s too loud. Watch to make sure the audio levels are not hitting the highest levels. 
  • Test before you record! Take a short clip to ensure that the audio levels are balanced. 

5. Edit

• • • Once you’ve gathered all of the footage, it’s time to edit. Combine the responses trim awkward pauses, and add captions and graphics to make the segment more interesting. Keep it concise as well- the segment should only be a minute to a minute and a half max. 

How to Get Involved 

• Creating a MOTS segment is easier than you think. Here’s how to get started to make your own: 
• Sign out the equipment: Visit ND-25 to sign out an XA camera and a microphone. 
• Choose your question: Plan a simple, fun, and engaging topic. You can work with friends or classmates to help with filming. 
• Submit your segment: Once edited, share your final video with Mr. Ebbeson or members of Lenape Digital Media and upload it to the LDM drive so it can be aired on Lenape Live. 

Why Make A MOTS Segment? 

MOTS segments aren’t just fun, they’re a great way to refine your interviewing, filming, and editing skills. Plus, they allow you to capture and share the voices of the Lenape community. So grab a camera, hit the halls, and start filming!