Learn to Film Professional Interviews With Your Smartphone

Xavier
2 days ago
4 min read

Interviews are the cornerstone of every video.

Almost all videos will boil down to someone speaking on camera, about something.

The good news is, you don’t need a cinema camera to capture them, just a smartphone, a few affordable accessories and a solid plan.

This guide walks you through filming high‑quality interviews using your phone, and explains how our Sydney videography course can help you master this workflow.

Why Shoot Interviews on Your Phone?

Modern smartphones capture beautiful video, especially when combined with Cinematic Mode for a blurred background.

Filming on your phone saves money, allows you to shoot anywhere and makes interview subjects feel more relaxed. You don't need to waste time on using a DSLR camera.

Essential Equipment for Smartphone Interviews

You only need a few pieces of gear to create a professional look:

Smartphone with Cinematic Mode (iPhone 14 and above): Choose 30 frames per second for a natural, smooth look.
Tripod: Keeps the camera steady and lets you focus on directing the interview.
Wireless LED Light: Place a small LED panel slightly to the side of your subject to create soft, flattering light. Avoid direct front lighting which can flatten their features .
Wireless Microphone: Use a lapel mic that plugs into your phone’s USB‑C or lightning port. Clip it on the chest just below the collar; clear audio is critical for interviews .
Smartphone Mount or Clamp: Secures your phone to the tripod and allows you to position it at eye level.

Composition Tips

Rule of Thirds: Imagine a 3×3 grid and place your subject at one of the intersections .
Headroom: Leave only a small space above the subject’s head so they fill the frame.
Look Room: Ask the interviewee to look slightly off‑camera toward you (rather than the camera). This creates a natural conversation feel .
Camera Height: Position the camera at the interviewee’s eye level.

Planning Your Interview

The most important part of an interview isn’t how it looks, it’s what your guest says. Plan carefully to capture impactful answers.

For a 1–2 minute video, five questions are usually enough. Your questions should encourage short, focused answers that support your narrative. Don’t write a script for your guest but let them speak in their own words. The goal is authenticity, not reciting lines .

View our 5 Tips For Better Interviews

Use B‑Roll

Film supplementary footage, e.g. close‑ups of hands, products or the environment, to cover transitions and add visual interest. B‑roll can enhance the narrative and hide any edits between answers .

Shooting the Interview

Follow this step‑by‑step process:

Set Up Your Gear: Mount your phone on the tripod and attach the microphone. Position the LED light 45 degrees off to the side so it skims across the interviewee’s face.
Frame Your Shot: Use the rule of thirds to place the interviewee slightly off‑centre . Ensure there isn’t too much headroom.
Check Audio and Light: Record a short test clip to verify sound levels and lighting. Adjust the light’s distance or brightness until the face is evenly lit .
Guide the Conversation: Keep the interview on track by gently steering the discussion. Maintain eye contact and nod to encourage your guest .
Record Multiple Takes: If an answer is unclear, ask the question again. You can choose the best take during editing.
Capture B‑Roll: After the interview, film supporting shots of the subject working, interacting or using your product. These clips help you cut the video together seamlessly .

Editing Your Interview

Editing shapes your story and ensures it flows smoothly. Remove redundant parts, tighten pauses and combine the best takes. Use captions to improve accessibility and engage viewers who watch without sound. Add background music at a low volume and emphasise the interviewee’s key points with on‑screen text.

Why Training Matters

Practising this workflow will help you produce consistent, polished interviews. Our Sydney videography course teaches you how to film interviews like this using your phone. You’ll learn composition, lighting, sound and editing in a single‑day intensive format . We practice the entire interview process with real‑world scenarios so you can develop a repeatable formula.

We also offer a social media video course that covers short‑form content and vertical videos, perfect for sharing interviews on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Hands‑On, On‑Site Training

Unlike generic online tutorials, our training is in‑person and hands‑on. We come to your workplace in Sydney and work with your actual equipment. You’ll gain confidence in using your phone, tripod, LED lights and microphones to create professional‑looking videos . This investment pays off because once you learn these skills, you can create videos again and again, without outsourcing.

Proven Results and Testimonials

We’ve taught hundreds of organisations across Sydney and beyond. Past participants rave about how the one‑day course improved their confidence and made video production simple. They now film customer testimonials, staff interviews and marketing videos internally. With a five‑star rating and repeat clients, our training is widely regarded as the best videography course in Sydney.

Take the Next Step and Learn Smartphone Interviews

Learning ro film professional interviews on your smartphone is achievable with the right techniques and a bit of practice. Use the rule of thirds , pay attention to lighting and audio , and ask thoughtful questions. The quality of the conversation matters more than the gear.

To master this workflow and consistently produce high‑quality interviews, enrol in our Sydney videography course or social media video course. These courses provide hands‑on, in‑person training that equips you to create professional content using your phone, tripod, wireless microphone and LED light . Invest once and enjoy the skills for a lifetime.

If you’d like to discuss how our training can help your team, visit InFocus Workshops to get started.