How to shoot an interview

Knowing how to shoot an interview professionally, efficiently and smoothly is one of the most important skill sets for any filmmaker to have. Whether you’re watching podcasts, creator partnerships, vlogs, or documentaries, you’ll see interviews everywhere. They’re a key part of the filmmaking process. And somehow, although you may not be able to put your finger on why, some just “feel” more well-produced than others, right?

By the end of this article, you’ll understand why that is. From interview setup and framing to lighting, shooting, audio, editing, and everything in between, this is your ultimate guide to how to shoot interviews for your films.

Why interviews are important

When you conduct an interview and feature it in your film, there’s a real purpose to it. Typically, an interview is featured because it delivers key information that ties a narrative together and drives it forward. Because of this importance, it’s likely that the interview footage will feature quite prominently throughout the film.

Interviews add authenticity, credibility, and emotional depth to a story. They allow audiences to hear directly from real people, creating a genuine connection that scripted content often can’t replicate. When we show a subject’s personality, emotions, and vulnerabilities, these interviews can make viewers more invested in the story and help humanize the characters, whether it’s in a documentary or a fictional piece. Interviews can also bring in multiple perspectives, adding complexity and richness to the narrative.

When they’re done well, interviews enhance visual and stylistic appeal, often using close-ups, direct eye contact, and unique backgrounds that make scenes feel intimate and engaging. Filmmakers will make use of lighting, framing, and editing techniques to shape the narrative, selectively revealing information that creates suspense or resolution. 

But what if the quality of the interview isn’t that great? If the framing is jarring, the lighting is poor or the audio sounds bad, all of that is going to detract from the overall film and viewers may find it hard to sit through and watch. Your interviews should be perfect every time, so that the viewer is focusing on nothing else but what the subject is saying.

How to shoot an interview

With the above in mind, it’s time to take a look at the process of interview shooting in detail. 

Interview framing

Interview framing is the technique of positioning the subject within the camera’s frame to create a specific mood, focus, or aesthetic that enhances the interview's impact. It involves decisions about where to place the subject (centered or off-center), what angle to use, and what background elements to include. Thoughtful framing is key because it shapes how viewers perceive and connect with the interviewee and can subtly influence their interpretation of the content. Here are some top tips:

1. Choose a meaningful location

• Film in a location that connects with the subject or the story’s theme. For instance, a scientist might be interviewed in a lab, or an artist in their studio. These environments add depth and context without needing any extra exposition.
• You should avoid cluttered or overly busy locations, as they can be distracting. Opt for places with controlled lighting and minimal noise interference.

2. Select the right background

• Backgrounds should be relevant, but never overwhelming. A few well-chosen details (books, art, plants) can hint at the subject’s personality or interests without pulling focus from them.
• You should keep some distance between the subject and the background to create depth and separation, which helps the subject stand out. This also enables using a shallow depth of field (blurred background) to draw the viewer’s eye to the subject’s face.

3. Position the subject thoughtfully

• Rule of thirds: Perhaps the most important rule of filmmaking is the rule of thirds. You could position the subject off-center, aligning their face with one of the frame’s vertical thirds. This then leaves “look space” in front of them, making the shot feel natural and balanced.
• Direct-to-camera framing: For a more intimate feel, you could place the subject in the center of the frame, looking directly into the camera. This style works well for personal or emotional interviews where direct eye contact can enhance engagement.

4. Consider interview camera angles and eye level

• Keep your camera angles at or slightly above eye level for most interviews, as this tends to feel most natural. Shooting slightly above eye level can give the viewer a subtle sense of respect or authority toward the subject. 
• Avoid extreme low or high angles unless they’re being intentionally used for effect, as they can be distracting or convey unintended power dynamics. For example, if viewers are looking up at the subject from below, this implies the subject is a powerful, dominating figure.

5. Frame size and distance

• Try to use medium or medium-close shots for most interviews (roughly chest-up or shoulders-up), which capture the subject’s expressions while including some background context. This framing is intimate but not too invasive.
• For particularly emotional moments, a close-up can enhance the impact, while a wider shot can convey isolation or vulnerability by showing more of the surrounding space. Knowing your way around tripods will be useful here.

Interview lighting

When it comes to your interview setup, lighting may be the most important element. This is the art of setting up lights to enhance the subject’s appearance, focus attention, and set the mood of the interview. 

Good lighting highlights the interviewee’s expressions and minimizes distractions, allowing your viewers to connect more deeply with what they’re saying. It also shapes the tone — soft, warm lighting can make a subject feel approachable, while cooler or harsher lighting might convey formality or seriousness. 

Effective lighting can create visual separation from the background, guiding viewers’ eyes to the subject and ensuring facial expressions and emotions are clearly visible for better engagement. 

Here are some top tips:

1. Use three-point lighting

You may have already come across the concept of 3-point lighting, which is perfect for any interview set up.

• Key light: Place your main light source at a 45-degree angle from the subject to one side. This is the brightest light and highlights the subject’s face.
• Fill light: Set a secondary, softer light on the opposite side to reduce shadows created by the key light. This makes the lighting more even and natural-looking.
• Backlight (or rim light): Position a light behind the subject to create separation from the background. This helps the subject stand out and adds depth to the shot.

2. Soften the light with diffusion

• Harsh light can create unflattering shadows and highlight imperfections. You can use softboxes, diffusers, or even natural materials (like a translucent shower curtain) to soften the light for a more natural, flattering look.
• If you’re using window light, diffuse it with a sheer curtain or shade to create softer shadows.

3. Balance natural and artificial light

• If you’re shooting with natural light, position the subject near a window for soft, even lighting, but be mindful of time changes as daylight can vary quickly. You should combine natural light with artificial lights to maintain consistency if the lighting conditions shift.
• When using artificial lights alongside natural light, adjust their brightness and color temperature so they blend well.

4. Adjust color temperature

• Match your light sources’ color temperature to create a cohesive look. You can opt for warm light (3200K) for a cozy, inviting feel or cooler light (5600K) for a more neutral, daylight-like effect.
• Avoid mixing color temperatures (for example, daylight and tungsten), as this can create some distracting color contrasts. Many LED lights have adjustable temperatures, making it easy to match different sources.

5. Mind shadows and reflections

• Position your lights carefully to avoid harsh shadows on the face, especially under the nose, chin, or in the eye sockets. Use a fill light or bounce light to soften these whenever possible.
• Be mindful of reflections on glasses, jewelry, or shiny surfaces. Adjusting the angle of the lights or using a polarizing filter on the camera can help reduce any problematic glare.

6. Use practical lights for background interest

• Adding “practical lights” (like a lamp or string lights in the background) can enhance the atmosphere and add some depth to the shot. These lights create visual interest without drawing attention away from the subject.
• Make sure these background lights are not too bright or distracting, and use them to subtly complement the interview’s mood.

7. Test and adjust lighting for consistency

• You’ll want to do test shots before starting to ensure the lighting is balanced and flattering. Small adjustments in angle, distance, or intensity can make a big difference in achieving the look you want.
• To ensure visual continuity, check your lighting consistency from shot to shot, especially if you’re filming multiple takes or moving locations.

Audio for interviews

It’s simple. If you don’t have great audio, you don’t have a great interview. This is the one thing you absolutely must get right. If there are some small errors with the visuals, these can potentially be managed with overlaying B-roll footage. But bad audio? Game over. Here are some top tips to nail your audio every time:

1. Choose the right microphone

• Lavalier (lapel) microphones: Clip-on mics are discreet and capture clear, consistent sound from the subject. They’re ideal for sit-down interviews where movement is limited.
• Shotgun microphones: Place these on a boom or mic stand above the subject, just out of the camera frame. Shotgun mics capture directional sound and are great for isolating the voice while minimizing background noise.

2. Position the microphone carefully

• Place lavalier mics on the chest, around 6-8 inches from the mouth, avoiding clothing that might rustle.
• For shotgun mics, position them slightly above or below the mouth, angled toward the subject’s mouth but out of the camera frame.

3. Record in a quiet environment

• Choose a location with minimal background noise. You really want to avoid areas with air conditioners, traffic, or crowds, as these can disrupt the audio quality.
• Before you start, listen for any small noises (like buzzing or humming) that might go unnoticed but could become distracting in the recording.

4. Monitor audio with headphones

• Use high-quality headphones to monitor the audio during the recording. This lets you hear and adjust for any issues like background noise, mic rustling, or interference.
• Keep an eye on the audio levels, ensuring they’re not too low (resulting in muffled sound) or peaking (causing distortion).

5. Use a windscreen or pop filter

• For outdoor interviews, use a windscreen or “dead cat” cover on your mic to reduce wind noise and maintain clear sound.
• Indoors, a pop filter or foam cover on the mic can help soften plosive sounds (like “p” and “b” sounds) that create harsh audio spikes.

6. Record room tone

• Try to capture 30 seconds of “room tone” (the ambient sound of the room) before or after the interview. This audio can help smooth out edits later in post-production.

7. Use a backup recorder

• It’s a great rule of thumb to have a backup audio recorder, if possible, to ensure you don’t lose any audio in case of technical issues. Recording into the camera as well as an external recorder gives you a little bit of a safety net.

Editing your interview

The last part of the interview process comes in the edit. This is where you can really shape and craft your narrative with the material at your disposal. Ultimately, you’re aiming to create a polished and engaging interview that effectively communicates your subject’s message and story. Here are some top tips to achieve that:

1. Organize and review footage first

• Before diving into your edit, it’s essential that you watch all the footage to get a sense of the key moments, best takes, and emotional beats. Make notes or mark important sections to streamline the editing process.
• Organize your clips into categories, such as topic sections or strong soundbites, to make it easier to find what you need during editing.

2. Cut for clarity and conciseness

• Trim out filler words, pauses, and repetitive information to keep the interview concise and engaging. You should only include what moves the story forward or adds value.
• Focus on creating a clear narrative flow, arranging answers in a way that feels logical and coherent, even if the questions or answers weren’t recorded in sequence.

3. Add B-roll and cutaways

• You can insert B-roll footage (related visuals or footage of the setting) or cutaways (shots of hands and surroundings) to break up long talking segments and keep the visual interest.
• You should use B-roll to cover any jump cuts, improve pacing and add context to what the subject is discussing.

4. Use music and sound design wisely

• Choose music that enhances the mood and tone without overpowering the interviewee’s voice. Use it to transition between segments or emphasize emotional beats.
• Sound effects can subtly add depth, but try to use them sparingly. You want to avoid anything too dramatic or distracting that could pull focus from the subject.

5. Enhance audio quality

• Use audio editing tools to adjust levels, remove background noise, and balance the sound. You want to ensure the subject’s voice is clear and at a consistent volume.
• If the audio contains unwanted sounds or noise, try using noise reduction or equalization tools to clean it up.

6. Polish with color grading

• Apply color correction to ensure the subject’s skin tones look natural and the footage is visually consistent. Color grading can also help establish the mood — warm tones for a welcoming feel, or cooler tones for seriousness.
• Make any adjustments needed to balance exposure, contrast, and saturation to keep the video visually pleasing and cohesive. You can use Artlist LUTs to achieve professional color grades quickly and efficiently.

7. Review and fine-tune

• You should watch the interview from start to finish after your initial edit to spot any continuity issues, awkward cuts, or missed moments. Fine-tune transitions, audio, and pacing as needed.
• If possible, get feedback from a colleague or friend to ensure the interview flows well and is clear, engaging, and professional.

So, that’s everything you need to know about how to shoot an interview that compels your audience and drives the narrative forward. Creating a beautifully shot, professional interview isn’t as daunting as it may seem. It just requires focus and attention on the details. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to shoot perfect interviews on a consistent basis, helping you to execute the vision you have for your creative projects.

*This article’s cover image was inspired by footage from the Studio Gestures story by AG-Studio