Forbes UFC Interview: Las Vegas Video Production Behind the Scenes
When Forbes calls for a high-stakes interview in Las Vegas, you know it's going to be something special. But shooting with UFC President Dana White? That's the kind of assignment that gets your adrenaline pumping before you even touch the camera.
As Director of Photography for this exclusive Forbes production, I had the privilege of capturing one of the most influential voices in combat sports. The shoot took us into the heart of the UFC world in Las Vegas, where every detail had to be perfect for this major media interview. Working with producer Jonathan Palmer, we knew this wasn't just another corporate video — this was content that would reach millions of Forbes readers worldwide.
For a subject as dynamic as Dana White, our camera strategy needed to be bulletproof. I deployed a three-camera setup using Sony's powerhouse lineup: the FX9 as our primary camera for that cinematic backbone, complemented by two FX3 cameras to capture multiple angles and ensure we never missed a moment. This multi-camera approach is crucial for Las Vegas video production work, especially when you're dealing with high-energy personalities who might deliver gold in any split second. The FX9's full-frame sensor gave us that professional Forbes-quality image, while the compact FX3 cameras provided the flexibility to capture more intimate reaction shots.
Lighting Dana White and our Forbes correspondent required a sophisticated approach that would make both subjects look their absolute best on camera. I positioned two Nanlite 300s as cross keys — this classic setup created dimensional lighting that brought out the intensity in Dana's expressions while keeping our correspondent looking polished and professional. The cross-key technique eliminates harsh shadows and creates that premium look Forbes demands for their video content. To add depth and visual interest to the background, I strategically placed a couple of Nanlite 60s, creating subtle separation that made our subjects pop off the screen.
The energy on set was electric from our 1:00 PM call time straight through to wrap at 5:30 PM. Dana White brings an infectious enthusiasm that translated beautifully through our cameras, while our Forbes correspondent maintained that journalistic professionalism that makes for compelling viewing. The synergy between our three-camera setup allowed me to capture the natural flow of conversation while ensuring we had multiple options in post-production. Every gesture, every emphasis, every moment of insight was preserved through our carefully orchestrated Las Vegas camera crew approach.
What made this production truly successful was the seamless collaboration between every team member. From the initial setup to the final FTP delivery of footage, our crew operated like a well-oiled machine. This is what separates professional Las Vegas video production from amateur content — it's not just about having the right gear, but knowing how to use it to tell a story that serves the client's vision.
As I packed up our cameras and lighting kit, I couldn't help but feel proud of what we'd captured. This Forbes interview with Dana White showcased exactly why Assignment Desk's Las Vegas camera crews are trusted by major media companies for their most important content. Sometimes the most rewarding shoots are the ones where everything clicks — great subject, professional crew, and the perfect technical execution to bring it all together.