How To Interview

Rough ideas to be expanded upon, don't worry I'll get it sorted :)

Introduce yourself to the interviewee. If the interview is generic (eg interviewing a band at freshers ball) then it might be helpful to ask if there is anything they do or don't want to be asked.

If many interviewees, try to arrange them in shot and use camera mic rather than handheld, as it is difficult to move the microphone to who is talking quickly.

Using a tripod is essential wherever possible, a shaky shot will distract from the content. For very short interviews (primarily vox pops) filmed hastily, a shoudler-mounted shot will suffice. Alternatively, if the interviewees are sitting, kneal to steady the camera as much as possible.

It is best to ask the interviewee to look at the interviewer and not directly into the camera.

Different set ups for an interview - one shot, two shot standing (close up), two shot sitting (include more background,) over the shoulder shot, many person interview.

If you want the interviewer’s and interviewee’s faces to be seen, and one is a lot shorter than the other then asking them to sit down may be best so their heads are at the same level. If you do want them standing then inclines or stairs are useful (but don’t make them visible in the shot).

Having the camera looking up at the target (ie with it below their eye-level) adds a sense of power. Having the camera above eye-level looking down on a person makes them look inferior. Hitler was never filmed from below...