How to Light a Corporate Interview – Working with Fountain

a man wearing a sweater is seated for an interview

FONDU found us via a direct online search for Las Vegas Interview Video production services. Their client was going to host an annual get together in Las Vegas, bringing their entire staff to Vegas and wanted to take care of the opportunity and knock out some corporate interviews to take care of their marketing needs down the line, and also to build a sort of a library of reference videos.

Basically the idea was to grab a few key players in the company and ask them a couple of marketing and sales questions – in the light of – Why should companies chose Fountain? or – What makes Fountain’s approach unique in the industry? that sort of thing.

We decided to do a quick meet and greet with FONDU over zoom to better understand the deliverables, the work out the logistics and to work out an appropriate budget to take care of things.

Zoom call is a great opportunity for us to also walk the client through some of the challenges that may arise during the production. For example if the client wants to shoot say 10 interviews throughout the day and wants to keep the look consistent then it’s better to not have windows in the interview space at all and to keep all the lighting consistent. For our purposes the client had booked a conference space inside Park MGM , just off the Las Vegas strip.

Here at HUSTL Media we get a lot of requests to film corporate or executive interviews, so we have a pretty good grasp on what to watch out for and how they should look, and we always communicate that to our clients.

Once everything is set, we do final camera prep and get all the gear ready. Another great advantage for the client of going with HUSTL Media is that we keep all the necessary production and film equipment in house, saving client the time and the hassle for needing to source anything else out.

This is how we roll onto the set. You see a production car filled with camera and lighting equipment.

This image shows a well-equipped video production cart, packed with a range of professional equipment. There are multiple cameras, possibly cinema-grade, given their size and the presence of Panavision gear, which suggests high-quality lenses and camera accessories. The cart also has several monitors for viewing footage, a boom pole holder, and what appears to be a slate for marking scenes.  The presence of multiple cameras and accessories indicates a setup that's ready for a multi-angle shoot or one that requires quick changes between different lenses and setups. The meticulous organization of the cart implies a professional setting where efficiency is key, and everything has its place to streamline the workflow on set.  It's quite a mobile command center for on-location shoots, and the robust build of the cart suggests it can handle the rigors of various shooting environments. The array of neatly coiled cables and clamps indicates a readiness for the complexities of on-site production logistics. Overall, it's a setup that any video production company would be proud to roll out.

Once we get into the actual space, the first order of business is to find out how much time we have to set everything up. From camera blocking to setting up lighting and putting in finishing touches everything has to be taken into consideration.

This is for corporate video interviews so the look much be modern, professional, not too moody, pleasing and incorporating company colors to a certain extent.

 This image showcases an indoor video production set-up, likely for an interview or a talking head segment given the two chairs facing each other. The scene is well-lit with a couple of large softboxes, ensuring even and soft lighting on the subject. We can also see a boom microphone positioned just out of frame above the subject, which suggests that audio quality is a priority for this production.  The multiple cameras on tripods offer different angles and possibly different focal lengths for dynamic editing possibilities. There's also a field monitor in use, allowing the crew to see the live feed from the cameras. The setup is both professional and quite typical for a high-quality production that aims to achieve broadcast-level standards.  The environment is made to feel comfortable and inviting, which is crucial for interview-based shoots where the subject's ease is key to a natural on-camera presence. It's a meticulous setup where attention to detail in both visual and audio aspects is evident. The scene's layout and equipment choice indicate a crew that's well-versed in creating an engaging and professional viewing experience.

Preference is always given to shooting lengthwise into the room for maximum depth of field. That creates usually a more pleasing image with more traditional lead lines.

We start off with placing 2 chairs in the room. Then depending on which side the cameras go, the big key light, in this case it’s the Aputure 600D Pro goes onto the opposite side. Notice the 5ft softbox on the key light, usually the larger the soft box or the diffusion, the better the interview talent will look.

On the other side and opposite of the key light in the background goes the hair light. The purpose of the hair light is to separate the subject from the background making him or her pop.

Since corporate interviews in Las Vegas or Henderson traditionally do not need to be moody, i.e. dark, we definitely need to add a back light source. In this case we place Aputure 120D w/ a small softbox and some grid on that to control the light spill.

Notice also a 3rd light on the left side of the frame shooting into the ceiling. The purpose of that light is to lift up the shadows and bringing the overall light tone of the image up.

So as you can see every light during the interview or actually any sort of a video production has a purpose.

Here's another angle of the video production setup, providing a different perspective. We can see the lighting setup more clearly with one large softbox positioned at a high angle, likely serving as the key light, and another with a grid to focus the light, possibly used for fill or to control spill on the background. The use of a grid suggests a desire for more directional light while still maintaining the softness characteristic of softboxes.  The boom mic is once again visible, ensuring that the audio capture is close to the subject without entering the camera frame. Also notable is the use of practical blankets to possibly dampen the sound and prevent echo, which is a smart on-the-fly solution in locations not originally designed for sound recording.  The cables are safely taped to the floor to prevent any trip hazards, showing good set safety practices. The camera on the right appears to be manned by an operator, suggesting that dynamic or manual shots may be part of the production.  Every element seems carefully placed for optimal audio-visual capture. It's evident that a lot of thought goes into the setup to create a space that's not only functional for production but also comfortable for the subjects being filmed.

In the reverse angle you can see that there are light tubes placed on the floor as well. Those are to light some parts of the image and upgrade the overall aesthetic of the image.

Final Shot A-Cam

This image features a man seated in a well-lit indoor setting, suggestive of a professional environment such as an office or interview space. He is smiling slightly, looking directly at the camera, giving a sense of engagement with the viewer. He has short, light-colored hair and is dressed in a dark crew neck sweater. Behind him, the room is decorated in a modern style with a muted color palette, including a gray couch with purple pillows, a stylish blue armchair with gold accents, a globe, and a small lamp. The atmosphere is relaxed yet formal. The blurred background focuses attention on the man. The logo "fountain" is visible in the top right corner, which may indicate a brand or company affiliation.

Final Shot B-Cam

a man sitting in what appears to be an office or a studio setting. He has short, light-colored hair and is wearing a dark, long-sleeve sweater. The background is blurred, but there's a distinctive blue armchair with what seems to be golden trim. In the top right corner, there's a logo with the text "fountain," which could possibly be the name of a company or a brand associated with the content of the video. The overall setting looks professional, which might be relevant to a corporate or interview-style video segment.

So overall there are more considerations that go into filming interviews be it for corporate or entertainment purposes. If you need to shoot interviews in Las Vegas or Henderson Nevada or surrounding areas at least now you know what to expect.


FAQs:

1. What are the key lighting techniques used in corporate interviews?

The key lighting techniques include three-point lighting (key light, fill light, and backlight), soft lighting to reduce shadows, and positioning lights to highlight the subject’s face evenly. These techniques ensure that the interviewee looks clear and well-lit on camera.

2. What equipment is recommended for lighting a corporate interview?

Essential lighting equipment includes softbox lights, LED panels, ring lights, and reflectors. Dimmable lights with adjustable color temperatures are also useful for achieving the perfect look based on the environment and the subject’s skin tone.

3. How can I avoid shadows and harsh lighting on the subject?

To avoid shadows and harsh lighting, use soft light sources, such as softboxes or diffusers, and position the key light at a 45-degree angle from the subject. Use a fill light to reduce any shadows and a backlight to separate the subject from the background, creating a balanced and natural look.

4. What should I consider when lighting an interview in a small space?

When working in a small space, consider using compact and adjustable LED lights that can be easily positioned without cluttering the room. Soft lighting is essential to avoid harsh shadows, and reflectors can be used to bounce light and fill in any dark areas.

5. How does the background affect the lighting setup?

The background plays a significant role in your lighting setup. Avoid overly bright or reflective backgrounds that can distract from the subject. Consider adding a background light or practical lights (like lamps) to add depth and create a more visually appealing scene.

6. What are some common lighting mistakes to avoid?

Common mistakes include placing the key light too close, causing harsh shadows; ignoring the fill light, which can lead to uneven lighting; and neglecting the backlight, which can result in a flat appearance. Ensure lights are properly balanced and adjusted for the subject and environment.

7. Can I achieve professional lighting results on a budget?

Yes, professional lighting results can be achieved on a budget with cost-effective tools like LED panels, softboxes, and reflectors. Focus on creating a soft, even light that flatters the subject and use natural light when available to enhance the setup.

8. What are some tips for lighting virtual interviews?

For virtual interviews, use soft, natural-looking light sources and avoid harsh overhead lighting. Position a key light at a 45-degree angle and a fill light to reduce shadows. If space is limited, consider using ring lights or clip-on LED lights for an even and flattering effect.


To book our services, kindly send us an email at Art@HUSTLMedia.com or directly call us at (702) 980 -9620. You may also learn more about us and our campaigns by visiting our website – HUSTL Media.

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