Week 7 - Video Interviews

Learn the fundamentals of video interviews

Learn how to set up professional-looking video interviews using proper framing, lighting, audio, and mic placement.

Dive In

What You’ll Learn This Week

Lesson 7 - Setting Up Video Interviews

This lesson focuses on setting up clean, professional video interviews using a simple one-camera setup. You’ll learn how to frame your subject, light them effectively, capture clear audio, and create a comfortable interview environment suitable for corporate videos, documentaries, social media, and branded content.

By the end of this lesson, you will understand:

  • How to frame interview subjects using the rule of thirds

  • Proper camera height and distance for interviews

  • Where subjects should look (on-camera vs off-camera)

  • How to choose clean, visually interesting backgrounds

  • How to create subject separation using depth of field

  • Three-point lighting for interviews

  • Alternative lighting options using natural or practical light

  • Best practices for lav mics, shotgun mics, and handheld mics

  • Proper mic placement for clean audio

  • Lens choices that work best for interviews

  • Tips for keeping interviews comfortable and natural

Lesson 7 Downloads

These are the digital versions of the handouts you’ll receive in class. Download and save these to your computer for easy reference.

Download Lesson 7 PDF
Download Interview Setup Cheat Sheet

If you misplace your printed handout, this is your backup copy.

🎥 Lesson 7 Video

This is your Lesson 7 video walkthrough. Watch this before class to prepare, or revisit it afterward to reinforce what we covered in the studio.

Take notes as you watch. Don’t worry about mastering everything at once - we’ll build this skill together through hands-on practice.

Video Block
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Week 7 Assignment

This assignment helps you practice setting up a professional interview using a one-camera setup. Focus on framing, lighting balance, and clean audio.

Your goals this week are to:

  • Set up a seated interview shot

  • Frame the subject using the rule of thirds

  • Position the camera at proper eye level

  • Choose a clean, non-distracting background

  • Light the subject using a key light and fill or bounce

  • Capture clear audio using a lav mic or shotgun mic

  • Ensure proper mic placement and sound levels

  • Record a short interview clip with natural delivery

When your assignment file is added here, you’ll also find:

  • Full instructions

  • What to submit

  • How to export your files (if needed)

✅ Download the assignment below once it’s available.

Download Week 7 Assignment

Next Lesson

When you're ready, continue on to the next lesson.

➡️ Lesson 8 - Product Photography for Mobile photography or your DSLR