Building the Ultimate Interview Setup for Your Next Small Production: Featuring Our Sony FX3 Cinema Rig
Creating professional-looking interviews doesn’t have to be daunting, especially with the right tools and setup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our process for building the ultimate interview setup using our Sony FX3 cinema rig. From gear to setup strategies, this step-by-step breakdown will help you achieve cinematic results every time.
If you’re new to this game and looking to get into the video production game - don’t let interview set ups (or this blog) intimidate you. Take it step by step - this is all gear you can rent for your first few shoots. Try stuff out at home before your shoot - you’ve got this!
Part 1: Gear Essentials
Camera: Sony FX3
Our go-to camera for interviews is the Sony FX3. Its full-frame sensor delivers stunning image quality, and its compact size makes it versatile for various shooting environments. The FX3’s dynamic range ensures beautiful interviews even in challenging lighting conditions. Paired with a high-quality lens, it captures every detail with clarity and depth.
Beginners, please know that this is gear we’ve accumulated over YEARS AND YEARS of work. You can simply have your key light, your camera, a tripod and GOOD AUDIO gear to start - easy as that!
Here is the breakdown:
Camera Hard Goods:
Sony FX3 ($3814.95): This is an obvious one! A full-frame beast with 4K recording capabilities, incredible low-light performance, and a compact body that’s perfect for handheld or rigged setups. Its 15+ stops of dynamic range and S-Cinetone color science make it ideal for creating cinematic looks straight out of the camera.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens ($1984.96): Ideal for capturing wide shots and close-ups with shallow depth of field. We recommend the Pro Starter Bundle for this lens, which includes ND filters, a protective case, and cleaning accessories to keep your kit in top condition.
8Sinn Cage ($135): Adds an extra layer of protection to the FX3 and serves as a foundation for mounting accessories. This cage is designed to work seamlessly with the FX3’s audio handle, ensuring you retain the ability to use its built-in XLR inputs.
Rigid.PRO Cinerig Base ($391): Designed to work with the 8Sinn Cage and FX3 audio handle, this base transforms the FX3 into a full cinema rig. It includes a d-tap splitter to power multiple accessories using a single v-mount battery, making it an essential component for extended shoots.
Power Solutions:
Smallrig V-Mount Battery ($279): Compact yet powerful, this battery keeps the FX3 and other accessories powered for long shoots. Its small form factor is perfect for rigs that need to stay lightweight and mobile.
Kondor Blue D-Tap to USB-C Power Cable ($34.99): Connects the v-mount battery to the FX3’s USB-C port for seamless power delivery. Its USB-C PD functionality ensures safe and efficient charging, keeping your rig operational throughout the day.
Monitoring + Mounting Solutions:
Hollyland Mars M1 Enhanced Monitor ($499): Offers wireless video transmission with minimal latency, perfect for directors or crew members. The Mars M1 can also double as a transmitter, allowing other crew members to monitor the feed remotely.
SmallRig Side Wooden Handle Grip ($79.99): A versatile handle that enhances stability and ergonomics during handheld shooting. This grip is especially helpful during longer takes, reducing fatigue and improving control.
Kondor Blue Monitor Mount ($54.99): Provides a secure, adjustable platform for monitors, ensuring optimal viewing angles. This mount features a NATO clamp for easy attachment and removal.
Cable Management:
Mondo Ties (5-pack) ($19.99): Keeps your cables organized and secure, reducing clutter and preventing accidents. We prefer the blue ones for their standout look and functionality.
Audio Equipment:
Deity S-Mic 2S ($319): A high-sensitivity shotgun microphone for capturing clean, directional audio. It’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for mounting on the rig or a boom pole.
Spacer (4) ($9.99) and Short XLR Cable (2) ($16.99): Essential for securely mounting the microphone and connecting it to the camera or recorder without excess cable slack.
Lighting: Nanlight FC500B Bi Color and Small LED Panels
Lighting is crucial for a professional interview setup. We rely on a combination of Aputure lights and small LED panels for versatility and control:
Key Light: An Nanlight FC500B serves as our main light, providing a soft and flattering glow on the subject.
Fill Light: A smaller LED panel helps reduce shadows on the opposite side of the face.
Backlight: Another small LED panel adds depth and separates the subject from the background.
This basic three-point lighting setup ensures a balanced and professional look. For more on three-point lighting, you can find great tutorials online.
Audio: Boom Microphone vs. Rode Wireless GO II
High-quality audio is as important as video. I know above I mentioned our boom mic - that’s because that is actually goes on our camera. When you’re in your interview set up know that sometimes it’s going to make more sense touse a boom and in other times it’s going to make more sense to have a lav going. Here’s how we choose between a boom mic and the Rode Wireless GO II lavalier mics:
Boom Microphone: Our preferred option for interviews. It’s positioned just out of frame and delivers clean, natural audio. However, this setup works best in a quiet room with minimal ambient noise.
Rode Wireless GO II Mics: When room noise is unavoidable, we use lavalier mics. I’m talking any noise at all. In a big conference room with a dull buzzing AC above head? USE THE LAVS! I don’t care how good you think your boom is, use the lavs! They provide reliable audio even in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. While lav mics are visible, they’re sometimes necessary for capturing clear dialogue.
Part 2: Setting Up the Interview
Location and Environment
Choose a quiet location with minimal room noise. This allows you to use a boom mic without interference. Pay attention to the background as well—it should be clean and free of distractions to keep the focus on the subject.
Camera Framing: Center vs. Off-Camera
Looking Into the Camera: If the subject is addressing the audience directly (e.g., delivering a message), they should look straight into the camera. For this setup, frame them in the center for a direct and impactful connection.
Looking Off-Camera: When the subject is telling a story or speaking conversationally, have them look just off-camera. This creates a more natural feel. Use the rule of thirds to position them slightly to one side, leaving negative space in the direction they’re facing.
Body Positioning and Composition
For direct-to-camera interviews, ensure the subject’s posture is relaxed but upright, and their eyes are level with the lens.
For off-camera interviews, position the subject’s body at a slight angle to the camera, with their gaze directed towards the interviewer or a specific point. The closer you can get to the camera, the better your shot will look!
Wrapping Up
With the right gear and thoughtful setup, you can elevate your interviews to professional standards. The Sony FX3, paired with strategic lighting and audio choices, ensures your footage looks and sounds incredible. Whether your subject is delivering a message or sharing a story, these techniques will help you create visually compelling and engaging content.
