Framing Interview or Talking Head Shots

The traditional shot of a talking head is face on or profile.  They will be slightly to the right or left of shot to show they are talking to someone, but by facing the camera, the audience is included in the conversation.  This is essential for engaging the audience in the dialog between the people on screen.

If there are two subjects talking to one another, then they should be facing each other.  This is to show the audience they are discussing between themselves, not to anyone else or just to the camera.

The main shots used in a talking head scene is mid shot to medium close up.  You may seen the occasional wide shot for establishment or for a cutaway but the rest will be the standard mid or medium close up.

Different shots are called when the subjects are delivering different types of information.  For example, if one of the talking heads is offering factual information or statistics then a medium close up is the most appropriate.  If they are delivering personal or emotional information then the shot goes closer.  That way the viewer gets pulled in to the conversation and the emotional space.  It increases the connection between the two.

There is often an established sequence of shots with an interview that follows a pretty standard course.  The scene will start with a loose shot of the studio, to include the interviewer.  To begin with the shots will be very similar between the interviewer and the guest.  Once the audience is familiar with them, the shots can be varied between them.

The most common shot is the mid shot for both subjects as the subject or the facts of the discussion are laid out.  If the conversation involves emotion the shots close up to draw the audience in.  If the subject gesticulates, move the shot out a bit, or cut to them if they aren’t in shot.  Vary these shots depending on the actions, and the discussion.  It’s important not to stay in close up for too long as it can make the audience feel uncomfortable.  Like they are invading the subjects personal space.

If you think the interview is going to need some heavy editing, then keep the shots between the two similar, so they can be spliced together easier.  There will be less jarring in a sequence if shots of similar scope are used.

Shooting an interview is a fairly simple process, and one that can be learned fairly quickly.  Despite that, it does take a while to get them just right, and it is something that only experience can teach.  Try watching interviews and current affairs programs and study the types of shot the director calls at different times.