Street Interview Video Recording Checklist (Beginner Friendly + Pro Look)

Welcome to the official News Anek Street Interview Guide – your go-to resource for becoming a confident, camera-ready freelance interviewer or journalist.

We’re building a powerful content team across India, and you can become the voice of the public by recording honest, impactful street interviews.

🧭 Getting Started: Step-by-Step

✅ Step 1: Understand the Concept

Street interviews (vox pops) are short, real-life opinion-based conversations recorded in public places. They’re raw, emotional, and viral-worthy – just the kind of content News Anek celebrates.

✅ Step 2: Choose a Topic

Pick from our approved topic list or pitch your own. Topics range from trending news to social issues and cultural debates.

✅ Step 3: Visit a Good Location

Malls, colleges, parks, markets, or metro stations – anywhere with people is a potential goldmine for opinions.

✅ Step 4: Ask the Right Questions

Use open-ended, easy-to-understand questions. Be respectful, allow honest answers, and keep the interaction natural.

💼 What Kind of Work Is This?

This is a freelance-based, project-by-project opportunity. You choose when to work, how many videos to submit, and where to shoot. We provide:

• Topic support

• Guidance and training

• Feedback and editing help

• A growing creator community

• Royalty bonuses on high-performing videos

You can also record videos in your local language, Hinglish, or pure Hindi/English.

📩 Want to join? Fill out the form at the end of this guide!

📸 1. Camera Setup

✅ Must-Have:

• Use a smartphone camera that can shoot in 1080p @ 30 or 60 fps

• Always clean the lens before shooting

• Enable grid lines for framing

• Lock exposure and focus once subject is in frame

  
  

🎯 Pro Tips:

• Use back camera, not selfie cam (better quality)

• Avoid digital zoom – move physically closer

• Enable “HDR” mode if available

🔊 2. Audio Setup

✅ Must-Have:

• Use an external clip mic (Boya M1 is excellent and cheap)

• Clip it near the speaker’s chest – not brushing clothes

• If no mic, stay close and speak clearly (but expect lower quality)

• Test audio with a 30-sec sample clip before full shoot

🎯 Pro Tips:

• Use wind protectors or foam covers outdoors

• Avoid recording next to traffic, generators, music, or fountains

💡 3. Lighting Setup

✅ Must-Have:

• Natural daylight is best (morning/evening golden hours)

• Subject should face the light, not have sun behind them

• Avoid harsh overhead light (midday sun or tube lights)

• Avoid mixed lighting (yellow + white)

🎯 Pro Tips:

• Use shade (like tree/canopy) to avoid face shadows

• For low light scenes (evening), carry a small ring light or LED panel

🧍 4. Framing & Composition

✅ Must-Have:

• Subject’s head and upper body in center

• Use Rule of Thirds – eye level near top third of frame

• Keep camera at subject’s eye level

• Avoid too much headroom or cutting off the chin

🎯 Pro Tips:

• Include some background context (college gate, mall crowd, etc.)

• Always leave space in direction they’re facing

🧭 5. Interview Positioning

✅ Must-Have:

• Face interviewer and subject at 45° angle

• Ensure subject doesn’t look directly at camera, unless addressing audience

• Keep interviewer’s voice audible (mic pickup or off-camera)

🎯 Pro Tips:

• Don’t interrupt subjects unless necessary

• Always ask for consent before filming

🏃‍♂️ 6. Movement & Stability

✅ Must-Have:

• Avoid shaky hands – use tripod, gorilla pod, or selfie stick

• If handheld, lock elbows and keep movements smooth

• Don’t move camera while someone is talking unless panning slowly

🎯 Pro Tips:

• Record B-roll footage of surroundings (crowds, streets, billboards)

• Include reaction shots or transition clips

📁 7. File Format & Storage

✅ Must-Have:

• Record in .mp4 or .mov format

• Use 1080p resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio

• Clear your phone storage before starting

• Organize clips per topic/day (create folders)

✨ 8. Cleanliness & Clarity

✅ Must-Have:

• Avoid background distractions (moving autos, vendors shouting)

• Make sure faces are visible (no backlight or overexposure)

• Interviewee should speak clearly and slowly

🎬 9. Clip Standards (for News Anek)

Standard	Requirement
Duration	3 to 6 minutes total video
No. of Interviews	Minimum 6-10 people
Audio Quality	Clear voice, no harsh noise
Visual Quality	No shake, proper light
Intro Shot	Must include intro (voice or text)
Format	Horizontal (16:9) only

🚫 10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Shaky footage❌ Poor or no audio❌ Faces hidden in shadow or sun glare❌ Interviewer speaking more than subject❌ Random cuts or jumpy transitions❌ Using vertical video (unless requested)

📋 Final On-Ground Checklist

Task	Check
Camera lens cleaned	✅
Mic connected + tested	✅
Sample clip reviewed	✅
Storage space available	✅
Lighting checked	✅
Subject in frame correctly	✅
Audio levels clear	✅
Interviewee consent taken	✅
B-roll shots captured	✅