At the heart of any successful Video Production Company are good interviews. A well-conducted interview can provide you with valuable insights and sound bites that make a video production engaging and effective. But, as any seasoned video producer will tell you, getting interviewees to feel comfortable in front of the camera for video production is easier said than done.

Interviewing for television, film, or a Video Production Company necessitates a refined skill set. Indeed, substantial technical expertise is required to efficiently set up, illuminate, and capture audio. Yet, the quality of the video production and voice bites obtained from your interviewee is the defining feature of a good interview.

In this article, we'll be sharing some essential tips for making interviewees feel at ease during video production. By following these tips, you can ensure that your interviews are more natural, compelling, and effective at engaging your target audience.

 

1. Get to know your interviewee beforehand

Before you even start filming for a video production, take some time to get to know your interviewee. This can be done through a pre-interview, either in person or over the phone. Ask them about their experience, their background, and their views on the topic at hand. This will help you build a rapport with them and make them feel more comfortable when the camera starts rolling for the actual video production.

 

2. Make them feel at home

Being interviewed on camera, whether for television or video production, can be stressful for anyone, but if they are physically uncomfortable, it is even more difficult to get a natural and relaxed interview. The majority of the interviews for Video Production will be shot on location, in settings ranging from office boardrooms to family homes. If possible, depending on the subject matter, the location, and the person being interviewed, ask the interviewee where they would feel most at ease for the video production.

It's important to make your interviewee feel as comfortable as possible before a video production. This can be achieved by creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere on set. Make sure that the on-set lighting for the Video Production is soft and flattering, and that the room is not too cold or too hot. Offer them a glass of water or a cup of coffee to help them relax.

 

3. Explain the process

It is also important to remember that creating a comfortable atmosphere on set for video production goes beyond just physical elements like seating and lighting. It should also include mental preparation for your interviewees before the video production begins, such as providing any necessary information or instructions beforehand, so they know what’s expected of them during the shoot.

Many people feel nervous when they're being interviewed for video production. To ease their nerves, explain the video production process to them beforehand. Let them know what to expect, how long the interview will last, and what kind of questions you'll be asking. This should do more to help them feel more confident and in control and less anxious.

Additionally, it helps to provide an outline of the topics you plan to cover for the video production in advance so that participants can come prepared with their own thoughts and opinions if desired. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page from start to finish!

 

4. Use a conversational tone

Encourage conversation prior to shooting for video production. Ask questions about their day or how they are feeling to break any awkwardness that may exist between you both before starting the actual video production shoot.

When conducting an interview for television or video production; it's important to use a conversational tone. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your interviewee may not understand. Speak in a clear and concise manner, and make sure that you're actively listening to what they're saying. By doing so, you'll create a more natural and engaging conversation that will put your interviewee at ease during the video production.

People like talking about the same subject. While some individuals are good at it, most people are not eager to talk just for the sake of talking. Individuals respond better when they are conversing with another person. It's far more natural to communicate concepts or procedures to another person than it is to speak directly to a camera or light during video production.

It is generally considered a good video production tip to film your interviews from the side. If you're utilizing a producer or interviewer, put them in a position where they can interact with the interviewees face to face and, you know, converse.

 

5. Be mindful of body language

Body language plays a crucial role in communication, especially during video production. When conducting an interview for video production, be mindful of your own body language, as well as your interviewee's. Make sure that you're maintaining good eye contact, nodding, and smiling when appropriate, and sitting or standing in a relaxed and open posture. This will help to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere on set for the video production.

Depending on how the interview is set up for the video production, your interviewers may be seated, standing, or moving about. Sitting motionless provides advantages in terms of technical issues such as lighting, focus, and sound, but it might make your interviewee feel uneasy during video production. Humans prefer to move about, especially when they are talking.

If you need to keep your interviewee still, urge them to use their hands. It helps individuals emote and share information, and it may frequently make them more expressive.

 

6. Take breaks

Filming an interview for video production can be tiring, both for you and your interviewee. To prevent fatigue and maintain focus, take breaks every 30 minutes or so from the video production shoot. Use this time to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, or have a quick chat with your interviewee. This will help to break up the monotony of the video production shoot and keep everyone feeling energized.

Another helpful tip for making interviewees feel at ease during a video production shoot is to provide refreshments during filming; this could be anything from coffee/tea, snacks, or even lunch, depending on how long each shooting session for the video production may last. This shows appreciation for those involved and allows everyone some time away from the camera between takes, which can help keep energy levels high throughout the entire process!

 

7. Edit with care

Once you've completed your video production shoot, it's time to edit the footage. When editing, be mindful of the content that you're including. If your interviewee appears nervous or uncomfortable on camera during the video production, consider editing those moments. However, be careful not to edit out too much, as this can make the Video Production appear disjointed and unprofessional.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, making interviewees feel comfortable during a Video Production shoot is essential to creating engaging and effective content. By following these tips, you can ensure that your interviews are more natural, compelling, and effective at engaging your target audience.