Directing a corporate interview (solo gig)

H

Heartfelt

Well-known member
Let's say you are filming an interview with yourself as the interviewer and a guest. You have 2 camera's and will be filming the two of you standing together, in front of a background (assume the lighting is done).

What angles would you choose for your cameras and what direction would you face yourself and the talent?

My thought is to tow each of us in about 30 degrees, have a camera straight on and the second directly in line of the guest's face. The thinking is that the main camera can capture the pair and zoom a bit for contrast and the second, off 30 degrees can focus more on the guest during their responses.

Any ideas, suggestions or corrections?
Rob
 
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Hey Rob. First I'm a little curious why you would be interviewing someone while standing. Every interview I have ever shot was of two people sitting down. If there's a reason for doing that (demonstration of some kind), then more power to you.

That said...I think the two angles that you have picked out would work fine. Maybe go back and grab a couple of closeups on yourself as well (some reaction shots) just so you have something to cut to if you find that the host has messed up and you want to be able to cut out of that. Best of luck with your shoot!
 
I think you've got it right. Shoot over the interviewers right shoulder/interviewee over thier left (or vice versa) so you won't be "crossing the line."

Almost sounds like you're going to position the two cameras (and lights), hit record x2 and jump in? I'm getting this from the thread title and "each of us" in your post. I've certainly seen it done that way, sometimes with pretty good results.

I do a fair number of interviews but because my face is generally not germaine to the subject (and look much better behind the camera), I usually shoot the subject for the edit booth. You can shoot reaction shots over the interviewee's shoulder after the interview has concluded--used to see this done all the time with news crews in the field.

I have, on occasion, shot the interviewer later on (or at a different location) due to their inavailability. Then I just decide how much face time they need to make the clip work and cut to them for a reaction shot or question. The rest of the time they will be speaking off camera. Doesn't work in every situation.

I'm not trying to steer you from your plan--if the interviewer adds interest to the shot then go for it. I'm just trying to throw out a few thoughts.
 
Sorry for the late reply.... vacation.

Chris,
The reason for standing is the industrial environment and the subject being actual processes as they are being demonstrated behind us, via greenscreen.

dregenthal and Chris,
Thanks for the ideas. I will plan to shoot reaction and safety shots. I hadn't thought of these.
 
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