How to Shoot Interviews Like a Pro (ALONE)

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Gear rental list for a full 2-camera interview setup on a budget:
- GH5 Camera (x2): [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Dummy battery (x2): [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Zoom Lens (x2): [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Tripod (x2): [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- SD Card (x2): [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Variable ND Filter (optional): [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Panasonic XLR Adapter: [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Light: [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Softbox: [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Reflector: [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Light Stand: [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Boom Pole Bundle: [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
- Wireless Mic Set: [www.borrowlenses.com/rent/pro...]
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About me:
I've been making short films for 20 years, starting at age 11. I directed my first feature film, Bad is Bad, in 2010. Made for only $6,000, the film went on to reach over 7 million views and garner critical acclaim. More recently, my short film, Will "The Machine", screened and won awards at film festivals around the world. Released online in 2019, it reached over 1 million views in just a month. I also work as a video editor, cutting ads for clients such as Apple, Netflix, and Beats by Dre.
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00:00 Introduction
00:22 Picking Camera Gear
05:28 Picking Lighting Gear
06:22 Picking Audio Gear
08:29 Total Cost of Rentals
10:15 Choosing the Interview Location
13:29 Gear Prep Day
14:12 Shoot Day & Framing A and B Cams
17:49 Lighting
18:57 Sound (Shotgun Mic)
20:22 B Cam Tweaks
21:13 Sound (Wireless Lav Mic)
22:07 Interviewing Technique
23:48 Results

[@StandardStoryCo]

Watch the follow-up video on EDITING INTERVIEWS here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWHUgH2cnt-NoK8

[@lexmax08]

Thanks for breaking out a budget, equipment list, and schedule. Lots of KZbinrs skip this. Very helpful.

[@orangejjay]

They skip it because this company hasn't offered to sponsor their video/channel yet. This is helpful but at the end of the day, it's just an ad.

[@gossy_new_wave]

Hey, everyone! A few months ago I asked for feedback as an aspiring, student filmmaker on this channel and was so excited with the overwhelming support and kind words. This feedback inspired us to create our new 2-minute horror short film which we’ve just posted on our channel, and we’re so happy with the improvement we’ve made thanks to everyone here. Thanks Kent, and thank you everyone!!

[@juancarlosmolina7303]

Great video. Packed with lots of helpful info as usual. Keep em' coming!

[@TheTechCreator22]

Wow that was a great video thank you. I’ve always thought interviews would be so interesting. Straight forward and not complicated setup I liked it!

[@tbeiber09]

I always really like seeing these breakdown videos. Getting to be inside someones head while they're deciding what they want to do with a scenario and what they're looking for and looking to avoid is super valuable. and seeing people do it in different ways and get great results in each way helps with troubleshooting later

[@orangejjay]

It definitely makes this ad very interesting. 😂

[@teacherofteachers1239]

Another idea for getting a nice interview location: ask a total stranger. I was shooting interviews for a non-profit that is involved in education, and to mix things up I needed a new location with books. Searching the internet I found a terrific used bookstore that is underneath a magnificent museum in that same county. I didn't expect to even hear a reply, but they wrote back and let us do it. Amazing, considering it meant I also had to ask them to have someone open up the place for us on a day when it was closed!

[@jerryg9581]

I really like your teaching style. And, of course, you know your stuff!!! I've watched soooo many of your vids. So, thanks!

[@Joakimcomicscenter]

This is gold worth for me! I´ve only had two interview gigs so far and I did my best with them. But with these tips I will deifinitely up my game (he wrote hopefully!) Great video Kent!

[@felixbird]

This guy is such a natural at explaining everything. Very concise and reveals some interesting key points. Makes it all look very easy! Great video! Thank you!

[@space_1073]

Thank you so much for this! I'm asking my grandparents about their lives to preserve their stories and now they'll look good!

[@filmbureauwaterwegen]

The breakdown is very well explained. Thank you for sharing your video and keep up the good work!

[@sigridlee3743]

Great video. You explain things in a clear, simple way. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@Jackson_Scott]

Loved this video, excited to start making these interviews!

[@SeekingSnow]

Looks like a great setup. I'm a Lumix guy too. Thanks for the walkthrough. I especially liked your this towards the end about how to make your subject comfortable on camera

[@JholemanFlores]

This was gold content🔥 specially for beginners. Would love to see your interview process!

[@jaylee0810]

I own GH6, GH5S, G9, and the 12-35 lens you lend. I just need to learn how to make a good composition and the lighting skills. This video helped me a lot. Thanks for that!

[@stingylizard]

It seems there are one million gazzillion "helpful" video channels to choose from (yay!) BUT this one always delivers the goods. Thanks! Rentals have become a game changer for a lot of creatives👍

[@e.conwaybryansr.8626]

I agree... it's great to find a few channels that consistently deliver "helpful" info without needing $1,000 lights, $3,500 cameras , $600 gimbals and...and...and. Thanks for a meaningful video on this topic---the time you took to tweak the composition, explain exposing on both sides for the windows and using the ladder as leading lines is gold for me. Peace.

[@orangejjay]

Rentals have been a thing since the beginning of film making. They haven't changed the game ... they've been a standard part of the game since moving pictures were a thing. 😂

[@stingylizard]

@@orangejjay Sure....technically 100% correct,but... Not for the Average Joe or Joette. It was not so easy nor inexpensive to rent all the needed gear like it is 2023. Or if it was,my DA Self was getting ripped off

[@klupst_photo4934]

Thanks sooooo much for sharing. I learned so much!!!

[@nutoriousclown4107]

Started watching this channel when I started to get into video editing and real estate videography

[@RobRabe]

I really appreciate the diagrams you included. This really helped me with my use case. Thanks!

[@CoolStoryStudio]

This video is so well done, and pretty damn complete for a simple interview.

[@ChrisFlores22]

What a great video man! Super engaging and simple. One man band interviews are my jam and even on high budgets I’ll still shoot solo because I find the setup to fun. Definitely with a cart though lol

[@aitoralvarez1212]

Another thing that is great for saving money and gives a more unique feeling to the footage is to have the B camera be operated by someone handheld and have them focus exclusively on close shots of the person's face (particularly in emotional moments), stuff they could be holding if it's something relevant to the situation, etc. At this point you're obviously not alone, but it might be cheaper in some situations than getting a tripod and if done correctly will give a much more intense and personal feeling. You don't have to be super close either, many lenses have a zoom that's good enough to get close up shots without getting in the person's face.

[@Angelstreamservicesydney]

You can film on a tripod and just add in camera shake in post ;) Cheaper than hiring somebody and you can control exactly how much camera shake you want in post.

[@kazlepek6552]

Definitely, just make sure your b cam operator doesn’t start getting micro shakes halfway through. I learned that lesson the hard way

[@savingspainmedia]

Great video! So much knowledge given freely. Thanks man! Also that part with the “Sexy music” with the microphone placement killed me. 😂

[@thegameplayer8503]

Another banger from SSC

[@ba553y]

I can't type all that's in my head but summary is, This video is GOLD!!!!! I've saved it on my list that I will certainly be revisiting! Thanks a lot!!

[@russellwright9961]

Very informative video, thanks, this is GOLD!

[@birdoshirez]

Awesome info and stunning model!!! 😍🔥

[@StandardStoryCo]

Ain’t she?!

[@FULLofJOHN]

The king is back!

[@antoinetaouil]

bro this is awesome!!! your break down was sweet and pure. nice man. love watching you teach FILM!!! you should be a professor at some universities, your content is much more direct than the curriculum it self.

[@averageguy1261]

wow. thanks professor!

[@JonnyRay82]

This was great info! Thank you

[@jennasyseng]

Love the start-to-finish setup details, it makes understanding the big picture much easier. Looking forward to the edit!

[@SpiderboxFilms]

Great video. Found it very helpful.

[@LowkeyT4Prezident]

Wow. This was amazing

[@celiapowellcpa9142]

This is a great and very helpful to us DYI community

[@CCKATL]

You did an amazing job!

[@elijahellis27]

Super helpful!! Thanks Kent

[@KN-mi7mh]

Dope video, definitely learned some stuff

[@soulmate.attraction]

Phenomenal content

[@POVwithRC]

Thanks for this.

[@none-ng4cl]

Really Enjoyed It!

[@jelly8594]

I'm not even doing interviews but i found it immensely interesting! Cheers!

[@user-os3ly1mj9f]

Great video thanks!

[@Blazej100]

Thank you, great video.

[@RockWILK]

Very cool. Great content.

[@mikeseal3053]

Thanks a lot. I was just about to do an interview

[@TheTrifeone]

Excellent!

[@papsny]

Story of my life.... interviews alone, weddings alone, events alone... great video and tips!

[@Alex.G]

I got a lot out of this! The 180 degree rule didn't make sense to me until you explained it so simply.

[@Poohmedia]

Awesome video

[@pasturaproduction]

really helpful

[@tylerjames3620]

This is an awesome video. Can you do a video on like interview questions ?

[@FrankDenbowDotCom]

Appreciate this, very helpful!

[@Reallifejourney388]

Thank you

[@akwild1]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your videos. Could you tell me how you balance the lighting between your two cameras with different lenses? Do you use the same exact settings for both cameras, and/or do you deal with it all in post.

[@RezaAliMN]

Very informative. TQ for the effort. One question, is it advisable to monitor the audio constantly through headphones?

[@ScottPrincePhotography]

Great video and thanks. I'm preparing to enter the video interview world after 50 years as a photographer.

[@chipcurry]

Good video - opening up the possibilities. But one challenge you have is that it takes a time to figure out these cameras. It's like having a saxophone you pretty much have to learn how to play it. So anybody that's going to shoot this interview should already have most of the gear.

[@HAZMVT]

Appreciate the info and time it took to create this. You really look like Pete Davidson for real

[@theinternationalmedia]

Such a useful video. My first short film was also shot with two cameras filming at the same time (weird for a movie?)

[@mattiasmust]

Just did my first 2 camera interview yesterday and looking at this video I'm realizing that I broke the 180 degree line you mentioned at 17:20. Well this will now be bugging me the entire edit haha. Hope that instills the lesson though. Great video!

[@jamieandrei]

Mucho goodo tings & stuff & dat! 👌

[@AdamMcDermott]

Really looking forward to the audio cleanup video next week. It seemed like the worst possible location for audio, but in the final preview audio sounds excellent.

[@StandardStoryCo]

Thanks! Used a new secret weapon for audio I'm excited to talk about.

[@RonaldStewart]

Great video. 1 thing I would add are Headphones! 🎧. Super important when audio is involved. It's better to catch it in the moment than in the editing suite, trust me; I learned my lesson back in '08 haha

[@orangejjay]

Even though this is essentially a giant ad ... i still stayed til the end and even looked at their website. One thing nice about Borrow Lenses though is that their weekly price is often cheaper than what Ive seen with the daily rental prices where Im at (Detroit). I've them to trial cameras and other gear that i wanted to buy but didn't want to drop a ton of money on only to find that i despise the stuff. ❤

[@D.E.S_DailyExecutionSucceeds]

great vid...why the need to record subject audio with boom and wireless?

[@TobiasHess_]

Thanks for your breakdown, you got a beautiful location and woman to film. ;-)

[@jean-philippegrignom6479]

As a solo videographer one thing I would rent is a wireless video transmitter like a hollyland mars x

[@uncleanAlibertine1]

cool man

[@skyace888]

Thanks for the video. Great tips! Not sure the MKH416 is the best choice indoors though. MKH50 would be better. Also is renting SD cards really needed vs just buying them?

[@thekp503]

Great tutorial thank you. Is there an advantage to picking a color temp instead of white balancing with card?

[@StandardStoryCo]

Thanks! Since I was only using natural sunlight and a light set to daylight color temperature, it just made things easier.

[@jean-philippegrignom6479]

Actually depending on what boom pole, XLR cables, and location you are shooting in, you could hear Radio interference in your audio feed when using a boom this has happened to me... So be careful

[@mtmccornack]

You forgot one mic setup option... sometimes, i run an xlr from my fx3 and I put a dynamic mic in someone's actual hand, but only if they like to fidget (and if project/vision allows, usually on location)

[@bertcano]

y0. Your vids are dope!

[@wakuyanow]

I'm learning about lanterns, umbrellas and parabolic softboxes. I guess, in this situation, a lantern wouldn't focus enough light your subject's face. Do you think a reflective umbrella would have worked?

[@SHORTFILMMANTRA]

Good information. How long kept distance from camera to subject?

[@MyEddie345]

You, Mr Kent, are very good. Wish I could fly across the globe and absorb your knowledge via osmosis 😂

[@vahidamini1863]

First of all Thanks for your top presantation! But Do you think that forgot something? For example, practical light or back light. Because the subject looks very flat from the point of view. Of course, this is my opinion, maybe I am wrong. But it was great and useful.✌

[@colinfrederick2603]

You know you’re a filmmaker when you recognize that interview location from Peerspace rentals 😂

[@justesmond]

Great video. Very useful info... but renting SD cards? That's wild bro. ;-)

[@BearFattfilm]

Nice video. Another tip would be if you decide to have the subject talk to you and your cameras are asymmetrical (rule of thirds) be sure to have the subject look toward the empty space/other side of frame. If they look to the side they are on rather than across the frame the composition will look weird. Question: how would you do a two person moving shoot with wireless lavs and one camera? For example a real estate walk through. So you’re moving around on a gimbal but you need two wireless mics. Wouldn’t you then need a mixer/field recorder of some sort since both mics can’t go into one camera?

[@teacherofteachers1239]

Hi. Maybe I can share something helpful. If the camera has only a 3.5mm stereo input, you can use a Y-splitter cable to record two channels (I've done something like this on Fuji cameras) - if that setup is not too clumsy for the gimbal. On the other hand, I don't have any wireless gear myself, so in this situation for the lavs I would use two Tentacle Track recorders; that way, the camera only needs one Tentacle Sync (this is a small device). On the third hand, with this Tentacle setup I would not be able to monitor the audio, so if I really did have wireless lavs, then yep I think I would have the receivers plugged into a dedicated audio recorder (I use a MixPre for audio), and ideally a person monitoring both the recorder screen and through headphones. - Dave

[@davidhanna1672]

🔥

[@mchammer5592]

$500 Aaaaaand an amazing venue with natural light just pouring in.

[@jessehorstman]

Thanks for this. I wondered if you actually should have the crank on the left side so becayse the boom itself acts as a crank and if the weight is on the left of the left crank/boom that would seem to loosen it.

[@bullettin]

It has to do with the design of the grip head. The next time you use one like this, try it both ways, and then put weight on it. You'll see why the handle should be on the right. You can also search "c-stand right hand rule" for some info.

[@Adam_Summers]

10/10

[@Jecerey]

Why not an Amaran 60d, as it would be stronger? What Kelvin did you have the Light? and you didn't mention how you would White Balance.

[@The_M_and_R]

A question. Why you are using two mics for one subject. Is the sound from both mics get recorded in the video ? Can it be separated ?

[@insayno]

With 500,- i can't even rent all my gear. My day rate for shooting starts at 1000,- and that is exclusion of editting.

[@ginamariephotography]

I've considered renting gear in the past; the rental price, included a 'deposit' of the actual gear, if you were to buy outright, plus, the cost to rent it. Is that normal with most rental places? Thanks in advance!

[@prostigeMarketing]

Do you provide the script for the Interview and do you use a teleprompter?

[@JustFelipeBrito]

21:40 got me hahahahahaha

[@jerryg9581]

Quick question: you mentioned the Netflix true crime shows where the actors look right into camera, and you showed one. What show was that? Thanks

[@TheNoviceAnimator_]

I want to get into editing- what program should I use? Do you recommend any beginner courses- thanks-

[@a_ram]

He's got a whole video about it. He says most work is for premiere and avid so learn those. One was more popular for film and the other for TV, but can't remember which is which.

[@DanuMunandi]

I was wondering, why you set Shotgun Mic and Wireless Lav Mic together for sound record? One of them just for backup or what? Please answer me, thank you!

[@StandardStoryCo]

Yep, better safe than sorry with audio

[@therealnil9909]

The 14pro max will do this same thing to keep it real!! The iPhone constantly up they game when it comes to camera in my opinion

[@NinoAmerica]

Is this a how to shoot a interview or how to order gear?

[@highbird21]

I was wondering why you chose 8bit ? I would have thought 10bit 422 in 4k would have been a good choice and both cameras would do it.

[@StandardStoryCo]

I chose 8 bit for smaller files and so the footage would run smoother in the edit without proxies. Also I didn’t intend to do much color correction to this footage, just a little tweaking, so I knew I’d get away with 8 bit. For a proper color grade session, 10 bit is much better to work with, but I wanted to keep the workflow simple for beginners.

[@highbird21]

@@StandardStoryCo Thanks for the reply! Thank makes sense!

[@jessecumberledge4530]

I thought using the GH6 in 8 bit was illegal? Also if you had used the V log the highlights wouldn't have blown out!

[@StandardStoryCo]

Yeah V-log would have saved some highlights, but also made next week's editing tutorial more complicated than I wanted.

[@jessecumberledge4530]

@@StandardStoryCo When you get a chance, shoot vlog on the GH6. It doesn't need much other than a rec 709 conversion to look great. GH5 Vlog skin tones do require a lot of work.