An interview is not just a conversation—it’s a storytelling opportunity. Crafting this narrative visually requires technical know-how and an artistic touch. Here, we’ll explore some helpful tips for artfully filming an interview that can elevate your subject’s story and captivate your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting, these insights will help you approach your next interview project with a creative edge.
Position Your Camera Carefully
The camera is your audience’s eye, and where you place it can dramatically affect the feel of the interview. For the most part, you want to position your camera at eye level to create a sense of equality between the subject and viewers. However, try experimenting with a few essential camera angles here and there for visual relief and impact.
Set Up a Neutral yet Powerful Background
What are you going to have behind your interview subject? While you shouldn’t display a cluttered room, you don’t need to rely on a solid-color sheet. Look for a setting that isn’t too distracting and provides visual interest and context about the subject. For example, if you’re interviewing a professor, film the interview in a study, but prep the space ahead of time to minimize clutter. Additionally, use a camera setting that blurs out the background significantly; this way, viewers get the essence of the location without getting distracted from your subject.
Control the Lighting
Lighting sets the tone of your interview and can add depth to your subject. Use soft, diffused light to avoid harsh shadows and highlight your subject’s facial expressions. Key lighting, fill lighting, and backlighting are crucial for three-dimensional depth. Experimenting with the color temperature can also evoke different moods. A warmer hue can create a friendly, inviting atmosphere, while cooler tones might suggest a more serious or clinical setting. Play around with the lighting, working with your interview subject to learn and adapt to how they want you to portray them.
Engage With Your Subject
The best interviews feature people speaking comfortably from the heart, and what you do before you start filming can help set the stage for this. Therefore, before you start rolling, spend time with your subject to build rapport, laugh, and hear about their hopes for the interview. Also, make sure you let them know what your vision is for the scene and help them understand exactly what to expect from you filming-wise. Ask about angles and distances from the camera that they are and aren’t comfortable with; this way, you avoid stressing your interviewee out mid-conversation.
These helpful tips for artfully filming an interview can make a remarkable difference in the final product of your filmmaking project. With these strategies in mind, you’re well on your way to creating an interview that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression.
