Audio: Interviews

Audio or video interviews usually form the structure of your productions so it’s really important to get them right. If you are recoding audio directly into your camera  use manual sound levels and aim for -6dB. If you are using a sound recorder make sure you get your device as close to the sound source as possible. Ideally use a tie clip microphone as this will produce the best quality audio and try to interview your subjects indoors to reduce the amount of background noise.

Avoid interviews in empty rooms or close to hard surfaces as these can cause echoes. Soft surfaces will help you increase your sound quality so interviewing on a sofa works well. REMEMBER to turn everything off in the room you are interviewing; computers, mobile phones, TV, airconditioners, fans all make noise! Closing windows and curtains will also reduce any background sounds.

Continue to the next section: Audio: Ambient sound