How to Film an Interview Using V-Flats | 2 Great Looks

Achieving a polished and professional look when filming interviews hinges on careful consideration of both lighting and background. If you've ever wondered how to create a pristine white high key background or a moody black backdrop for your interviews, you're in for a treat. The secret weapon you need is a V-Flat.

In this video, we dive into how you can leverage the power of V-Flats and implement straightforward lighting techniques to craft compelling visual backdrops for your interviews.

Shooting with the White Side

When aiming for a clean, pure white background, V-Flats are the go-to solution. Start by positioning a V-Flat behind your subject on the white side. Keep it a few feet behind your subject to give yourself room to put a backlight, which you will need to blow out the background for that high key look. Use a big octobox or softbox (or anything big and soft) as your main light for your subject. 

You may like that look as is, or you may want to tone down the shadows on your subject's face a bit. To do that, you can add a second V-Flat off to the side to fill in the shadows.

Achieving the Moody Black Background

For a more dramatic and moody interview setting, flip the V-Flat to its black side. Place it behind your subject and experiment with the distance to control the level of darkness. The black surface absorbs light, providing a rich and deep background. This technique adds a layer of sophistication to your interviews, making them visually striking and memorable. 

If you're having issues getting a pure black then try playing with your camera settings and turn off any ambient light that may be getting in the way. Use a grid on your main light to prevent spill as well.

If you feel it's too dark on one side of the subject's face, then add in a white V-Flat for fill. You can control how much fill you want by choosing the distance of the V-Flat to your subject's face.

By incorporating V-Flats and employing effective lighting techniques, you can elevate the visual appeal of your interview footage. Whether you're aiming for a bright and professional atmosphere or a moody and cinematic vibe, mastering the use of V-Flats allows you to create a visually stunning backdrop that enhances the overall quality of your interviews. Experiment with different setups, refine your technique, and soon you'll be achieving professional-looking results that captivate your audience.