Video Editing: How to Edit Interviews

Posted on August 13, 2015

Before you shoot your interview, you need to know how it will be edited. The concept of editing interviews seems simple; that’s why many people devote less attention and preparation to it. This can ultimately lower the value of the work, taking a project from professional to amateur quality. To help you, we’ve prepared the typical approach to the editing process. Check out the secrets of pro video editing right now!

1. Decide on the best camera angles. You need to balance the speaker’s intent with the expectations of the audience. Consider where the audience would be looking at diffent moments during the interview – that will help you choose the most appropriate camera angle to reconstruct each moment.

2. Use more close-up than wide shots. The wide shots are used for the audience to understand the space where the interview takes place. However, a close view allows the audience to watch the speaker’s emotions and body language.

3. Watch the speaker’s body language. The speaker’s thoughts, words and breath are presented through their moves. Every person hasa unique rhythm and cadence to their voice. If you consider such things, your editing will look more natural.

4. Pay attention to mistakes. Edit both technical errors and speaker errors. These edits are masked by curring on action. Look at an example of how this is done. Many speakers use “um” without realizing it.

Now the “um” is edited out, by cutting between two shots during an action-filled moment.

5. Keep things moving. Framing the speaker’s words with multiple camera angles is more dynamic and interesting than holding on one camera angle for a long period of time.

6. Break up graphics. If the speaker uses slides, try to break them into sections, so that only the relevant parts are revealed in time with the speaker’s words.

7. Cut on action. One way to make the edit between two shots seem invisible is by cutting on a gesture. The viewer watches the beginning of a motion that starts in one shot and follows it as it crosses the edit and ends in the next shot. The completion of the gesture masks the edit.

8. Keep it natural. Try to keep the interview as true to real life as possible. Match the proper question with the proper answer and don’t edit just to make things more dramatic.

9. Use reaction shots. If you can shoot the interview with multiple cameras, add some reaction shots. Sometimes these non-verbals speak more than the actual words.

10. Take some space from your edit. Just try to relax and forget about the interview for some time. Taking a short break can help you do your best work.

When you know the main principles of video editing: how to edit interviews, you should also know some rules about preparation. If you want to create quality interviews, follow these tips:

  • Research your topic. Become well-versed in whatever topic you are covering with your interview so that conversation can flow freely.
  • Write guiding questions. Decide how you want the interview to begin and end, and prepare some topics. You don’t have to plan everything, but you should be prepared enough to steer the conversation.
  • Check the location. Make sure to check out the location a day or two before. Are there any windows that can cause lighning problems? How is the sound there? Can you hear noise from the street?

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Stay calm and do your best while editing videos. And if you need expert assistance, check out MyMovieLab. This is a professional editing service where you can receive qualified assistance 24/7. If you feel that you need experienced help, visit MyMovieLab. Our creative thinking will make your interview stand out!

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