Objective: To develop on-screen interviewing skills in a video production class through a Rule of Thirds practice activity.

Materials needed: - Video camera or smartphone with video recording capabilities - Tripod (optional) - Interview questions or prompts - Video editing software (optional)

Instructions: 1. Introduction to the Rule of Thirds: - Begin the activity by explaining the Rule of Thirds to the students. Discuss how it is a composition guideline used in visual arts, including photography and videography, to create visually appealing and balanced shots. - Explain that the Rule of Thirds divides the frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. The points where these lines intersect are called “power points,” and they are the areas where the subject should ideally be placed to create a visually pleasing composition.

1. Demonstration:
   • Show examples of interviews or talk shows where the Rule of Thirds is effectively used. Point out how the subject is positioned at one of the power points, creating a balanced and visually appealing shot.
   • Discuss the importance of eye contact and body language during interviews. Explain that the Rule of Thirds can help guide the placement of the subject’s eyes and body within the frame.
2. Practice activity:
   • Divide the students into pairs or small groups.
   • Provide each group with a video camera or smartphone with video recording capabilities.
   • Assign one student in each group as the interviewer and the other as the interviewee.
   • Provide the interview questions or prompts to the interviewers.
   • Instruct the interviewers to position the interviewees within the frame using the Rule of Thirds. Encourage them to experiment with different placements, such as placing the interviewee at one of the power points or along one of the lines.
   • Remind the interviewers to maintain eye contact with the interviewees and to pay attention to their body language throughout the interview.
3. Recording and review:
   • Allow each group to record their interviews, ensuring that they follow the Rule of Thirds guidelines.
   • Once the interviews are recorded, review the footage as a class.
   • Discuss the strengths and areas for improvement in each interview. Pay attention to the use of the Rule of Thirds, eye contact, and body language.
   • Encourage constructive feedback from both the interviewers and interviewees.
4. Reflection and refinement:
   • Have the students reflect on their own performance and the feedback received.
   • Discuss how the Rule of Thirds affected the overall composition and visual appeal of the interviews.
   • Encourage students to refine their interviewing skills by practicing more interviews using the Rule of Thirds as a guideline.
   • For further refinement, students can use video editing software to crop and adjust the interviews to align with the Rule of Thirds if necessary.

Note: This activity can be repeated multiple times to allow students to practice and improve their on-screen interviewing skills.