Set dressing is generally a term used in film, but it also applies to corporate video. In this blog, we’re speaking specifically about how to dress a set for an interview. Essentially, what is the best setting in which to seat your interview subject? We’re talking about anything you can see behind the person who is speaking on-camera. In case you’re wondering, a prop is an item written into the script that’s interacted with on the set. Everything else is part of set dressing.
Keep Calm and Carry On
The first rule of thumb is to not draw attention away from the speaker. If someone is speaking on camera, you want the audience paying attention to them. A background that’s too busy or loud is distracting. Overly bright or bold images, writing, and movement all draw focus away from the speaker. Set dressing should create visual interest without creating a visual distraction. Keeping the space clean and uncluttered is also a good idea. If there are a million things to look at on the CEO’s desk, what the CEO is saying becomes background noise.
Branding and Company Culture
Branding doesn’t have to hit you over the head. It’s unnecessary to seat the subject in front of a wall with your company logo. However, if your company has a branded colour scheme, we can use that. It’s a more subtle way to incorporate the business with set dressing.
Company culture can also get a nod when it comes to set dressing. If you have a giant slide that runs from the third floor to the first floor, that would make an interesting background. It speaks to the fun imbued in your company culture.
Timing is Everything
Consider the life cycle of your video. If you want it to be evergreen, don’t choose set dressing that’s seasonal or trendy. That poinsettia is going to look dated by next month. On the other hand, if you’re making a video wishing your staff or customers a happy holiday, absolutely add those seasonal touches! That kind of video has a short life cycle, so you can keep it current. Otherwise, try to avoid anything that identifies the time of year or even the year itself.
Depth of Field
Depth of field (DOF) makes an interview shot look more professional. We want the subject to have some distance between themselves and any walls or barriers behind them. A few items placed in the background and a room large enough to create distance between a wall, the subject, and the camera can make a big difference. Lighting is also part of creating good DOF and is best achieved with some space.
Location, Location, Location
We talk with clients beforehand about the best place to shoot interviews. First of all, it needs to be quiet and private. Ideally, there’s adequate power and enough room to set up and accommodate the crew and equipment. We can use our studio or your office or even your colleague’s office. Our DOP and producer will be able to look around a space and get an idea of what will work on camera pretty quickly. But it’s nice to think about the location ahead of time.
Shooting outdoors can provide natural set dressing. Its’ a great option IF the weather is good, the area is quiet and private, and nature isn’t somehow interfering. An outdoor setting should also fit the subject and topic. Are you talking about camping gear? Then an outdoor interview would be ideal! Just remember that it’s much easier to predict and control conditions in an indoor setting.
Consider the Subject
Consider your subject. Are you interviewing an artist? A lawyer? An author? People will associate each of these labels with a certain kind of person. You can use set dressing to reinforce the definition of a subject. For reference, see this blog’s featured image from an interview we did with a graphic designer.
The Bare Minimum
Sometimes you don’t need set dressing. A dramatic lighting set-up can command attention, especially with serious subject matter. The viewer has nowhere to look but at the speaker. Their attention is focused solely on what is being said.
Set dressing can also be achieved in an empty room. We’re talking about the magic of green screen. In our studio, we can shoot an interview in front of a green screen and digitally replace the background with an image or video. There are also mobile green screen options.
Dress Your Best
Set dressing may be in the background, but it’s still an important part of corporate video. Take the time to consider not just what will be said on camera, but also how your interview will look. For the most part, the set dressing should be a neutral background that doesn’t distract from what’s being said. But it can also make positive contributions to the overall look of your video. If you’re interested in connecting with your audience in a way that makes them sit up and listen, call us today for a free quote.
