Interviews are standard in documentaries, branded content videos, commercials or video portraits, so better to be ready.<\/p>\n
Interview videos look more simple than they are. In the end, it’s a person talking, telling a story or answering questions. Easy, right? Well, different factors will make your interview shoot look professional or not.<\/p>\n
Because they happen in relatively controlled scenarios, interview videos are an excellent way to improve as a filmmaker. If you know how to film an interview, you will have control of many aspects of filmmaking in general.<\/p>\n
It’s nice to know about lighting or framing, but first things first: an interview is all about its content. No matter how good your interview looks and sounds, nobody will watch if the content is dull or flat. Therefore, before talking about technical aspects, you should prepare your interview to make the most out of it.<\/p>\n
The first step is to research your subject. Go online, find articles, study the subject’s backstory, take notes, be a detective. When you finally meet the interviewee, this research will show how much you care about the interview. This step is mandatory if you are filming a video for a client, but it is equally crucial to film a personal project, especially about a sensitive topic.<\/p>\n
The first time you meet your talent, you will get the first clues for your video interview. It is your chance to break the ice positively. Use your sixth sense and your empathy. Be polite, be on time, do your homework and show interest. Here, first impressions count.<\/p>\n
If the subject trusts you, your interview will feel more like a natural conversation than a cold set of questions. The more respect you show by being interested in the story, the more honest and powerful answers will be.<\/p>\n
Look and listen. Listen to the words, the voice tone, the nuances. Look at the subject’s face, body language, etc. Is the person nervous, calling for handheld and casual camera work? Is he calm, suggesting a more classic and static approach? Start gathering information in your mind in this first contact, narratively and aesthetically.<\/p>\n
Sometimes your first meeting will be on the same day as the shooting. The same concepts apply. Just be faster.<\/p>\n
Your interview will take place in a studio or on location. Shooting on location has its pros and cons. They look authentic and you will be able to film in an area that relates to your character (like a library for a writer). However, you will have to deal with background noises or changes in lighting, to mention some problems.<\/p>\n