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Interviews have a wide variety of uses and roles in Orlando video productions, including customer testimonials, CEO sound bites, mid-conference interactions, and employee “about us” videos. Aside from preparing the content and questions, however, one must think about everything else that goes into an interview. Read on for tips on setting the scene for your next interview:
Props and Clothing
If you are filming in a studio, no props are necessary. However, individuals who choose to film elsewhere do so for a reason. For example, filming in an office can help establish a person’s credibility and character even without a verbal or captioned introduction. Similarly, capturing a customer testimonial in his or her home can help the message feel more personal and authentic.
If you are interviewing a CEO or other industry leader, clear the office of unnecessary papers and clutter but leave it otherwise alone. For interviews in someone’s home or another setting, try to find an area with a simple background. Be sure not to use any props that could date the interview, and the same holds true for clothing. No matter where you set up the shoot, ask your interviewee to wear a solid-colored shirt, suit, or dress with simple makeup and jewelry.
Positioning the Subject
Watch a few commercials or clips from documentaries and observe how people are seated while answering questions or giving a testimonial. Conducting an interview from behind a desk or other physical barrier can disconnect the message giver and the audience. Instead, have your interviewee perch on a chair, stool, or sofa. Make sure your subjects are fully comfortable; otherwise they may tire more quickly or begin to show tension in their face or voice.
Ask About Lighting
Amble, natural light is often flattering but can create problems. If the interview period lasts more than an hour or so, multiple lighting adjustments may be required as the sun and clouds shift. Thankfully, high-quality lighting equipment can be used in a studio or out on location to help control lighting levels and avoid unwanted shadows. Talk to your camera crew for more information about your location and lighting options to avoid any issues on-set.
Create a Quiet Environment
As a quick exercise, make a short mental list of the sounds around you, ranging from the heating or air conditioning unit to co-workers chatting. Listen for footsteps in the hallway, ringing telephones, and exterior traffic noise. Is there a distinct buzz from the overhead lights, or a drafty window nearby? Ambient noise can add up, so you should try to limit any extraneous sounds during filming. Choose a location away from traffic, turn phones on silent, pause the HVAC unit, or send a company-wide memo requesting that individuals stay away from the conference room area. Both your interviewer and interviewee should be able to focus on the questions at hand, able to converse freely without interruption or distraction.
The crew at our Orlando video production company, NG Production Films, has over 15 years of experience capturing interviews in settings from corporate to casual. In addition to handling microphone placement and lighting concerns, we can help you interact with the interviewee on set to capture the best possible sound bites. For a free consultation, call us at (877) 203-2895 or fill out our simple contact form for a prompt reply.