Shooting interviews is something that I have been passionate about ever since I started my career in video production. I believe that interviews are a powerful way to convey a message to an audience, and as a videographer, it’s my responsibility to create engaging and compelling video content.
One of the first things I consider when shooting an interview is the location. I always try to choose a visually interesting location that is relevant to the subject matter. For example, if I’m shooting an interview with a chef, I might choose to film in their kitchen or a restaurant. If I’m filming a corporate interview, I’ll look for a location that represents the company’s values or mission.
Lighting is another critical factor that I pay close attention to when shooting interviews. Good lighting is essential to ensure that the footage looks professional and is usable. I prefer to use natural light as much as possible, but when shooting indoors, I need to bring in artificial light sources.
My standard lighting setup for interviews includes a key light, a fill light, and a backlight. The key light is the primary light source and is positioned to one side of the subject, about 45 degrees off-center. The fill light is used to fill in any shadows created by the key light and is positioned on the opposite side of the subject. The backlight is positioned behind the subject and helps to separate them from the background.
Framing is also crucial when it comes to shooting interviews. I always ensure that the subject is framed correctly and is not too close or too far away from the camera. A good rule of thumb is to frame the shot so that the subject’s eyes are in the top third of the frame.
In addition to framing, the background is also important. I prefer to use a plain background or a background with a shallow depth of field to keep the focus on the subject.
Audio is just as crucial as video when it comes to shooting interviews. Poor audio quality can ruin an otherwise great interview. That’s why I always invest in a good quality microphone and ensure that it’s positioned close to the subject’s mouth.
If I’m shooting in a noisy environment, I might need to use a lavalier microphone or a boom microphone to capture the audio correctly. I also use headphones to monitor the audio as I’m filming.
Camera movement can add a lot of visual interest to an interview, but it can also be distracting if not done correctly. That’s why I keep the camera movement subtle and smooth by using a tripod or a stabilizer. Using a slider or a dolly can also add movement to the shots, but I avoid overusing them as too much movement can be distracting.
Preparation is key when it comes to shooting interviews. Before I start filming, I ensure that I have all of the necessary equipment and that everything is working correctly. I prepare my questions in advance, which helps me stay on track and ensure that I get all of the necessary information. However, I also remain prepared to deviate from my script if the interviewee says something interesting that I want to explore further.
Building rapport with the interviewee is crucial if I want to get the best possible interview. I take the time to chat with them before I start filming to help them feel comfortable and relaxed. This ensures that they’re more likely to give a great interview.
Finally, don’t forget about post-production. Editing the footage can help to enhance the overall quality of the interview. I trim any unnecessary footage, add b-roll to complement the interview, and adjust the color and sound levels to make the video look and sound as good as possible.
In summary, shooting interviews requires attention to detail and preparation, but it can be a highly rewarding aspect of video production. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can create engaging and compelling interviews that will help you effectively communicate your message to your audience. Remember to focus on location, lighting, framing, audio, camera movement, preparation, rapport, and post-production to produce high-quality interview footage that will stand out from the rest.