Interviews are one of the most popular techniques for capturing a story on camera. They’re commonly used in promotional films and customer testimonials, for short “vox pops” at events, and for supporting learning and education in training videos.
Compared to writing and memorising a script, interviews are a more relaxed way for a person to share a message on camera.
Carefully crafted interview questions ensure that any key messages are covered, and reactive questions based on previous answers help the interviewee to expand on any points that aren’t clear.
A selection of recent projects we’ve worked on that incorporate filmed interviews.
A punchy, personable sponsor testimonial video for Startup Disruptors – a community for small businesses in Portsmouth and Hampshire.
We were approached by Spitfire Marketing to film a promotional video for their client Rowans Hospice.
We were asked by Lockton UK to film a snappy highlights video of their annual Global Benefits Forum at Sea Containers Hotel in London.
Writing a script might seem like the best way to make sure all of your key messages are included in a piece to camera, but unless you’re filming an experienced presenter the end result can sound robotic and unemotional.
An unscripted interview allows your contributor to say what they actually think, rather than worrying about whether they’ve successfully recited a pre-written script.
However, it’s still important to plan an interview carefully. Having a coherent idea of what you want to ask your contributor will make the whole process far easier – especially if you share your questions with them in advance. Just don’t let them write their answers out!
Single camera interviews are very cost effective, and they’re great for promotional videos and customer testimonial films. A well conducted single camera interview won’t seem like an interview at all.
While one camera is usually enough, a second camera can provide an angle of the person asking the questions for a conversational interview, can provide an alternative angle for trimming down lengthy answers, or could be used to show surrounding details that the interviewee may refer to while talking.
Most of the time the decision comes down to the practicality of setting up multiple cameras. Fast paced environments like events don’t usually have space for elaborate setups, yet a dedicated studio or office often does.
We’ve filmed thousands of interviews across a wide variety of industries and sectors with people of all backgrounds; from young children all the way up to politicians and professional broadcasters.
Whether we’re asking the interview questions on your behalf, or we’re simply there to operate the camera, we’ll work with you to make sure that your interview tells the story and conveys the messages you want to get across.
From providing pre-shoot briefings for both the interviewee and interviewer, to nailing the technical details of the shoot, you’re in safe hands with our team.
