How a seemingly simple interview hides a complex work of technical preparation, creativity and editing.
When you watch an interview on social media, you often think that recording it is an easy process: turn on the camera, press "record" and that's it. In reality, behind every interview there is a world of preparation, technique and above all attention to detail. As a photographer and videomaker, today I take you with me "behind the scenes" of an interview, to let you discover everything that happens before, during and after the recording.
1. Knowing the character: the key to success
Before turning on the camera, there is a fundamental step: knowing who will be interviewed. It is not just about knowing their name or their most famous feats, but understanding their history and their world. For example, if the interviewee is an athlete, I spend time looking for information about them: articles, videos, past interviews. This allows me to formulate questions that are not only interesting for the audience, but that also stimulate them to tell something new and authentic.
2. The question list: short but engaging
Once the information has been collected, I move on to drafting the questions. The challenge is to find a balance between short questions, which stimulate concise answers, and more engaging questions, which can highlight the human and personal side of the interviewee. I usually provide the list of questions in advance, so that the interviewee can prepare and feel more at ease. However, I always keep a space for spontaneous questions, which can arise from the moment.
3. Choosing the location: the importance of the environment
The environment in which the interview takes place has a huge impact on the final result. It is not just a question of aesthetics: the location must also reflect the personality of the interviewee and create the right atmosphere. Sometimes I choose a location that has a connection with the athlete's activity, such as a gym or a sports field, other times a neutral space that allows the focus to be on the conversation.
4. Technical preparation: equipment matters (and how!)
If you think that an interview only requires one camera, think again. To get a quality interview, the equipment is essential: I always use at least two cameras to be able to vary the framing, directional and "flea" microphones to capture clear audio, stands, tripods, reflectors and sometimes even additional lights. Setting up all this equipment yourself requires time, attention and a good deal of experience, but it is essential for a professional result.
5. Create rapport with the interviewee: naturalness in front of the camera
One of the main challenges when interviewing someone, especially an athlete who may not be used to speaking on camera, is creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. My goal is to bring out their authenticity. To that end, I try to chat a little before the start of filming, breaking the ice, and I always give them a preview of the questions. A successful interview is the result of a good chemistry between the person asking the questions and the person answering them.
6. Action, let's roll! Check the audio and video
Once everything is ready, I do one last check: I check the audio level, I verify that the two cameras are correctly synchronized and focused, I adjust the exposure based on the ambient light. Only then, finally, does the recording begin. Even if the bulk of the work seems done, in reality we are only halfway there!
7. The real work begins now: editing and assembly
After finishing the shooting, the part that requires the most attention begins: editing. I use two cameras, so I have to synchronize the audio and video tracks. In addition to this, it is important to integrate some "filler" or "liver" images into the editing: scenes recorded during a walk, while the interviewee performs gestures related to his sport or browses through memories. These details make the video more dynamic and interesting for the audience.
8. Infographics, text and music: bringing content to life
A good interview is not just about images and audio. Sometimes I add infographics or overlay text, which help to highlight key points or provide additional information. The choice of background music is also important: it must be consistent with the tone of the interview without distracting the viewer. Finally, the final version is created in the formats required for different platforms, from YouTube to Instagram.
Conducting an interview, whether for social media or other channels, is a complex process that requires time, preparation, and technical skills. Each phase, from preparing the equipment to the final editing, is designed to best bring out the authenticity of the protagonist and engage the viewer. So, next time you watch an interview, remember how much work goes into it!