How to film an interview like a pro
The key discipline in the art of interview filmmaking is direction.
It is best to be prepared because interviews are common in documentaries, branded content videos, commercials, and video portraits.
Video interviews appear simpler than they actually are. In the end, it’s just a person speaking, relating a tale, or responding to inquiries. Simple, right? Different aspects will determine whether or not your interview shoot appears professional.
Interview videos are a great way to develop as a filmmaker because they take place in contexts often regulated. You will have influence over a variety of facets of filmmaking in general if you know how to film an interview.
How to film an interview like a pro, with examples we love
Research before the interview
Although knowing about lighting and framing is useful, an interview is really all about the subject.
No matter how professional your interview looks and sounds, if the subject matter is uninteresting or flat, no one will watch. To get the most out of your interview, you should prepare it before discussing technical details.
The first step is to research the topic. Go online, discover articles, research the background of the subject, make notes, and play detective. This research will demonstrate how much you care about the interview when you finally meet the interviewee.
This phase is essential when making a video for a client, but it’s also important when filming a personal project, especially one that deals with a delicate subject.
First encounter
You will receive the first cues for your video interview when you first meet your performer. This is your opportunity to effectively break the ice. Make use of your empathy and sixth sense. Be kind, punctual, diligent in your studies, and enthusiastic. First impressions are important here.
Your interview will feel more like a casual discussion than a series of chilly questions if the subject trusts you. The more respect you demonstrate by taking an interest in the narrative, the more sincere and impactful the responses will be.
Look and hear. Pay attention to the language, voice tone, and subtleties. Observe the subject’s expression, mannerisms, etc. Is the person requesting casual handheld camera work tense? Are they composed, implying a more conventional and rigid approach? Start narratively and artistically compiling information in your head throughout this initial contact.
On occasion, the day of the shooting will coincide with your initial meeting. The same ideas are relevant. Be just quicker.
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Location versus studio interview
Your interview will either take place on location or in a studio. On-location filming offers advantages and disadvantages. They appear genuine, and you can film in a setting relevant to your character (like a library for a writer). However, you will have to deal with a few issues, like background noises and variations in lighting.
If you shoot in a studio, you will have control over these factors, but at the same time, you could find it lacks personality. Perhaps you’re seeking a neutral setting to highlight the objectivity of the issue (interviewing a scientist, for example). There is no right or incorrect option in this case. Make your choice while keeping in mind the requirements of the interview video.
How to frame an interview
It’s a great idea to begin filming interviews with medium or close-up shots, which are the traditional method.
For introductions or general themes, medium shots work well, but close-ups are preferable for key times in the interview.
Frame for a medium shot in high resolution if you’re just using one camera, then crop in post to achieve a close-up.
Which angle should I use to record my interview?
If you want to be safe, shoot at eye level unless you’re going for a certain effect (e.g. shooting from above to express anxiety). In corporate interview videos or educational content, this strategy is typical. Experiment, but don’t go overboard unless you’re trying to convey a certain message.
What should the interviewee be looking for?
Although it can be a little daunting, an interviewee who looks directly into the camera will feel more connected to the audience. A person looking away from the camera, on the other hand, can feel alienated and out of place. In this situation, with the interviewer seated near to the camera, try to maintain equilibrium. This is a tactful method for making the interviewee appear sincere and interesting.
Additionally, when framing your photo, attempt to leave additional room in the direction the subject is looking if possible.
How to prepare for an interview
You can choose to have simple or complex interview lighting. On many occasions, though, you won’t have much time to light your interviews. In those situations, simplicity is preferable. A quick technique to light an interview is with the main light coming from one side. This will give you a pleasing, three-dimensional image right out of the gate.
Try to locate a window where the sun isn’t shining if you’re shooting with natural light, and use it as your primary light. The same applies if the day is cloudy. Use your equipment to block the continually changing light to prevent inconsistent lighting.
Try to encourage your lighting if you use equipment by positioning your key light on the same side of a window. The key light is the first line you paint on your canvas, and it’s ideal for lighting interviews. You can choose to diffuse it and, if necessary, add a delicate touch of fill light or negative fill. Last but not least, a little backlight will assist in separating your subject from the background.
As we previously stated, your alternatives are endless. Depending on your story, the interview could be anything from informal to quite formal. Is the character dark? a positive one? To make it either nice or dramatic, would you prefer soft light or hard light? Feel free to try new things.
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How to set up the audio for the interview
You must master audio if you want to know how to film an interview like a pro. Getting clear audio when filming on location may be a nightmare. Try to lessen the problem if you are shooting in a noisy environment. Don your headphones and pay close attention.
The common sources of noise are air conditioning and heating units, open windows, nearby conversations, fluorescent lights, refrigerators, etc.
Walls that are empty cause the sound to bounce and produce unwanted reverb. To solve this problem, place sheets everywhere around your talent. It is a less expensive option for effective sound isolation.
Don’t forget to capture a 15 to 20-second room tone tape with everyone on set extremely quiet. It will be useful for your noise reduction program and for hiding dialogue cuts.
Make sure the interviewees are properly mic’d. Avoid clothing rustle or any movement from necklaces, etc., when using lapel mics. Aim the microphone at the interviewee’s mouth and give it room to “breathe” (around the chest is ok). If you employ
Using a shotgun mike, go as close to the subject as you can without invading the picture. The sound quality will improve as you set it up closer.
To avoid unpleasant shocks like rustling garments, audio that isn’t recording, etc., check the sound with your headphones.
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Directing the interview
If filming an interview is an art, then the main discipline is directing. As a director, you shouldn’t approach the interview as a standard task in which you are limited to asking questions. You have to manage the interview. Making things follow a course is the act of directing. Regarding your interview video, you are the expert. You are aware of the subjects you want to emphasize and those you don’t.
Warm-up. Don’t start asking the tough questions until you sense the person is at ease. Keep in mind that you are working with people. They will appear more natural and at ease on camera if you show interest in them and pay attention to what they have to say. Engage in conversation without being pushy, smile, and interact during the interview. Don’t stand in front of the camera and expect the talent to unwind because you told them to “just be natural.”
Use tags like “really?” to keep the discussion going. Alternatively, “Wow, how did that happen?” That is fascinating. Could you elaborate a little more? Without interfering, let them speak; you’ll learn some priceless information for your edit. Keep in mind that even the most stunning photograph cannot match an interviewee’s sincere and emotional response.
One more piece of advice: When people believe the interview is over, they often give their greatest responses. Just keep filming while acting as though you stopped.
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
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