Best Budget-Friendly Softbox Setup for Interview Videos?

Great question! For interviews, I'd strongly recommend continuous lights over strobes—they let you see exactly what you're getting and avoid any sync issues with your camera. For your budget, the Godox SL60W (or SL60II) is a solid choice. You can get two of those for around $200, then add softboxes. I'd go with 36-inch octagon softboxes (like Neewer's) for a more flattering catchlight and softer wrap. Place them at 45 degrees to the subjects, slightly above eye level, and aim them so they cross (key light on the right subject, fill on the left) to create depth. Also, make sure to get the Bowens mount version for compatibility. For flicker, the SL60W is flicker-free at standard shutter speeds, but if you're using a high frame rate (like 120fps for slow-mo), test it first—some cheaper LEDs PWM at high speeds. I'd also recommend adding a small LED panel as a rim light behind the subjects to separate them from the background—something like the Aputure MC Pro or even a cheap Neewer RGB panel works wonders.

I've been using a similar setup for my podcast interviews, and I want to add a few tips. First, if you're on a tight budget, consider getting the Godox SL60II (the updated version) because it has a built-in FX mode and is slightly quieter. For softboxes, don't overlook the impact of diffusion—a double-diffusion softbox (like the Glow EZ Lock) gives you a softer light without needing a huge modifier. Also, for your shotgun mic, keep the lights at least 3-4 feet away and use balanced XLR cables if you can—some cheap LED drivers can emit high-frequency noise that gets picked up by sensitive mics. If you hear hum, try plugging the lights into a different circuit or use a ground loop isolator. Placement-wise, since you have two people side by side, I'd set up the key light on the side of the primary speaker, and use the second softbox as a fill on the other side, but at a lower power (like 1/2 to 1/3 intensity). You can also bounce a white foam board on the opposite side to fill shadows without another light. And don't forget to set your white balance manually (around 5600K if using daylight-balanced LEDs) to avoid color shifts.

Thanks for the suggestions, directorwave67 and rendercore95! I ended up going with two Godox SL60IIs and two Neewer 36-inch octagon softboxes. I set them up as you described—crossing the beams and using a foam board for fill. The difference is night and day! The lighting is soft and flattering, and no flicker or hum issues with my shotgun mic. I also added a cheap RGB panel for a rim light effect, and it really makes the subjects pop. Problem solved—thanks again for the help!