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Directing Single Camera Interviews

Single camera specialist, Nigel Maslin looks at how to get great interview shots.

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1. Look for somewhere quiet. Listen for the hum of air conditioning or electric appliances and switch them off if you can. Always record a 'buzz' track of the 'atmos' to help soften the cuts.

2. Find a background that is complementary to the personality of the interviewee: it will help tell your story. Make sure it's not distracting. Be careful about knick-knacks, photos, books and pot plants: they can really annoy the viewer.

3. Remember that it's only the vista directly behind the interviewee's head and shoulders that will be seen, so before anyone moves the camera, squat down and look along the intended line of the lens to see whether it will work. A view through a door into another room works well, because it adds depth and interest.

4. You might be able to move the camera back and shoot the interview on a longer lens and a wider aperture, which will make the background soft and the camera less intrusive.

5. Lighting will also separate subject from background. Angle the interviewee towards the main source of light, but favour the darker side of the face in your shot. It is the shadows that give mood and definition.

6. Think about the seat you give the interviewee. If they are slouching in a deep sofa, they won't look or sound right.

7. Control the interviewee's eyeline by sitting as close to the line of sight of the camera as possible. I've never needed a wider eyeline unless it's a profile. The camera can be at the same level or, as I prefer, just a touch below it.

Nigel Maslin has produced and directed more than 70 programmes for the BBC, C4, ITV, and the Discovery Channel. His BBC credits include Horizon, Newsnight and The Money Programme.

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