Here are 5 tips for setting up a professional interview on the web (even if it’s your first try).
1. Equipment makes all the difference. So if you’re not using high end products, research them and understand the best settings to maximize their output. For example, if you’re using a lower end microphone, place the microphone as close to the speaker’s mouth as possible without it being in the shot and lower the internal volume on the camera settings so as to avoid the microphone from picking up any ambient noise or that awful background hiss we all know and hate!
2. Lighting in terms of visuals can make or break the shoot. If the subject looks too hard or has too much contrast, try placing the lighting so that it illuminates the person without washing out their appearance. Usually the easiest way to achieve this is by using 3 points of lighting. One placed in front of the subject, to the side of the subject, and behind the subject. It’s a tricky line to tow, but ultimately lighting has the power to turn your average shoot into an impressive one!
3. The composition of the interview is also very important. When shooting an interview utilize the rule of thirds. By placing your subject where the lines intersect it will create a much more compelling visual for the viewer that will garner their attention for much longer. Additionally, the golden ratio can be applied. The golden ratio follows along the same lines as the rule of thirds by placing the subject to either side of the middle in the first or third segment of the visual that is divided into thirds.
4. The background of your shoot is just as important as the foreground. When setting up the shot, the subject is to be the point of focus, so don’t have busy backgrounds and if you can’t help it utilize a depth of field shot to focus on the subject and leave the background blurry.
5. Eye lines are very important during the interview process. When shooting the interview place yourself just to the left or right of the camera depending upon which side the subject prefers. By having your subject looking near the camera and not directly into it, the viewer will feel more comfortable and at ease.
