How to Shoot Professional Video Interviews: Setup Guide

Quick answer

To shoot professional video interviews, focus on three key areas: controlled lighting that flatters the subject, clean audio captured close to the mouth, and a simple composition that keeps attention on the speaker.

Step-by-step interview setup process

1. Choose your location and background: Select a quiet space with minimal ambient noise. Frame the subject against a clean, uncluttered background that supports the story. Avoid busy patterns or bright windows behind the subject. Check for distracting elements in the frame before the subject arrives.
2. Set up key light and fill light: Place the key light at a 45-degree angle to the subject, slightly above eye level. Use a softbox or diffusion to create a flattering, soft shadow. Add a fill light on the opposite side at half the intensity to reduce harsh shadows. A common mistake is placing the key light too close to the camera, which flattens the face. Aim for a catchlight in the subject's eyes to add life.
3. Add a backlight or hair light: Position a small light behind and above the subject, pointing toward the back of the head and shoulders. This separates the subject from the background and adds depth. A common mistake is using a backlight that is too bright, which creates an unnatural halo effect. Start with low power and increase only until you see separation.
4. Choose and position the microphone: Use a lavalier microphone clipped to the subject's collar, about 6-8 inches from the mouth, for clean, consistent audio. Alternatively, use a shotgun microphone mounted on a boom arm just out of frame. A common mistake is placing the mic too far away, resulting in hollow or echoey sound. Monitor audio levels with headphones during the entire interview.
5. Frame the subject and set the camera: Position the camera at eye level or slightly above for a natural perspective. Frame the subject in a medium close-up, with their eyes in the upper third of the frame. Leave headroom and look room in the direction they are facing. A common mistake is placing the camera too low, which creates an unflattering angle and makes the subject look up. Lock down the tripod and do not zoom or move during the interview.
6. Set exposure and white balance: Use a gray card or the subject's skin tone to set accurate white balance before recording. Adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve proper exposure. A common mistake is relying on auto white balance, which can shift mid-interview and create inconsistent color. Lock all manual settings once you have a good exposure.
7. Record a test clip and check audio: Before the real interview, record 30 seconds of the subject speaking naturally. Play it back on headphones to verify audio clarity, levels, and the absence of background noise or interference. A common mistake is skipping this step and discovering issues only during editing. Ask the subject to speak at their normal volume for the test.

Recommended resource

• Tips for Shooting Professional Video Interviews - 2nd Edition with Mike Wilkinson and Joshua Pardon: This e-book teaches the fundamentals of shooting basic interview videos incorporating proper lighting, audio, and composition. Updated 2nd Edition includes new chapters and expanded insights that reflect modern interview production techniques used by working documentary filmmakers today. It provides a structured, up-to-date foundation for interview video production, helping you avoid common mistakes and refine your workflow.