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Disclamer

This guide is only about filming — what and how to shoot, which angles to choose, how to set up your camera or phone, what to wear, and how to prepare your background.

It doesn’t cover:

• character preparation
• scripts
• storyboarding, structure, or dramaturgy

All of that is a separate topic. Here, you’ll find only technical and practical tips to help your shoot go smoothly and enjoyably.

If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s get started!

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What and where to shoot

First of all, decide what type of video you're making. This will affect everything from choosing locations to sub-shoots.

Here are the three main situations:

• 🎤 Talking Head — an expert speaks directly into the camera, usually indoors, seated in the same spot
• 🎧 Static interview or podcast — two people on camera, sitting and talking, most often indoors as well
• 🎬 Reportage, Filming with Characters, Dynamic Scenes — a person speaks while moving, in a natural environment, with things happening around them. (This also includes interviews if you’re filming a character at home, at work, or in any authentic environment.)

Key Principles of Choosing Locations

If you’re filming a talking head (one person on camera, speaking to the audience)

• One or two permanent locations for your talking head shots. Ideally indoors, recognizable, independent of weather conditions, and with good lighting.

• Background with depth. Don't sit in front of a flat wall! It is better to position yourself at an angle to the room where you can see the interior behind you (bookshelves, a painting, a corner of the room). This makes the picture look livelier and more professional. Don't sit in front of a window.

  

• Aesthetic background. Make sure there are no visible wires, extension cords, or a laundry drying rack peeking out from behind the shelf in your chosen background. You can intentionally place a beautiful candle on the table behind you, or add a few books or magazines. These items won’t be in focus, but they’ll help set the overall atmosphere.

If you are filming an interview or podcast (two people in the frame, static conversation)

• Sit at an angle to each other, but not strictly in profile. One person should be slightly left in the frame, the other somewhat right. If you’re filming with multiple cameras or planning to reposition a single camera for close-ups, place it so that faces are visible from a slight side angle rather than straight-on.

• Light from both sides. Soft, diffused light without harsh shadows. Without professional lights, you’ll only be able to shoot in the morning or daylight hours, and light mustn’t shine directly through a window (which creates harsh shadows). Avoid shooting under standard indoor ceiling lights. If you have to film at night, either use proper lighting equipment or try recreating soft lighting with floor lamps or desk lamps. If there’s not enough light, it’s better to add more than to struggle with dark footage later.

• Background - neutral, but with depth. See recommendations for talking head shots.

• More space between people and the background. It doesn't look good in the frame when the guests are almost pressed against the wall.

• Don’t seat people at 90° angles or put them in a corner unless you want them to look like they're being interrogated.

  

If you’re filming reportage, filming with characters, or dialogues on location