If you're in the business world, you know that video marketing is an essential tool to help promote, grow your brand, or facilitate internal communications. One of the most common types of videos is the interview or talking head video. This is where someone sits in front of the camera and speaks about a topic. If you want to create your own talking head video, it's essential to set up a professional and engaging shoot.
In this article, we'll look at the steps that I, as a corporate video producer, took to set up the production (the filming) of a talking head video shoot.
Step 1: Gear. you'll need to gather all the necessary equipment. Make sure you have your camera, audio equipment, and lighting gear. It's also important to have a backup microphone in case something goes wrong with your main audio setup.
Step 2: Location. Once you have your gear, you'll need to find a suitable location for your shoot. Find a space that is quiet and has an appropriate background. Clear out any unnecessary furniture or items that might be in the way, and create an area for your subject to sit.
Step 3: Camera. Once you have your space cleared out, it's time to set up your camera.
Place your tripod in the desired location and adjust the framing to your liking. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be a rough approximation of the final framing you want for the interview. This step is critical since it sets the stage for the rest of your shoot.
Step 4: Audio. After your camera is set up, it's time to set up your audio equipment. I can’t stress enough that good audio is crucial, you can use a shot gun mic on a boom pole to capture high-quality audio and or a lavalier mic that clips directly onto your subject. I usually use both, so I have a backup.
In the vlog, I mention my preference to set up camera and audio before lighting for corporate video shoots. While some professionals may disagree, my reasoning is that a CEO's time is often more valuable than the videographer's, and even with the best planning, executives can arrive early or late. Lighting shortcuts can still produce professional results, but audio cannot be compromised. It's forgivable if the lighting is slightly off (many people will not notice), but unforgivable if the audio is poor, as it's noticeable to everyone.
Step 5: Lighting. With your camera and audio ready to go, it's time to set up lighting. Lighting is incredible versatile and can change the mood of the shot.
For the filming featured in the vlog, we generally followed the three-point lighting method.
This consists of a Key light (Your main light) a Fill light (secondary light), and a Hair light. Even the most elaborate lighting setups start at their foundation with a three-point light setup. Refer to the diagram.
I made some amendments for the lighting setup featured in the Vlog. Instead of having Fill light I had a background light that flooded the windows behind the subject. And the Key light was more centered. Refer to the diagram and still of the interview.
Step 6: Adjustments. It's common to adjust your lighting or framing as you set up. However, you can only do this so much. Eventually, your interviewee and/or subject arrives, you generally will have a few more minutes to get them mic’d up and tune in the lighting and framing to make them look as flattering as possible. Remember, you're in control of the shoot, but you also need to be flexible and adapt to changes as they come up.
In conclusion, achieving a professional interview look may seem daunting at first, but with the right equipment and preparation, you can create a professional and engaging video. Remember to prioritize good audio and lighting, clear out your space, and adjust as needed. With these steps, you'll be on your way to creating a successful talking head video.