How to Shoot Professional Interviews with Valentina Vee
Master the art of the interview with internationally-recognized cinematographer Valentina Vee.
If you want to become a pro at lighting and conducting interviews, this is the course you need. Learn everything from gear to sound to world-class technique -- here’s all the knowledge you need to plan, film, and edit a pro-level interview from start to finish.
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SKU: m-lesson-041
What You'll Learn
In this lesson, you’ll learn shoot and conduct interviews like a pro.
Section 1: Intro
Meet your instructor -- internationally-recognized cinematographer and lighting guru, Valentina Vee. Valentina walks you through the structure of the lesson and gives you all the info you need to dive in.
02:01
Section 2 | Part 1: Hosted vs. Non-Hosted Interviews
Start by learning about two main types of interviews: hosted and non-hosted. You’ll learn the core differences, and when you should use each.
03:29
Section 2 | Part 2: Static vs. Moving Interviews
If you’re shooting a hosted interview, you’ll need to decide if you want it to be a sit down or a walk and talk. In this section, learn how different techniques can be used to make your subject more comfortable, and how to execute them.
01:43
Section 2 | Part 3: Shooting Angles & Media Training
Sitting someone down for an interview can be very intimidating, especially if they’re not media trained. In this section Valentina walks you through tips that will help your guests feel more relaxed and natural on camera.
06:57
Section 3 | Part 1: Planning Your Gear List
In this section you’ll go through the gear needed to shoot interviews. From solo shoots to having a small crew, Valentina will walk you through what she’s used on hundreds of shoots.
01:17
Section 3 | Part 2: Shooting B-Roll
Depending on what type of interview you’re shooting, you’ll probably need b-roll. Valentina walks you through her methods of capturing compelling visuals that pair well with interviews.
03:38
Section 3 | Part 3: Choosing Your Camera
In a world full of cameras, Valentina makes it simple to choose which one suits your project.
03:00
Section 3 | Part 4: Finding a Location & Framing
Valentina walks through a location and explains what she’s looking for when shooting interviews. Location is almost as important as your guests themselves. Learn how the setting and framing of your interview affects mood and style.
08:51
01:30
Section 3 | Part 5: Focusing Techniques
01:30
Are you one person trying to capture a two person interview? Are you the host and filming by yourself? Do you have a crew? Valentina walks through various scenarios and how to set you up for success whether by yourself or with a larger crew.
01:00
Section 3 | Part 6: Audio Tips
01:00
Valentina walks you through why she uses lavalier microphones and best practices for utilizing them.
11:15
Section 3 | Part 7: Lighting
11:15
In this section, Valentina dives into lighting, her specialty and one of the most important aspects of an interview.
4:09
Section 4 | Part 1: Researching the Subject
4:09
Preparing the content of the interview is crucial for a smooth scene on shoot day. Valentina shows you how to best research your guests in order to set the stage for success.
2:23
Section 4 | Part 2: Prepping Your Guest
2:23
Your guests won’t always be professional interviewees. Valentina shares how you can avoid some of the common interview pitfalls by first making sure your guest is well-prepared.
03:57
Section 4 | Part 3: Prepping the Space
03:57
Lighting, backdrops, ambient noise… In this segment, Valentina shows you how to balance it all, and create a space that will help your interview shine.
02:09
Section 4 | Part 4: Data Management
02:09
Organize, organize, organize. Valentina shares her data management best practices when dealing with footage.
07:33
Section 5: How to Conduct an Interview
07:33
Show time! This section is all about what happens once the cameras start rolling, and how you conduct effective, professional interviews for any project. Learn how to guide your subjects, break the ice, reframe, and evoke emotion.
1:00:39
Section 6: Editing Your Interview (4 Parts)
1:00:39
Time to bring it all together. Valentina deep-dives into her editing process with Adobe Premiere Pro. Learn skills like timing, syncing footage, rearranging sequences, and adding sound effects.
00:57
Section 7: Conclusion
00:57
Valentina signs off with some final thoughts.
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Instructor
Valentina Vee
Hey, I'm Valentina, a director and lighting master. I'm based in LA, working on projects for screens both big and small.
