Interview Tips for Video Production
Let’s look at some interview tips for video production.
Making films isn’t just about getting the picture and sound right; it’s also about capturing real people and genuine emotions. At Turps Film, we believe that being interviewed doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, we pride ourselves on making interviews fun and engaging! Here are some of our top tips for conducting interviews and making your interviewees feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Interview Tips 1: Be Human
One of the most important aspects of conducting a successful interview is being human. Put yourself in the interviewee’s shoes. Imagine sitting in front of strangers and opening up about personal thoughts and feelings—terrifying, right? Show your human side by sharing your story, being vulnerable, and cracking (appropriate) jokes. It helps ease the tension and makes you more relatable – you’re not a scary video agency, you’re a person who wants to help them tell their story!
We’ve interviewed a HUGE variety of people, from celebrities (top 3 are definitely Brian Blessed, Ann Cleeves, and Paul Smith) to children, retirees, CEOs and new starters. No matter who it is, showing your human side helps break the ice and makes the interview process much smoother.
Interview Tips 2: Do Your Homework
Researching your subject thoroughly is crucial. Understanding their background allows you to ask insightful questions and build rapport. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the topic, knowing your client’s goals and key messages will help you navigate the conversation smoothly.
We’ve interviewed experts on data security, chemical manufacturing, and international procurement, subjects we knew nothing about at first. But with some research, we managed to get insightful answers that resonated with the audience. So, do your homework, and you’ll be better prepared to handle any interview scenario.
Although in some cases, you might need to bluff! You may get a last minute request to ask an interviewee about a topic that you’ve never heard of, and you don’t have time to do any research….so if you need to, bluff your way through the interview!
“oh yes…tell me MORE about the B164 strategy – why does it work for you?”
*please say that question made sense*
“well that’s an excellent question! The B164 strategy works for us because…”
*YES! Now just smile and nod until we can get back to a topic I researched*
Interview Tips 3: Set the Scene
The environment where the interview takes place can significantly impact the quality of the interview. Choose a comfortable location where you can control access and lighting. There’s nothing worse than having an unexpected person walk in during an interview about a sensitive topic.
Setting boundaries and selecting your location carefully to avoid interruptions is key. This not only helps the interviewee feel more at ease but also ensures that the technical aspects of the interview are managed effectively. You can read more about our approach to different types of video in our video production services page.
Interview Tips 4: Build Rapport
Before you start filming, take some time to build rapport with your interviewee. Be natural and talk to them. They’re likely nervous, and a bit of reassurance can make a huge difference. Building rapport helps them relax and be more open during the interview. Be friendly, approachable and relatable. Yes, you have a job to do, and your DOP might need your opinion on framing or lighting but you need to make the interviewee your priority.
When we interviewed 16 people in two days for Bede Gaming, we made sure to spend a few minutes chatting with each person beforehand. This simple act helped them feel more comfortable and resulted in more genuine and engaging interviews.
Interview Tips 5: Mind the Details
While conducting the interview, it’s essential to keep an eye on the technical aspects. Sometimes, you might need to juggle interviewing and checking the equipment. Ensure the framing, sound levels, focus, and exposure are spot on.
If possible, budget for a larger crew so you can focus solely on the interview. Having a dedicated team member to handle the technical details allows you to concentrate on engaging with the interviewee and getting the best responses.
Interview Tips 6: Stay Flexible
Be prepared to adapt. Interviews can be unpredictable, and the best moments often come from going off-script. Don’t be afraid to rephrase questions or explore new topics based on the interviewee’s responses. It’s okay to throw in a few extra questions if it helps uncover more interesting insights.
Our editors might groan when I (Luke) throw in an extra 20 questions, but it often leads to some great content! Staying flexible and open to where the conversation might go can result in more authentic and compelling interviews.
Interview Tips 7: Reassure Your Interviewee
Even the most relaxed interviewees often worry about their performance. Reassure them that they did a great job. Compliment their content and remind them that even if they make a mistake, editing magic can fix it. Give them examples of people who have struggled, and show them the polished results if need be.
Nearly everyone feels self-critical on camera; boosting their confidence helps them shine. Let them know that it’s normal to feel a bit nervous and that they did wonderfully. This reassurance can make a significant difference in how they perceive their own performance.
Interview Tips 8: Listen
Pay attention to what your interviewee is saying and ensure your B-roll footage matches their narrative. If they’re talking about their love for working as a librarian, don’t show footage of them eating an orange by the bins. Relevant imagery elevates the emotion and clarity of their words.
Listening carefully to their responses allows you to capture the essence of their story more effectively. This attention to detail helps in creating a cohesive and engaging final product.
Interview Tips for Video Production: What to remember
Every person is different and has a unique story to tell. Your job as an interviewer is to create a situation where they feel comfortable and happy to share it with you. By following these tips, you’ll not only get the best out of your interviewees but also produce more engaging and authentic content.
At Turps Film, we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing a diverse range of people, from celebrities to kids, each with their own unique stories. By being human, doing our homework, setting the scene, building rapport, minding the details, staying flexible, reassuring our interviewees, and listening carefully, we ensure that every interview is a success.
Want to know more about our video production services? Visit our Video Production Services page. Curious about the different industries we serve? Check out our Video Production Sectors page.
For more expert interview tips for video production and on conducting interviews on camera, check out this guide from BBC Academy.
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