Interviews are one of the most powerful tools in video storytelling.
Whether in event coverage or corporate films, they bring authenticity, credibility, and a human connection. Interviews give a voice to your brand, your clients, your team—or all three. When delivered well, they strengthen your message, create emotional resonance, and drive the narrative forward.
We tailor each interview setup to its purpose—whether it’s a quick testimonial or an in-depth conversation—always ensuring quality visuals, clear sound, and strong framing.
Whether clients come with a fully developed script or need our help creating one, we’re here to assist. A well-crafted script helps define the scope, guide the shoot, and plan the supporting b-roll.
A quick testimonial setup
Testimonials are spontaneous and effective. Often captured during an event, they highlight authentic opinions and experiences. We shoot them at exhibitions, training sessions, conferences, or special occasions where people share thoughts about a service, a product, or the event itself. Testimonials can be used to energize the wrap-up video and often close with a simple but powerful line—like “See you next year!”
Our approach:
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One camera on a tripod or gimbal
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Wireless microphone
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If needed and the situation allows, a second crew member will join to set up portable lighting
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Optional producer to assist with questions and ensure content matches the brief
Note: When a job requires both event coverage and testimonials, we recommend having separate camera operators for each. This way, you ensure that neither the event nor the testimonials are compromised.
A Single Camera Setup
We typically use this single-camera approach when the budget is limited. However, when resources allow, we recommend a two-camera setup or incorporating b-rolls for a more polished final result. This approach works best when the speaker is confident and knows exactly what they’re doing.
Our approach:
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Single camera on tripod
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Professional lighting to match and enhance the environment
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Soft, natural lighting setup to create an engaging visual tone
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Dedicated audio mixer with external microphone
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Optional teleprompter for more guided delivery
A Single Camera Setup
We typically use this single-camera approach when the budget is limited. However, when resources allow, we recommend a two-camera setup or incorporating b-rolls for a more polished final result. This approach works best when the speaker is confident and knows exactly what they’re doing.
Our approach:
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Single camera on tripod
-
Professional lighting to match and enhance the environment
-
Soft, natural lighting setup to create an engaging visual tone
-
Dedicated audio mixer with external microphone
-
Optional teleprompter for more guided delivery
Note: This setup becomes more challenging when there are no b-rolls to cut to, especially when using only one camera. That’s why we often advise combining interviews with relevant supporting visuals or use a second camera.
Full Interview Setup
This is our most used setup for polished corporate interviews. It combines multiple camera angles, professional lighting, and crisp audio to create a compelling, dynamic video. It’s particularly useful for storytelling where b-rolls are used and cuts between angles add to the visual interest.
Our approach:
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Crew of three; typical two camera operators and one audio technician
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Multi-angle setup: one wide, one close-up
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High quality lighting setup
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External audio recorder and microphone setup
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It’s optional to add our director to oversee the interview, guide the crew and the interviewee to enhance quality and add unique touches
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Optional teleprompter for more guided delivery
B-ROLLS
B-rolls are a crucial element that we carefully plan and produce in-house to ensure consistency and quality. Depending on the budget and needs, we can take a quick, simple approach or go all-in with a more elaborate production involving a larger crew and a director. Ultimately, the approach to B-rolls significantly influences the final video quality, and when the budget allows, we recommend a full-scale, well-prepared B-roll shoot.
CUSTOM SETUPS
Sometimes, your needs don’t fit in a box. You might need to record a full panel discussion, film a multi-speaker session on stage, or include the interviewer as part of the scene. These setups require a tailored approach for cameras, lights, and audio.
No worries—we’re fully on board. We’ll help you design a setup that fits your creative and technical requirements perfectly. We would love to hear your vision, and we’ll take care of the rest.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A DIRECTOR
Having a director or assistant director on set can make all the difference. This person ensures the quality and consistency of the entire shoot—not only in terms of technical setup, but also content and performance. The director oversees framing, lighting, delivery, and makes sure each frame contributes to the overall message.
They’re there to make sure the interview is not just shot, but crafted.
OPTIONAL: PRODUCER ON SET
For larger-scale productions or spontaneous interviews, having a producer on set can make everything flow more smoothly. The producer works alongside the director, helping to guide the interview, track key responses, and ensure everything aligns with the brief. In cases where the budget doesn’t allow for a director, a producer can be a great middle-ground solution to streamline the process and keep the production on track.
Need help planning the best interview setup for your next production? We’re happy to guide you through it. At Dow Studios, we’re here to support your ideas—and bring them to life.