How to set up a professional video interview
Interviews are the backbone of corporate, testimonial and documentary videos. Learn framing, lighting, audio and directing.
A good interview looks clean, sounds clear and makes the subject comfortable enough to speak naturally.
Location
Choose a quiet space with depth behind the subject. Avoid flat walls, windows directly behind them and noisy rooms.
Framing
- Medium shot from the chest up as the main angle
- Subject slightly off center, looking toward the open side of the frame
- Eyes on the upper third
- A second camera for a close-up adds editing options
Lighting
Use three-point lighting: a soft key light at 45 degrees, fill or reflector on the other side and a backlight to separate the subject. Add a practical lamp in the background for depth.
Audio
Use a lavalier plus a shotgun backup. Monitor with headphones throughout.
Eye line
The subject should look at the interviewer, positioned just beside the camera lens, not directly into the lens unless it is a direct-to-camera message.
Directing
Ask open questions and have subjects repeat the question in their answers so responses make sense on their own.
