VIDEO PRODUCTION TIPS FOR INTERVIEWS

We have over ten years of experience in the video production industry, creating high-quality video content. During this time, we've worked with various clients requiring an interview format when creating videos, and our technical expertise ensures we deliver high-quality work that ruins your creative vision.

To begin with, it is always worth noting that when creating video content, it doesn't always require a high level of technical skills to capture the best story. Instead, it is more about the relationship between the interviewer and the interviewee.

Our video production tips for interviews cover - Preparing the Interviewee, Questions to Ask, Mise-en-Scène, Location, How & When to Use a Teleprompter and The Interviewer Effect. Following them means you'll be more prepared for any unforeseen challenges and help you avoid any problems or potential errors in the final video. In most cases, these can result in re-shoots and additional post-production days, causing significant delays in the editing process and extra costs, not to mention adding tension and strain to the working relationship. All of this is easily avoidable to ensure a project's success.

PREPARING THE INTERVIEWEE: WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The pre production planning is THE most important aspect of the interview. The interview should be natural so that your audience views it as an authentic testimonial so it is essential that you prepare the interviewee ahead of filming. We recommend scheduling a meeting with them to discuss the video concept, the aims and the client's vision. This can even be done over a video or telephone call or, failing that, via email. Ultimately when you effectively communicate your vision, the interviewee is provided with a base to form their answers from. It is important that this is completed regardless of how well-informed they are. Don't assume that they have a clear understanding of your vision – it's always better to set and clarify client expectations prior to filming and reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

SHOULD YOU SCRIPT ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS?

The next step is to send the pre-prepared interview questions over to the interviewee in advance. Perhaps they can provide some useful input on the subject, highlighting certain questions which may not be relevant to them or suggesting new questions which are. You want genuine and intelligent answers so unless an interviewer is uneasy about spontaneous answers, fresh, off-the-cuff answers generally produce natural reactions, compelling soundbites and ultimately ensure you produce high quality content

Additionally, if they do prefer to prepare their answers before filming, this gives the opportunity to proofread, ensuring quality control. At this point, give them the option of using a teleprompter during filming.

Explain a few pointers from your brand perspective and highlight who your target audience is and remember you want to sell a positive experience. For example, the interviewee might want to recount their struggles and challenges, but when the final version is a short, concise video which needs to sustain positivity throughout, material like this probably won't make the cut.

It is also advisable to highlight the use of certain keywords words, including themes and topics which relate to the video's key messages and aims. Refrain from negative words such as poor, lack of, etc. and stick with general buzzwords – this has been used by sales people for centuries: for a reason!

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

The biggest challenge when producing video content for a client is controlling expectations. On most occasions, all aspects of production including the creative vision are discussed prior to confirming the job however there is always something that could be missed or misunderstood. Interviews can be one of the most unpredictable and time consuming-aspects of film production if not prepared for properly.

Fundamentally, when video content that involves interviews is commissioned, we can expect that the main aim is to convey the business's message in a positive, concise manner. This is usually through the form of personal testimonial, whereby the interviewee is either a customer of the business, or business owner themselves or industry leaders. In other situations, one may interview an employee about a particular product or process (often found in public organisations). But the outcome is the same: conveying the brand image and celebrating the success of the product or service. This is why it is always useful to screen the potential interviewee's prior to the filming date to ensure that they are comfortable on camera and wont negatively impact the project's goals. Ultimately, the video's purpose is to sell the product / service.

VIDEOGRAPHER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: DECIDING WHICH QUESTIONS TO ASK

For the purpose of a commercial, it is better to limit the volume of questions. On most occasions, our crew members are required to take on the interviewing role. Therefore, we devise a list of questions ourselves, which is always sent to the client in advance to proof-read. However, if the client prefers to be the interviewer - because they know their business better than anyone else - it's important to limit the volume of questions to 5 main questions with 5 sub questions. Sub questions are to be used if the main question doesn't provide the answer we're looking for.

It is not advisable to persist in asking the same question several times if the interviewee is not providing the desired answer – this will make them uncomfortable and frustrated. Remember, you want to make the video look as authentic as possible, an unpleasant or awkward atmosphere will not achieve this. This is why preparation and correspondence with the interviewee about the questions prior to filming is paramount. Furthermore, too much time spent recording during the session will mean a lot of unnecessary footage, meaning the post production process becomes tedious and time-consuming, in turn leading to increased cost and can effect your ability to deliver high quality results.

MISE-EN-SCENE: WHAT IS IT & WHAT DOES IT DO?

The biggest challenge when producing video content is understanding that regardless of how much interesting, meaningful content the interviewee has given, the filmmaking process must function within the brief and agreed timescale. On a website, video length is often just 3 minutes and on social media just 30 seconds. Therefore, a lot of material usually needs to be cut or trimmed to the essential key points. So, how do we fit more information into the video and keep it relevant and engaging? Mise-en-scène is one way to ensure your company's projects stands out.

Mise-en-scène is the arrangement of scenery and the setting and surroundings of an event. When choosing where to film the interview, we advise applying considerable thought to the location. For example, most office spaces in modern buildings look similar and generic; most lack personality. This is not ideal for filming. Think: what will the background say? Filming with a bookcase behind the subject not only provides a visual draw but also says something about the interviewee.

Note that most high-end productions schedule days and teams to organise this element of production, followed by an art department who organise the mise-en-scène and design the overall look of a space to ensure the lighting techniques are of a superior quality.

This aspect of production should not be undervalued. Often film gives an illusion that deciding on locations was quick and easy to set up, but that's simply not the case. What looks like a simple set up in an office will have been researched and designed prior to filming. Remember most offices aren't visually exciting spaces – how will you make the shot look more interesting?. Everything in shot will be digested by your audience; first impressions are everything!

THINKING ABOUT LOCATION - LESS IS CERTAINLY MORE

The major advantage of the interview/personal testimonial is that this particular style naturally connotes authenticity and taps into the emotional response of the viewer, thus making it more believable. This is an essential approach for trying to sell a service, as it buys into the old adage of “people buy from people”. That being said, there's a tremendous task for the production team to ensure that this is delivered in a sellable and cost effective way. However, there is also a big responsibility from the client to assist in this outcome.

While also, corporate filmmaking is often about continuous learning and developing your problem solving skills. And one way to ensure your video projects have the creative flair to stand out from the crowd is to make sure your filming location is visually appealing. As all spaces are not created equal and the more unique your location is then the more interesting your film becomes.

The production team should discuss the location with the client from the beginning, as it's something that deserves considerable attention. It is advisable that the production team are able to do location scouting prior to the filming date. If this is not possible, schedule a time several hours before the session in order to compose a detailed approach to filming and guarantee the perfect shot. The extra time will result in higher costs for the client but this is for the benefit of the video. This can also mean spending time moving furniture around the space.

It is important to consider the limitations of a space for the camera setup. There needs to be room for multiple cameras, audio equipment and lighting to ensure you produce high quality videos. Too small a space might mean that the videographer position will be limited and you won't have enough room to interview the person effectively; too noisy a space will mean poor sound quality.

INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?

Generally, outdoor locations can be really engaging but the changing light and colour of the sun throughout the day (especially in England and other particularly cloudy countries) might have a negative impact on the consistency of the video. One interview shot in the morning will have a different light to one shot in the afternoon. We like controlled environments as much as possible so always bringing a set of lights. Indoor locations allow the production team a lot more control. This is why mise-en-scène is really important as it allows you to create an engaging space indoors and have a more controlled environment too.

It is also really important to be realistic about what can be filmed within one session. There is no point in trying to squeeze several interviews into one day as they end up being rushed. Remember the importance of creating a good atmosphere on set to ensure that the interviewee is feeling relaxed. This goes back to the aim of the project: to make it look authentic.

It is also important to consider that choosing too many locations can easily become counterproductive: setting up the camera, lights and sound is time consuming, especially when each location is different and has different demands. Essentially, doing too much in one day will result in a rush to complete the job, which in turn means that everybody involved is not performing to the best of their ability and that has a detrimental effect of the final product – something that none of us want to happen.

HOW & WHEN TO USE A TELEPROMPTER

While it is hard to understand and accept, some people are simply better at public speaking than others. Furthermore, some people may be confident and outgoing in their daily lives but they do not possess the skill set or the necessary vocabulary to sell your message effectively on camera, resulting in a confusing or messy end product that will ultimately need to be re-shot. Remember that you need to constantly be thinking about the impression you give and the reputation of the business at all stages of the video creation process.

A teleprompter is a great tool for interviews as they help to break down barriers with interviewees who are not comfortable in front of a camera. While it also means you can write their answers prior to filming and ultimately control the message. This is perfect for those projects with lower budget constraints (less edit time required) and a tight deadline.

The teleprompter can be used in 2 ways:

1) Placed in front of the camera lens, which will result in the interviewee talking directly at the camera, thus the audience.

2) Located to the side of the camera to simulate that the interviewee is talking to an interviewer.

Although this is a great tool to use, it's important to note that using a teleprompter can bring potential challenges as it takes time and patience to get right. There are also certain situations where it would not be necessary. For example, the approach of talking directly to the camera produces the feeling reminiscent of politicians addressing their nation, and is instantly less authentic. And in this scenario you can only really use one camera as adding anymore cameras will be disjointing. What's more, some interviewees have a tendency to fail to hide the fact that they are reading from a script and in turn sound robotic.

It is important to create the right atmosphere on set and this comes with preparation. Provide the interviewee with the questions prior to filming, allowing them the time to devise their own answers or to read the script before filming. Also, asking each interviewee their preference is recommendable – work to their strengths, not their weaknesses. We always ask our clients to provide us with a copy of the script/text prior to the filming so that we can proof-read it. We're employed as experts in this field and our experience of working within this industry for the past 10 years means we have valuable insight.

THE INTERVIEWER EFFECT AND WHY IT'S AN ISSUE

It is important to note that there is a lot a filmmaker can control and a lot they are responsible for. In addition, they can offer a lot of expert advice. However, when it comes to collaboration, it's equally important that a client considers their responsibilities. And one key aspect of this is when the client chooses to be the interviewer.

An interview is a form of social interaction and therefore the influence the interviewer has is vital to success, as their actions have a direct influence on the performance of the subject and thus the final product. Making the interviewee feel relaxed and at ease will provide a more realistic performance and appear more authentic. However, this isn't just about the interaction when the camera is on, but is immediate and begins as soon as you are introduced to the subject. It's about building a relationship from the beginning.

Notably, not everyone is easy to socialise with and adapting for the benefit of the interviewee is a developed skill. We often engage in light chat and small talk with the subject, asking them about their careers, hobbies, or home life. Essentially, use something that is unrelated to the interview but that they are comfortable and happy to talk about. This can be done not just before but also during the interview. We often record these interactions as they provide some great content for cutaways in the final cut.

VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE

If you are planning on making the film yourself from beginning to end. Then it is incredibly helpful to have some knowledge of video editing software and the process. Remember, the Key to any project is time management and one way to help you in this regards is constantly thinking about the final cut and how you can control the uncontrollable aspects to the filmmaking process.

Video editing is all about cutting scenes together to help tell a story. So fundamentally, all video editing software can do this, whether this be adobe premiere pro or other Da Vinci resolve or your preferred software. Some applications look more complicated than they need to be but begin with the only thing you need to get familiar with is the Cut tool and the ability to slice 2 cuts together. there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to help with this.

The objective of this stage of production is to reduce the length of time it takes and the best way to do this is writing the right questions and making sure you challenge your interviewee to word their answers into soundbites.

Conclusion

Remember, these points are purely designed as insights into the filmmaking process. If you are not a filmmaker, nobody expects you to have prior knowledge on the above. However, anyone commissioning a video involving interviews should read through to align any expectations and avoid unnecessary mishaps. Then, the client and production team can work better together and produce an amazing video – something that will sell the service or product for years to come.