The Talking Head interview...
seems so simple, doesn't it? Looks can always be deceptive! Like all apparently easy things, the devil lies in the detail.
We've come up with 7 handy tips to ensure that your talking head works smoothly - and looks as professional as it can be! Wireless Radio Mic is a must A Wireless Radio Mic is necessary for two reasons.
First, it gets rid of the annoying wires from the process.
And second, it turns filming an interview, effectively a single person job.
It also lets you enjoy the freedom to shoot your interviewee anywhere you like, without depending on things like the length of the cables, thanks to a good range of most radio microphones.
Consistency is the key Even if you are filming a couple of different shots, make sure that all your Close Ups, Long and Mid shots are filmed at the same levels of zoom.
A change in zoom between cuts is easily recognisable and looks very odd! Maintain the Camera at eye level The camera is effectively the eye of the viewer.
Our audience can feel superior or inferior depending on how you position your camera.
Keeping it at the eye level of the interviewee is a good idea! Never forget the psychology of height and positioning! Position your interviewee properly Seeing an interviewee talk directly into the camera is unusual - and most interviewees aren't very comfortable at it.
If you have your interviewer to one side of the camera, your subject will try to maintain eye contact with them and it will also feel warmer for the audience.
Also it will put your interviewee significantly more at ease! Hold the Camera at a Distance From the Subject This will not only create a nice depth of field, but also avoid the background from seeming flat and lifeless.
When the lighting is constantly good, keep your aperture as low as possible - it helps to create a good depth of field.
Avoid changing zoom levels between shots as long as it is possible.
It seems amateurish and can be extremely irritating to the viewer! Background & Location Don't forget that when you're conducting an interview, no matter how exciting a background may be, if it's a loud outdoor place, its ambient noise will adversely affect the sound quality.
If you're planning to film indoors, keep in mind the sound quality of your picked space.
If the room echoes, it will have a cold, airy sound; and cozy rooms give off a warm, intimate sound.
You can't choose between one for better or worse, but for what fits best with your interview.
Always keep in mind the preferences of the interviewee and their sensibilities when choosing a location.
Your priority for the interview should be for it to be rich with content, even if it doesn't necessarily look like a Hollywood set.
Choose somewhere that reinforces the content of the interview and which isn't in any way a distraction of any sorts from the primary focus of the shot.
Lighting Poor lighting can spoil the best of interviews! We've scoured the web to find the best how-to on lighting.
Have a look at the video below! Conclusion Don't forget that these are just guidelines.
Feel free to use as little or as much of the advice as you deem fit for your own creative parameters! You could try using multiple cameras...
maybe use starker lighting...
either way, your aim should be to make something that engages and entertains your audience - it's always best to use your own judgment!