Interviews are the backbone of corporate video content. Within corporate recruiting videos, event reels, and testimonials, the interview segment is a crucial factor in the final video. But where can you turn to read about post-production tips for video interviews? Well, ASL is your video production resource.
Opting for a more professional production will certainly alleviate a lot of the risk of a video interview: from audio mishaps to lighting conundrums. But there’s only so much that one can do on shoot day to account for all of this. Whether the subject has a great on-screen presence or not, a little bit of ingenuity from the editing room can go a long way.
Think of an interview like a TV scene. You could have the best actor or actress in the world on your show, but a shoddy production can make their performance fall flat. For corporate interviews, the emphasis on a quality production from A to Z remains as vital to the final cut as it would in any film or series. While entertainment is a secondary goal, engaging and informing your audience is at the front and center of any corporate video production. Building a compelling story and a sleek final video falls heavily on the production team you choose and the video interview tips they provide.
It’s really never been easier to whip up an interview for your website. All the basics are on you phone: a camera, microphone, and even editing software. But, with the ever-increasing popularity and impact of video content, a video done right can make all the difference. Production companies are professionals in the same sense as mechanics or carpenters. Doing it yourself can be a good experience, but for a larger production, turning to the pros is the best way to get the most value out of your video content. And it starts with the interview.
The difference in production of an interview from in-house to hiring a production company is huge. And it’s evident from the moment the production company sets up their gear. Full lighting rigs, light diffusion devices, hair and makeup professionals, an audio specialist and professional camera operators aren’t things you’ll usually find on a DIY in-house shoot. It may look like a heavy load, but when the video hits the cutting room, the quality of a sophisticated production shines through.
Anyone can point and shoot with their phone nowadays. But to give the editors some substantial material to work with, a multi-camera shoot is essential. Often, we use wide shots and close-ups, mixed with pans and creative angles because they all make for a more engaging story. Because your audience’s attention will wane if you only use a single shot.
While asking questions to a co-worker seems easy, there’s a lot more that goes into it. Not to mention the possibility of camera-shyness. Experienced producers are equipped to conduct interviews that yield interesting answers that will work as sound bites. And even if asking a few questions seems manageable enough, preparation put in by producers can make a difference between knocking out an interview in ten minutes versus spending hours, and multiple days trying to get the right sound bites.
Once you’ve seen a professional production take place, you’ll understand why each and every piece is needed. A producer will bring additional lenses, tripods, lighting colorations, and audio equipment to set. This allows you to see that looking and sounding your best goes beyond the subject’s performance itself. As we mentioned earlier, a superstar actor can deliver a performance of their lifetime, but without proper technicians, the scene will risk coming off as drab, two-dimensional, and amateurish. Production crews aren’t just there to carry out a duty. They’re there to provide tips for video interviews to make you look and sound your best.
As much as we hate to say it, watching a plain interview isn’t all that fun. It’s informative, sure. But at some point, you’re just watching somebody talk without much context: questions, answers, explanations, etc. So when you hear producers refer to themselves as storytellers, there’s more truth to that than you’d imagine.
In most corporate interviews, you’ll start with what we call an establishing shot. This is usually of a sign, exterior, or landmark because that gives the audience context. From there, you’ll usually enter the interview space. Regardless of whether the interview takes place outdoors, in an office space, or in a studio, b-roll shots will be helpful in moving your story forward and keeping the audience intrigued.
Aside from being a creative way of framing cool shots, b-roll is a great means of heightening the drama and giving reference to what the speaker is saying. Monologues are great, but unless you’re a professional actor, you need assistance and b-roll can offer that to any interview.
Interviews can be long-winded, filled with errors and hiccups, and prolonged by pauses, side notes and rehashing of details. So, we rely on editors’ tips for video interviews to guide the story.
As with any other type of video, post-production can especially work wonders on interviews, turning lengthy ramblings into snappy sound bites because molding a cohesive story is your most important task. A good editor will trim the fat and produce a watchable interview. But, a great editor will create a rich story that seamlessly informs the viewer of the speaker’s message.
Because the editor ties each answer and overlays them with relevant B-roll and captivating angles of the speaker, they are able to tell a story through someone else’s voice. So as with the producer, professional editors are experienced craftsmen or women. They hone their skills to create something clear, dynamic, and valuable to the audience at hand.
When it comes to shooting an interview, quality is everything. So, bringing in people who film interviews professionally can not only elevate your video content, but make a lasting impact with how your audiences view your company. DIY videos are nice at a certain level, but when your brand is on the line, a professional production company will know how to wield the tools to create something memorable.
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