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10 Tips for Shooting Effective Interviews

    The top ten tips for shooting effective interviews (according to Multimedia Foundations by Vic Costello) are:

  1. Position the camera, interviewer, and interviewee at eye level in relation to one another.
  2. Don't  place the interviewee directly against a wall.
  3. Don't place the interviewee in front of a window.
  4. Avoid swivel chairs.
  5. Follow the rule of thirds - place the subject to the right or left of center.
  6. Have the subject look slightly off axis to the camera- never directly head on.
  7. Place the interviewer as close to the left or right side of the camera as possible.
  8. Switch between using each side of the camera when shooting the interviewer.
  9. Don't use distracting background mergers and clutter.
  10. Check on the audio and video recording at the beginning of the interview and throughout to avoid a mess-up. 


      Even though I have ever shot or participated in an interview before, I have watched quite a few on YouTube.  As a viewer, the top five most important tips out of the previously mentioned ten are the following.
 
       The background is extremely important to the quality of the video and keeping the viewer interested. NOT placing the interviewee directly in front of a wall (because its boring and feels claustrophobic) or a window (because not only is the lighting awful but it is also distracting if things are happening outside the window).  A messy background appears unprofessional and is super distracting to the viewer.  

     Following the rule of thirds is also super important.  It makes the video more interesting and easy to focus on.  It also makes the video more aesthetically pleasing.

       Having the subject look slightly off axis to the camera instead of directly head positively affects the video in innumerable ways.  Having the interviewee look head on is boring and can be unflattering for the subject.  Also, I've found that in the interviews I've watched, viewing the subject from the side can help me feel more connected to them and see their emotions more.  


Just this morning I saw this image and was reminded of why to never place the interviewee in front of a window!! 

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