How to Shoot an Interview (as a One Man Band)

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BTS Camera this was filmed on (Sony FX9): geni.us/sonyfx9
B-camera (5D MkIV): geni.us/5div
A-camera (Sony FS5): geni.us/sonyfs5
Shotgun Mic (Rode NTG-4): geni.us/ntg4mic
Lapel / Radio mic (Rodelink): geni.us/Rodelinkmic
Key Light (Aputure 300x): geni.us/aputure300xlight
Aputure Light Dome: geni.us/Aputuredome
To connect with me on Instagram: / jacksonjkingsley
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#filmmaking #interview #howto

[@OrenArieli]

90% of my interviews are as a solo operator, and a few things that have greatly helped me is using a mannequin head (cheap hairdressers practice head) on a stand, since I often arrive much earlier than the talent. I can set up the dummy head and frame my shot and roughly light it so that when talent sits in, I'm only doing minor adjustments. Also, providing a clear cable-free walking path to the set is quite helpful for the talent, especially in darker rooms or when you've already turned off house lights. Whenever possible sand bag your stands, but most importantly any boom stand that is close to talent. In a pinch, taping down the legs can be helpful if you want to minimize weight. In a very dark room such as this, I would have incorporated a tiny on-camera light pointed at my face so that the talent could actually see me. They are in a blinding light, so having a good eyeline can help them feel at ease. Final..but crucial piece of kit is oil absorbing rice paper sheets to reduce the shine on the face. Next best thing to having a mini makeup kit. Making your talent look and sound their best is a challenge that we take on with every interview.

[@Jinaci1732]

Thanks

[@pedro_a_martins]

Great comment, thanks!

[@skmkenny5148]

Truly great advice. Thank you

[@jacksonkingsley7414]

Hope you find this useful. This is my first tutorial of this kind, and I tried to cover as much as I can, as quickly as I can. It's by no means an advanced lighting tutorial, so please don't kill me for putting the egg crate on the wrong side ;) Let me know what you think and what other topics you'd like to see covered in the future!

[@skymakai]

Looking forward to the follow up.

[@MrBillyReubin]

This was great. I've watched a lot of these tutorials so far, and you've struck a good balance of giving all the details someone familiar with a camera would need (e.g. f 2.8, colour temp) while keeping a nice pace and not going too extraneous. Loved it!

[@anottage74]

Good Stuff!

[@russellwright9961]

I honestly was wondering if that was a new technique in putting the diffuser outside of the egg crate, but I really appreciate your honesty!

[@tonyrushing180]

By far one of the best and simple tutorials. Just followed!

[@diegocaracasfc]

What I hadn't seen from other tutorials was the fact you mention very valuable points, for example, get the person to repeat the question when they answer. Great job!!

[@michaelhamilton6759]

In a crowded field, this is one of the best instructional videos I've ever seen.

[@dpcook1585]

totally agree - there is so much noise and this is clear

[@87andsmith]

Why not shoot into the L of the room to create leading lines and possibly could have used the overhead lights as simply practicals while still lighting with your key and hair. Better than just flat black wall in the back. Just my thoughts

[@VolkerThimm]

Amen

[@plank.rec709]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrMakemestuff]

@@plank.rec709the cowards reply.

[@rickdeckardbladerunner2049]

Totally agree. Never shoot into a wall if you can help it. With that big room, it's a given to shoot into the L. I liked seeing the overhead practicals on the B camera, so shoot in the L of the room for the main camera, and use a hair light or overhead to match the look of the motivating light from the practical lights. Maybe light the back wall to give it some contrast and make it more interesting is possible to add layers to your frame. Use the framework! This is the way!

[@hausahiphop24]

Remember this is not master class, please do not confuse the beginners.

[@networkingcafe]

Nowadays people are looking for the best and ultimate camera and equipment, but you don't need the latest version in order to get a great job like yours!

[@gregv2821]

Good video. I would have white balanced with the house lights off. Also, you might want to put the grid on the outside of the diffusion. By putting it on the inside you've rendered the grid useless. I always put the hair light higher and center it over the top and a few feet behind the subject to get good, even coverage. Another important tool that is absolutely indispensable for a one man band is a Foldit collapsible utility cart. That thing is worth its weight in gold.

[@MikeyColon]

Facts! I've never seen anyone put the egg crate first. Cutting the house lights would have been better.

[@degriff]

Man, this was insanely useful to watch. Thank you for all the effort in presenting this!

[@LoriGama]

This is a complete overview video on how to shoot an interview as a one man band. Jackson: you covered everything: lighting; audio; cameras; camera angles; what the subject should bring to the interview to wear and why; 4 tips for doing the actual interview (these are very useful tips that I had not come across yet in my research) and so much more. I also love that you shared the actual interview with all the final edits done. I love how detailed yet not too detailed you got with the equipment. As a novice KZbin Podcaster, I really appreciate that because some tutorials I've watched get too technical (I'm not ready for that yet: too overwhelming) and some are not technical enough. I just really love the overall balance you struck in this helpful video. Thank you!!!

[@rene.rodriguez]

You’re a great instructor. Keep up the great work.

[@brianmcintyre739]

Fantastic video, clear, concise and full of great tips. Thanks for the help.

[@taraialexander4109]

Thanks for this; I really learned a lot! I'm planning an interview style documentary and although I won't be shooting it, this has taught me some questions to ask whomever I hire.

[@visionaireepictures]

This video was very helpful thank you I am a filmmaker who wants to do interviews this video broke down a lot in a way that was easy to digest. thank you!

[@kwamequansah2466]

Thank youuuu! Your explanation is very comprehensive. Exactly what we need

[@getheyer]

Watched it only partially and without sound and its already damn useful to me. Definitely going to get some light and practice. Highly recommend!

[@JamesMeyer]

Thank you. This was super helpful as it addressed several key points simply and effectively

[@nzrkm]

So good! Great to hear instruction from someone who has actually spent time in the field.

[@neilsherwood]

Amazing! I have an interview tomorrow and this has alleviated my nerves! Brilliant video thanks 😊

[@thomwhitehead8761]

Fantastic video. This piece should be linked to by every reseller in the world. I'm an editor by trade, but have done a good amount of "one man band" interviews in the past few years and you gave me quite a few procedural pointers I have been missing. I particularly liked the order and methodical approach to all the steps necessary to get a good interview. I might consider a checklist based up this time efficient presentation. Good work and I hope the word spreads about this demo.

[@LucBoeren]

REally really well done! Congrats

[@chrisham4430]

Excellent tutorial. This was super informative.

[@themyhpodcast2547]

i come back and watch this video all the time to refresh myself with all the steps. i record on my own all the time and this video is great. i now set up all my interviews like this. This wont be the last time i watch this video. keep up the great work

[@gracekk7953]

Thanks a lot for producing this video, it’s really helpful!

[@GegengeradePodcast]

Seen quite a few videos about shooting interviews, and this is surely one of the best. Straightforward, pragmatic, and a lot of valuable information within a short amount of time. Thank you very much, this is much appreciated and helped me a lot!

[@Andyhutchinson]

Really helpful practical tips Jackson - all clearly and concisely explained. Thank-you.

[@kurtmanderbach8164]

This is such a great find for me! I’m starting a mini documentary project soon and professional interviews are critical. Thanks!

[@jairamk.p.vanamala8323]

Excellent video with practical tips. This should have a million views already.

[@jaapvw66]

Making the backlight more like a toplight would prevent her black hair melt into the background. And I think using such a long lens is having some disadvantages, You will "squeeze" the background and the subject more, what will cause less depth. And you are on an uncomfortable distance from your interviewee. Since a lot of people are not used to be in front of the camera, making them feel comfortable is very important for having the most natural answers. And doing the exposure and white balance with all the house lights on, is not very effective. I do a lot of interviews for news, and in 90% of the cases we are not in a conference room with a lot of space and the ability to control the lights. Mostly in an office, outside or in a small living room with no space to set up multiple lamps. And as a one man band you have to carry all the stuff alone followed by a reporter who wants to leave and go to the edit room a quarter of an hour ago. So time is a big issue, and still they expect a nice shot. A good soft box or bouncing the light and making use of the existing light often do wonders. So most of the time, it is like entering the room, do a very quick scan of the room, the lights , the back ground. And when the reporter is explaining what we will do , I have 10 min time to set up the interviewsetting. Doing interviews for news or documentary is not about getting the absolute best shot, but creating the best out of the situation. But I still love my job😂

[@omawwad1]

man ... this man has had all the time he needs , all the day ,, i think this interview is for digital feature film but for sure it is not for news

[@donaldbishop923]

You should take the time to make your own video and post it to KZbin. This was clearly directed towards someone who needed to have a quick guide to making an interview video, whereas your video would be that high level, professional to professional video. Looking forward to seeing it.

[@jaapvw66]

@@donaldbishop923 hi thank you for your reaction. My reaction was not to attack the one who made it, but to give some additional and practical information out of the field. My interviewshots are mostly not always highlevel because in 90%of the time, also the people who need a guick guide, the situation is far from perfect and you have to deal with it. And that was what i was trying to say to people who needed a quick guide. You dont need a lot of time and a conference room to set up an interview. Just do it and some tips might help you to get the best out of the situation. Unfortunatly making tutorials is not one of my talents thats why i am glad that there are people who are very good in it. And even I still learn

[@jacobpaint]

Thanks for your comment. I found the video interesting but was of course adapting and comparing what he does to what I do. The video is already quite long so trying to cover every base is not practical so if people are very inexperienced then it’s important for them to watch many of these videos in order to figure out how it relates to what they do. I tend to do a wide variety of shoots in very different locations. My equipment is lower quality (I seem to specialise in doing things ultra cheap for people which is not a great area of expertise to be in 🤣) so my cameras are in between the quality of his, less choice for lenses and my lighting equip is a little less effective. Typically I have to train the people who are conducting the interviews but as it’s not their main focus in life so that can be challenging. I have less control over the environments and sometimes just have to make the best with the location I’m given which can have audio problems or be in a cramped room where it’s hard to get far enough from the subject let alone place lights. There is a lot to think about but like yourself, I watch these videos to see how other people do things and to hopefully pick up some tips for how I can adapt when needed.

[@Rrroarr]

I agree and bravo for giving more insights, he is way too far to make them comfortable ;) Just get closer, and get more depth in the field with a small light or whatever.

[@syedrahman917]

excellent comprehensive coverage of the topic.

[@p0ggles]

This is the best video on this topic. EXCELLENT WORK! I learned so much from this! YOU ARE THE MAN!

[@conradtaylor9513]

Thanks! Best video ive seen out there explaining the important points.

[@dafuon]

Thanks for sharing! Great job! Keep up the good work!

[@speakerscoach]

a very methodical approach - which is required when you only have one chance. I have a checklist written out on paper next to me that I refer to. To be sure. To be sure.

[@lydia_a_a]

Got your email that directed me here. Valuable video since I'm still learning. Thank you much!

[@MindfulGrinds]

Great video still today! I used my kit lenses on my FS5M2s for years and recently purchased faster lenses and it has completely changed my impression of the camera. It is such a fantastic studio camera for interviews. Great explanation and personally, I liked the black background better than the long room and white ceiling lights as suggest in earlier comments.

[@lifestyle3000]

Very well done! Thank you for this valuable video!

[@LivinginTheNewForest]

Very useful video. I am starting to interview subjects and these pointers will help me a lot! Many thanks, Rob

[@kailashneupane5471]

Excellent!! Please keep posting videos

[@rmsaf870]

One of the best vids, thank you ,

[@Callupbrotherron]

Thank you very well done step by step going over the basics of 180 and thirds.

[@ecologicaltime]

very practical and straight forward. Good job.

[@vimalneha]

Many thanks, Jackson, this is what I was looking for in one place!

[@benjaminslater]

Wonderful video brother. Thank you for taking the time to make this brilliant educational material🙏❤️💚💯

[@DanIvanson]

One thing I’d like to add: Fill light has to be softer (bigger in size) then key. Turn on each light individually to see what they do to your subject on their own. Key light is supposed to create shadows on the subject and fill light lifts those shadows up. Smaller harder fill light might create secondary shadows which is unnatural. Thanks for the video

[@JohnnyMotel99]

A large white panel to reflect the key is another way.

[@derzuschauer2126]

This is such a great video. The holy grail of solo interview shooting videos. I‘m surely gonna watch this again when the need is there!

[@jacksonkingsley7414]

Great to hear, thanks. Doing more on this kinda thing soon 👍

[@ListenHereOldMan]

this was great, lucid and concise.. and a fortuitous discovery, bc I've been looking for someone who focuses on the business side of things, as well. subbed!

[@maapotv]

I’m in my way to film my first ever interview and I only have my IPhone 12 Pro and I don’t know the place yet. A bit anxious but your video reminded me the fundamentals for an interview and helped me stay confident. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@mmambokatsande2005]

How did it go?

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent production presentation!

[@kevinpaige5746]

Great stuff Jackson! You have an excellent way about you. Thank you

[@cheng296]

Awesome video. Thanks a ton for all the valuable information you provided.

[@StrugglerIndeed]

Jam-packed video. Well done.

[@SleipnirADV]

Amazing tutorial, thanks!

[@Tony-bl9vu]

Thanks for the tutorial!

[@hausahiphop24]

You are very good , excellent and fantastic. Keep it up, working to humanity.

[@VinnieCamilleriMusic]

Loved this, thanks!

[@musahtheother]

this video has everything. wow.

[@TAYOTAS]

This video is so under rated .. thanks so much for the information

[@SharifeLove]

extremely helpful! thank you!

[@rhysie9983]

This is why I love KZbin, A1 content by talented hardworking people - open source.

[@TonyCruzProductions]

This was fantastic information and done very well, I appreciated all aspects of it. Liked, Commented and subscribed! Thank you

[@muturikanini9513]

This is a very well done tutorial,well demonstrated...reqrds from Nairobi, kenya.

[@ZacharyJMoore]

Awesome! Also keep in mind leading lines pointing towards your subject as well as a sense of balance that there isn't too much negative space.

[@Tonellacam]

This was very informative m, I watched a few of these and yours was the most helpful especially since I’m a one man band too

[@GeorgeToft]

This video is fantastic.

[@faeraby]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@rezjrprod]

Nice! Never thought of putting the grid on first before the diffusion.

[@robertfontaine3650]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@ofcmikebinder]

Excelllent job!

[@Habacama]

Great video! It is very informative and not saturated with unnecessary theory. I did it wrong for a long time and wondered why the light was not right, why the interlocutor was looking the wrong way))

[@hectorarroyoburgos848]

Learn a lot, thanks Jackson!

[@albertstevanus]

So goood! Thank you Jackson!

[@jacksonkingsley7414]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment 🙏

[@knowtech2576]

Well done sir. A very interesting and informative video.

[@pirateboatstudios]

Man this was super useful, I have been doing interviews for my project and I always ask how can I make this one better. Useful tips, will definitely use some of your advice

[@skymakai]

Nice one Jackson!

[@sebasnoland]

Awesome Video Man

[@Time.Tracker]

He’s just demonstrating basics- he doesn’t wanna give all his secrets away!

[@berka6539]

this was great. thank you

[@adriennegee1021]

Fantastic video. Very descriptive, explaining the who, why, and thought process is extremely helpful. The visual on equipment placement is very helpful. Having 2 cameras is such a great idea that I hadn't thought of. Thank you for sharing this. 9/23 is when I watched this video, and it is helpful 2 yrs after posting

[@chasingmanhattan]

Great stuff, man.

[@DrKerMinistry]

Thank you , It's very useful. Great job!!!

[@TruthReviews]

Brilliant stuff thank you

[@senoe80]

Thanks!! You are doing great, really helpfull

[@jaybillups2063]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@gaetanproductions]

great tips thanks !

[@rockyninja5089]

Perfect. Thank you.

[@JackBeasleyMedia]

Very good, thanks for this.

[@rcavin]

Brilliant. Thank you

[@goldieg6934]

Great stuff. Thank you

[@itsJennybeanXXY]

Super useful! thanks for this! :)

[@howardcash8301]

Jackson! Many Thanks! Yeah!

[@edmoss2020]

Thank you for this video..very helpful

[@handcraftcreeps]

Great content, thank you so much!

[@andrewwalker5384]

Very insightful, thank you

[@jacksonkingsley7414]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@cameronclark1289]

Very well done! Very informative, in an easy to understand teaching. I have a interview based podcast (Labor Society) and looking to move into video, great stuff! Thanks

[@mohossain]

great video. 2 more tips: use a clapper board or get your interviewee to clap (right in front of their face) to help sync audio in post. also dont forget to turn on the recorders!

[@MilitaryHistoryWithWill71]

Great tutorial, when are you uploading the video you mentioned ie interview video and what questions to ask. Thanks

[@mahoganycheetah2220]

brilliant! thank you ❤️

[@mraz1017]

Very useful !! Thank you so much

[@edwardlin2941]

thank you, very helpful

[@whatfoodsmenu]

Thank you great video