How to Film Interviews on iPhone: A Guide

You’re here because you know your iPhone can create professional-looking interview videos, and I’m here to guide you through the process. As a digital tutor, one of my favourite gigs was teaching brands how to film engaging interviews using just an iPhone and solid audio gear. Those sessions proved you don’t need a big budget to tell stories that stand out. You’ll also want to avoid some common filmmaking mistakes, like picking a noisy spot or running out of battery, so check out my tips on common filming mistakes. Let’s explore nine simple steps to film an interview on your iPhone, whether you’re a beginner or refining your skills.

Why Your iPhone is Perfect for Interviews and Mobile Journalism

Your iPhone is like a mini film studio in your pocket. You can shoot anywhere, a cosy office or a busy street corner, without lugging around heavy gear. Its camera delivers crisp footage, up to 4K, holding its own against pro cameras for much less cost. Apps provide features like stabilisation and cinematic mode for authentic, engaging videos. In my classes, brands valued the ability to shoot and upload polished content quickly, ideal for remote projects. Can you believe iPhones are used on big screens? A decade ago, that seemed impossible, but now it’s reality. Directors like Steven Soderbergh shot Unsane entirely on iPhones for its raw, authentic vibe. Films like Tangerine by Sean Baker mixed iPhone shots into larger projects for a gritty feel. Current iPhones, starting from the 13 Pro, shoot in ProRes Log for professional colour grading, matching high-end cameras. Apple reports over 200 films and TV shows have used iPhone footage since 2015, showing its versatility. iPhones are also huge in mobile journalism, with reporters capturing breaking news on the fly. Your interview videos can achieve that same professional polish, whether standalone or part of a larger project. Let’s get started with the steps to make your iPhone interview stand out.

Step 1: Choose Your Filming Tool

Let’s start by choosing your filming tool. The iPhone’s built-in camera app is ideal for beginners, offering simple controls and solid quality straight away. For more control, try FiLMiC Pro to adjust focus, exposure, frame rate, and audio up to 24-bit, plus log gamma for enhanced post-production. Alternatively, the free Blackmagic Camera app provides cinematic tools like shutter angle, ISO, and multi-device sync, integrating with DaVinci Resolve. Choose what suits your project and skill level to lay a strong foundation.

Step 2: Plan Your Interview Setup

Next, consider where and how you’ll shoot. Find a quiet spot with soft light, perhaps a room with a big window or a shaded outdoor area, to minimise distractions. Think about the vibe, sparse furniture for a clean look or decor to add warmth. Should your subject sit for a relaxed, conversational tone or stand for more energy? Is it a one-person interview or a multi-person setup, like a podcast? Solo interviews need one iPhone, but multi-person shoots may benefit from two or more for varied angles. This planning shapes your story, and you’re the director making it happen.

Step 3: Work Out How Many iPhones You Need and Stabilisation

So, how many iPhones do you need? One’s probably enough for a solo interview. For multi-person or podcast-style shoots, you might want two or more to capture dynamic angles, one for a wide shot, another for a close-up, or even a third for a creative angle. Apps like Blackmagic Camera sync them for easy editing. Now, let’s talk stabilisation. A tripod ensures steady shots, ideal for static setups. Handheld offers a lively feel but requires practice to avoid shakes. A smartphone gimbal provides smooth motion for tracking shots. Choose what matches your vision for a professional setup on a budget..

Step 4: Choose Your Gear

Let’s select gear to enhance your shoot. For audio, you’ll need an external microphone for iPhone for clear, professional sound, we’ll dive into specifics later. For lighting, a ring light or natural light from a window works well. Want to set up your own lights? Explore two-point lighting, using a main light from the side and a fill to soften shadows for a polished look. You can keep costs on an affordable setup.

Step 5: Device Basics and Checks

Let’s ensure your iPhone is ready. Charge it fully and bring a portable USB power bank for longer shoots. Clear space, as a 5-minute 4K clip can use about 4GB, or use an app to save footage to an external drive to keep your phone free. Check your connection for smooth uploads. If you have another device, like a tablet with more storage, you can AirDrop footage to free up your phone. These checks prevent issues, keeping your shoot seamless.

Step 6: Prep Your Subject for the Spotlight

Before recording, help your subject feel at ease. Share discussion topics to relax them, but keep specific questions under wraps for authentic responses. Use effective interviewing techniques to elevate your project. Watch for nerves, like clutching a pencil or standing stiffly, and encourage natural movement, especially for those who gesture when talking, to avoid a rigid look. This creates a conversational vibe, drawing out compelling stories for any interview setup.

Step 7: Set Up Your iPhone and Frame the Shot

Now, place your iPhone at eye level for natural angles. Want widescreen for a cinematic feel? No problem. Need portrait for social media? Simple switch. Choose your format early to match your platform. Frame with the rule of thirds for a dynamic look, placing your subject off-centre. Add depth with background elements like plants. Turn on cinematic mode to blur the background and focus on them. Test a few frames to perfect it, you’re crafting an engaging visual story.

Step 8: Capture High-Quality Audio

Audio is critical. Clip your mic close for crystal-clear sound, using a clip-on lavalier, a wireless mic for flexibility, or a boom mic for studio quality in multi-person setups. Record 10 to 15 seconds of room tone, just silence, for editing later. Test levels to avoid distortion. For multi-person interviews, wireless mics with separate channels simplify editing. This ensures every word is clear.

Step 9: Hit Record with Confidence

Time to film! Brief your subjects, then start recording. The key gear is you, the person behind the phone. Bring energy when asking questions to keep the conversation lively, a flat tone leads to dull answers, but enthusiasm sparks great stories. This applies to any interview. Set to 4K or higher for a cinematic look. Ask open questions for detailed responses. Break recordings into short clips for smaller files that upload easily and avoid interruptions. Capture B-roll of the surroundings to add flavour. Be smart about recording time, if you have 5 to 10 questions, you don’t need to roll for 60 minutes. Use a teleprompter app for smooth prompts. Most shoots take 30 to 60 minutes. Then, edit with mobile apps, trim clips, add transitions, and adjust colours. Add text or music to tie it together. For quick turnarounds, mobile video editing apps work well, but larger projects may need a computer. In my classes, simple edits turned iPhone footage into standouts, you can achieve this too.

Step 10: Wardrobe and Budget-Friendly Tips

Let’s focus on your subject’s appearance. Choose clothing that suits the setting, fitted outfits in colours that complement, no stripes to avoid visual glitches. On a budget? Grab blotting paper from a pharmacy to reduce shine and a lint roller to dust off dark clothes. These small touches make your shoot look far more professional for minimal cost.

Now that you’ve got the steps to film an interview on your iPhone, here’s a handy checklist to keep everything on track. Use it as your go-to guide while planning and shooting, ensuring you nail every detail for a professional result.

iPhone Interview Filming Checklist

Step	Task	Details
Step 1	Pick Filming Tool	Choose the built-in camera app or apps like FiLMiC Pro or Blackmagic Camera for pro controls.
Step 2	Plan Setup	Find a quiet spot with good light, decide on furniture, seated or standing, and whether it’s solo or multi-person.
Step 3	Work Out iPhone Count	Use one iPhone for solo interviews or two-plus for dynamic multi-person shots.
Step 4	Choose Stabilisation	Pick a tripod for steady shots, handheld for a dynamic feel, or a gimbal for smooth motion.
Step 5	Pick Gear	Select a lavalier or boom mic and a ring light or natural light for great audio and visuals.
Step 6	Get iPhone Ready	Ensure full battery with a power bank, clear storage or use an external drive, and check connectivity.
Step 7	Prep Subject	Share discussion points, watch for nerves, and encourage natural movement for authentic responses.
Step 8	Set Up Shot	Use rule of thirds, choose widescreen or portrait, and turn on cinematic mode for focus.
Step 9	Capture Audio	Place mic close, record room tone, and test levels for clear sound.
Step 10	Film and Edit	Bring energy, break clips, shoot B-roll, and edit in mobile apps for a polished result.

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