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Video Interviews

Tips on Shooting
Video Interviews

 

There are many different ways to shoot interviews.  But only two main styles you need to choose from. 

 

Host Type Interviews – In this type interview 2 or more people are in a room.  They can be standing or sitting, although I have found sitting gives more comfort and confidence to those being interviewed.  One of the people is designated as the host (see our section on Hosting for more info and tips).   The host will introduce the piece and themselves and introduce his or her guests and go into asking them questions.  Once you have everything covered that you need, the host will wrap up the show with a hearty “Thank you for watching!”  During this type of interview, the only person to look directly into the camera lens is the host and only when speaking to the audience.  The guests should address the host only.

 

Absentee Host Type Interviews – In this type of interview, we never see the interviewer.  We only see those who are answering the questions.  Their answers are then edited together and the questions edited out.  The rule for this type of interview is that those answering the questions look to the right or left of the camera, but not directly into the lens.  It should seem as if they are talking to an invisible host.  There are exceptions to that.  One is for Testimonials (see our section on testimonials for more info).  For a testimonial the viewer of your video should feel as if the person being interviewed is talking directly to them.  For example, “I have been using Acme Products now for 10 years and I can tell you from personal experience that they are the best!”  Looking directly into the camera for a testimonial such as this gives a very powerful feeling to the viewer.  They get an intimate feeling that the person giving the testimonial is talking directly to them.  The other exception is if interviewees are talking to someone in particular.  For example, “Jack, I just want to say congrats on the 25th anniversary of your business…”  In this case have your interviewees talk directly into the lens.

 

Here are some tips on making your interviews as professional as possible.

 

  • Use a well lighted area.  Shadows are bad, on people and your background.  If you can not flood the area with light, shoot outside if at all possible. 
  • If at all possible, stabilize the camera with either a tripod or on a piece of furniture 
  • The camera should be at the same level as the eyes of your subject 
  • Non professionals have a tendency to frame their subjects with their heads directly in the center of the frame.  Instead make sure their eyes are in the top third of the frame with just a bit of head room at the top of the frame 
  • Pick a quiet room away from noise and kids (turn off the TV and Radio) 
  • If at all possible, use lapel microphones (also called lavalieres).  The sound you get from a lapel mic will take out the echoey sound of the room and most of the external noise going on around you.  If you are using a consumer camcorder there may not be an input for microphone(s).  In that case you will have to use the internal mic on the camera.  Do a test first to make sure you can clearly hear your subject.  If not, you'll have to move in closer.  If your camcorder has a headphone jack, use it!  What you hear in your headphones, will be what your audience will hear.  (If necessary, you can raise the volume during editing). 
  • If you have the resources, use multiple cameras for Host Type interviews.  A 3 camera shoot is best.  The center camera gets a wide shot on everybody involved.  The 2nd camera is on the host.  The 3rd camera is on whichever guest is speaking.  See our section on Multi camera shoots and Editing multi camera shoots quickly and easily with Sony Vegas (Coming Soon!). 
  • A medium shot is best for interviews (from the waist or a bit above the waist and up) but don't be afraid to go closer during emotional times (like when Barbara Walters gets people to cry). 
  • Keep the subject comfortable and their surroundings colorful (blank white walls are a no-no.  Dress the area up with flowers, a fruit basket or plants or even your products.  A company logo is great in the background.  Be creative with your surroundings.  Natural outdoor settings are great if it's not too noisy).
  • Don't set them up too close to the wall behind them that shadows are cast. 
  • Easy on the zooming (most interviews will have no zooming at all) 
  • In the “Absentee Host Type Interviews”, always have 2 seconds of silence before they begin speaking for editing purposes.  If they start speaking before you are finished asking your question, politely stop them.  Tell them to start over when you point to them.
  • Don't worry too much about the subjects making mistakes.  A lot of people who are not used to the camera may be nervous.  Make them comfortable and let them know that their mistakes will not be seen.  Have them start their flubbed answer over again with another 2 seconds of silence.  Tell them to start over when you point to them.  You can cut out anything when editing.  Just remember...If filming with more than one camera, continue to roll.  Do not cut.  It will be much easier to edit later on if all the cameras have the same start and stop points.
  • Finally, if you are doing an “absentee host interview”, don't ask yes or no questions.  And have them repeat the question in their answer.  Remember the viewer will not hear the questions.  For example, if you ask them, "What's your favorite color", and they answer "blue", that is not good enough for an “absentee host interview”.  Have them start with, "My favorite color is..."

 

Remember who your audience is.  Make sure those being interviewed are dressed properly and have your questions scripted prior to the interview.  If you feel that they have not given you enough information, ask more questions.  Remember, your goal is to create emotion and excitement in the viewer.

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