In videography, interviews are one of the most common and at the same time most challenging tasks. You need not only technical know-how, but also a good sense of aesthetics and timing. A well-done video interview can succinctly capture the essence of a person, tell a story about them - and intrigue the viewer in ways that words alone could not.
For an interesting video interview, it is not enough to simply turn on the camera and ask questions. The first thing is to create a trusting atmosphere in which the interviewee feels comfortable. You have to use the right equipment skillfully to make the best use of the available light. Finally, you have to present the interviewee's answers in a way that is both informative and appealing to the viewer.
In this blog post, you'll learn how to create amazing video interviews using some proven techniques. We will look at the technical aspects such as camera selection, lighting and framing. But creative aspects, such as the choice of interview location and clever questioning, are also taken into account. Whether you're an experienced videographer or just starting out, these tips and tricks will help you hone your skills and produce video interviews that are sure to get viewer interest.
Choosing the interview location and asking the right questions are equally critical to the success of your video interview. The location should fit the topic of the interview and it should be an environment in which the interviewee feels comfortable. A quiet, well-lit room with little background noise is usually ideal. Make sure the background is not too distracting and that there is enough space for the camera and lighting.
Important: Do your homework! Prepare well for the interview and research your interviewee or the topic you want to talk to him/her about. Your questions should be open-ended to give the interviewee the opportunity for detailed answers. But also be prepared to deviate from your prepared list of questions and respond to the interviewee's answers. That is why it is also important to acquire the necessary background knowledge beforehand. For most questions, you should already know roughly what the interviewee will answer. A good interview feels more like a casual conversation where the interviewees pass the balls to each other, so to speak.
Technically, choosing the right camera and lens are critical to the quality of your video. A high-quality camera will ensure crisp, clear footage, while the lens will greatly affect the depth of field and overall look of your video. For interviews, we recommend a camera with good low-light performance and a lens with an open aperture (e.g. f/2.8) to create a nice bokeh and focus on the interviewee. In addition, a camera with a powerful autofocus (e.g. Canon's dual-pixel autofocus) can ensure that the interviewee always stays in sharp focus, even if he/she moves during the interview.
Sound is an often neglected but equally crucial aspect of a successful video interview. A good microphone is essential to ensure that the interviewee's voice can be heard clearly. There are different types of microphones you can use, depending on your specific needs and the situation. Lavalier microphones, also called lapel microphones, are a popular choice for interviews because they can be placed close to the speaker's mouth while being relatively unobtrusive. They are ideal for situations where the interviewee needs to move around during the interview. Shotgun microphones are another good option. They have a very directional recording characteristic and are ideal for recording voices from a specific direction while minimizing background noise. Regardless of the microphone you choose, it is important to perform a sound check before recording to ensure that the audio is recorded clearly and without distracting background noise.
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Coherent lighting also plays a crucial role in the visual representation of the interviewee(s). After all, the point is that viewers can literally form a picture of a person. A three-point lighting system consisting of a main light, fill light and background light is a proven method for illuminating the face well and creating depth in the image. The main light, also called the Key Light, is the strongest and is usually positioned to illuminate the interviewee's face from one side. The fill light, or fill light, is positioned on the opposite side to reduce shadows and evenly illuminate the face. The backlight or Back Light is placed behind the interviewee to set them apart from the background and create three-dimensional depth.
Furthermore, the choice of camera angle and framing can significantly affect the impact of your video. A slight upward angle can convey authority, while a downward angle makes the interviewee appear more approachable and likable. Make sure your interviewee is well placed in the frame and has enough "viewing space". This is the space that remains open in the direction the interviewee is looking or moving. A good tip is (as in photography) the rule of thirds: divide the image mentally by two horizontal and two vertical lines into nine equally sized squares. The person's face should now be on one of these lines or ideally on one of the four intersections.
Effective camera movements and the right shot size can add an element of interesting dynamics to your video. A smooth pan or zoom can add to the drama, while choosing the right shot size (e.g., close-up, medium shot) can help create the right mood and draw the viewer's attention. Close-ups are ideal for capturing emotion and making a personal connection with the interviewee, while medium shots or wide shots are used to show the interviewee in their environment and provide context.
Post-processing is another important aspect. This is where the creativity of the interviewer or editor comes into play again. The goal of editing is to present the clips by cutting and arranging them in a way that tells the story in a fluid and interesting way. Color correction can be used specifically for moods and ensure that colors are consistent. Adjusting the audio is also important so that voices can be heard clearly and background noise or any music is not distracting. Finally, visual and audio effects can be added to enhance the video and draw the viewer's attention. This can be done, for example, in the form of text overlays and graphics or with the help of transitions and sound effects.
With the right equipment and technique, you can create interesting video interviews that are guaranteed to keep your viewers tuned in until the end. Here, too, the motto is: No master falls from the sky, and practice makes perfect! So take the above principles to heart, but feel free to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. And don't forget that one of the most important requirements for a good interview is "good chemistry" between the questioner and the interviewee (...which admittedly can be a particular challenge with somewhat more difficult characters...). With well-prepared questions, a pleasant interview atmosphere and, above all, a respectful approach, you are most likely to get your interview partner to open up and give you the information you are looking for.
There are many good cameras for video interviews, but some of the most popular are the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the Sony A7S III, and the Panasonic Lumix GH5. These cameras offer excellent image quality, good low-light performance, and a variety of features that are useful for videographers.
A common method of lighting video interviews is the three-point lighting system, which consists of a main light (Key Light), a fill light (Fill Light), and a back light (Back Light). The main light is the strongest and is usually positioned to illuminate the interviewee's face from one side. The fill light is positioned on the opposite side to reduce shadows, and the backlight is placed behind the interviewee to make him stand out from the background.
Editing a video interview involves several steps, including cutting and arranging clips, color correction, adjusting audio, and adding effects or graphics. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve are popular video editing tools. It can be helpful to take tutorials or courses on these programs to learn the basics of video editing.
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