The narrative of a corporate video production is frequently led by soundbites from interviewees e.g. customers.
When filmed correctly, these soundbites can be a great way to communicate key messages. Our top 5 tips for video production interviews are as follows:
1. Know Your Location
The best way to do this is to do a site survey. The more prepared you are the smoother the interview will go. The best types of areas are places which has a relevancy to the topic of the corporate video, but also places which aren’t too noisy or too bright/dim (harsh light is unflattering and not enough light will mean viewers won’t see your subject). Allow yourself plenty of time for the interview to do re-takes where necessary.
2. Camera Placement
Use a tripod to hold the camera steady while you’re conducting your interview. Try not to zoom and pan while the camera’s rolling as this can be off-putting to viewers. Get close to your subject, but not too close. Frame them so the speaker’s whole head and part of the shoulders can be seen.
3. Lighting
Avoid placing your subject in front of a window at all costs. This will only create a silhouette of your interviewee and will make them look anonymous. So do ensure you have enough light to be able to see your subject well.
4. Audio
Use a clip on microphone to get the best sound from your interviewee. Avoid conducting the interview in areas that has a lot of background noise, for example near a busy road or if indoors places where there are lots of people talking. Check on the sound quality by using headphones. It’s the only way you’ll be able to tell if it’s good enough or not.
5. During The Interview
Try not to respond out loud to the speaker, for example by saying ‘yes’ or ‘uh huh’. It takes the focus away from the subject and will make the corporate video look amateur. Instead try to nod and don’t talk while they’re speaking where possible. Give them time to finish their sentences before moving on to the next question, and ask them to rephrase the question in their answer as this will provide context when it comes to viewing the online video.
