10 angles that will take your interviews to the next level

When setting up to shoot an interview, the angles and frames you choose can make or break the video. In this post, we will go over ten different angles that you can use when shooting interviews. You can think of it as a personal cheat sheet for interviews. Some of the ideas are for your A-camera, and some are for B-cam. We used a RED Dragon on a Manfrotto 645 FAST tripod and 504x head as our A-cam, and a BMPCC 4K on a Manfrotto 635 FAST and an old MVH500AH head.

1. Through an object

Shooting through an object is where you place an object between the camera and the subject. It could be one of the elements that you find on set or something that you prepared beforehand to complement the context of the interview. Think of a set of tubes for an interview in a lab, or a power tool if you are shooting in a workshop. You do this by making sure that the object peeks from one or more sides of the frame. It may be out of focus, which is okay.

Using this approach creates a sense of intimacy and closeness. It makes the audience feel like they’re part of the conversation. A tripod is especially crucial here because it ensures stability when framing the shot, even when working with foreground objects.

2. Straight into the lens

The talent walks in, and what’s the first thing they ask? “Should I talk into the camera, or should I talk to someone?” If your talent is experienced, they can talk directly into the camera. If not, there are expensive devices like the Telemax Periscope that can help.

When your interviewee speaks directly into the lens, the viewer feels like they’re being addressed personally. This angle is ideal for promotional videos, personal stories, or public service announcements. For this setup, make sure the talent is comfortable, and always use a tripod to keep the camera stable and maintain eye-level alignment with the subject.

3. Long sided interview

This is probably one of the most common frames for an interview. It means splitting the frame into thirds and placing your interviewee on one of the thirds. Your talent then talks to the interviewer, who is sitting in the other two-thirds.

This setup keeps the conversation casual and natural, perfect for documentaries or interviews in corporate settings. Using a close-up shot here can enhance the focus on the interviewee’s expressions, which adds emotional depth to the narrative.

4. From behind

Shooting from behind involves placing the camera slightly behind the interviewee. You don’t have to go entirely behind the subject; even going just a bit behind them will do the trick.

This angle intentionally takes the viewer out of the usual perspective, adding an artistic or cinematic feel. It’s a fantastic tool for building tension, especially in emotionally charged interviews.

5. The wide room

The wide room is a shot that includes a lot of the surroundings. Usually, it’s a significantly less tense angle, and if your subject is loose and fun, it can be a great break from the intensity of close-ups.

Wide shots show more of the body and environment, making them ideal for interviews where the setting plays a key role in the story. For instance, in a painter’s studio, a wide shot captures both the artist and the works-in-progress, adding context. This shot benefits from a sturdy tripod, ensuring the frame remains steady while capturing the broader scene.

6. BTS

BTS angles showcase the broader production setup. These shots emphasize the effort that goes into creating the final interview. For example, you can shoot from behind the interviewer, into the monitor, or from a side angle to reveal the entire set.

BTS shots help establish that something significant is happening. They’re also a great way to engage viewers by making them feel like they’re part of the production.

7. Underside

For the underside shot, you place the camera slightly under the interviewee, just a little below eye level and looking up. This perspective makes the subject appear larger and more authoritative, giving them a sense of power and control.

This technique is often used when filming leaders, CEOs, or characters of importance. However, ensure the angle isn’t too dramatic to avoid distorting facial features.

8. Overside

In this shot, the camera is placed higher than the interviewee, looking down. This puts the talent in a more vulnerable position, ideal for emotionally charged interviews or when the subject is opening up about personal experiences.

When shooting from an overside angle, a clear view of the mouth is essential to maintain the emotional connection. Close-ups are particularly effective for capturing nuanced expressions.

9. Fluid Flowing Closeups

This is the only non-static shot of the bunch. With a fluid drag head (the 504x from Manfrotto – it has great control over “fluidity”), you can follow the talent’s hands or other movements to break away from the static nature of traditional interview setups.

This technique provides a dynamic touch to the interview and helps inject personality into the talent. For instance, focusing on an artist’s hands while they gesture or sketch adds a layer of storytelling.

10. Profile

This shot places the camera to the side of the subject, capturing their profile. It’s a great angle when you want to leave part of the screen open for motion graphics or captions.

Profile shots are excellent for creative or editorial interviews, as they allow for a mix of visuals and storytelling.

What is the Best Camera Angle for an Interview?

The best camera angle for an interview depends on the tone and purpose of the video. If the goal is to create a personal connection with the audience, a “straight into the lens” shot works best, as it makes the interviewee appear approachable and direct. For a more traditional approach, the “long-sided interview” is a reliable choice, offering a casual and professional feel.

Meanwhile, close-ups are perfect for emotionally engaging interviews, as they focus on the interviewee’s facial expressions and emotions. The wide room or profile angles are ideal for interviews that aim to incorporate environmental context or additional visual elements. Using a tripod ensures that each angle is captured with precision, preventing distractions caused by shaky footage.

What Camera Angle Makes You Look Best?

The camera angle that makes you look your best often depends on individual facial features and the desired impression. Generally, eye-level shots are flattering, as they mimic the natural way people interact in real life.

For those looking to appear authoritative, a slight underside shot works wonders. Conversely, if you want to appear more approachable or vulnerable, an overside angle is effective. Close-ups can highlight facial features and expressions, but care must be taken with lighting and positioning to avoid unflattering shadows. 

Conclusion

When shooting interviews, the choice of angles, use of close-ups, and camera stabilization with a tripod can significantly impact the final result. Whether you’re aiming for an intimate conversation or a dynamic narrative, each angle has its unique purpose.

Remember, the best camera angles are those that align with the story you’re trying to tell. Experiment with these ten techniques to find the perfect combination that brings your interviews to life!

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