Technical Tips for Conducting Interviews
Producing a successful interview begins before you push record on your camera. Capturing a great interview not only relies on the questions you ask, but also how you physical set up the interview. Here are three technical tips for recording your video interviews:
Turn off distracting background noise: This includes air conditioners, fans, televisions, music. If you have a pet, move them away from the recording area. Remove or silence any sounds the will interrupt or diminish the sound quality of your audio.
Use the natural light in your space: You may not always have access to professional lights or be able to set up traditional 3-point lighting. In this case, take advantage of the natural light in your environment. Before filming, locate the natural light in your space. This will be the sunlight coming into the space from a window. Position your subject next to the window so light from the sun can serve as either your Key or Fill light.
Double check the framing of your shot: When you've decided on a location to film within the space, assess the composition of your interview shot. Composition refers to the layout of everything you see within the camera's monitor or frame. Everything in your frame is important, not just the subject. Evaluate what the background and lighting looks like. Is there anything in the frame which is going to be distracting or disrupt the continuity of the video? Pay attention to the edges of your frame and avoid having half objects in the frame, especially people.
These are just a few technical reminders for setting up your interview, but to learn more about how to craft interview questions, join us on October 28th for our virtual Art of the Interview workshop. Plus, check out all of our upcoming workshops and professional courses at mnn.org/learn.