In the Frame 101: Preparing for a Video Interview

The Benefit of Interviews

Interview-style videos create a genuine connection between you and your audience. Compared to scripted narratives, interviews express authentic emotions and share personal stories. An interview-led approach featuring insightful voices can accurately represent your brand's message. In our experience, powerful interviews are the backbone of our most successful campaigns.

When You Find Yourself in the Spotlight

Preparing for an interview can be challenging, nerve-wracking, and uncomfortable. Whether you're an experienced public speaker or new to the video set, the pressure can be intense when the cameras and lights power up. Over the past decade, we have helped hundreds of people feel more comfortable and deliver memorable and likable interviews time and time again. Here are our best practices for making your interview shine.

Process: Understanding Strategy

You and your organization have a unique culture, so your interviews have the potential to set the tone for your brand identity, messaging, and overall culture. Before filming, we recommend taking the time to research the purpose of the video. Understanding the project goals will help you successfully shape the overall message. Ask whoever is involved with the interview and video segment questions until you feel comfortable with the subject matter and your involvement. Remember, you were chosen to be interviewed because you have a significant presence and hold valuable insights.

Preparation: Practice Your Responses

Reviewing your prep materials will make you comfortable with the questions before you enter the room. Familiarize yourself with the content and read between the lines as much as possible. Bringing nuance into a conversation will add depth and interest. Practicing your delivery will set you up for success. Therefore, schedule discovery calls and prepare Q&A templates if they are not supplied. This framework ensures that your talking points align with your message so your audience can relate. Always remember, interviewers are not there to judge you but to help you tell the best version of your story and deliver your script most effectively.

Talking Points: Have a Conversation

The best interviews feel like open conversations. To achieve this, we encourage you to write down general ideas about specific questions that will help you when each topic is covered. Bring these notes to set so you can reference them as needed. Know that memorizing your answers can come across as forced and inauthentic. There is no need to rush. Take a breath and pause to collect your thoughts after the question is asked. Understand that interview projects are typically not scripted. You can start, stop, and try again, but the most important thing is to focus on saying complete thoughts and not allow doubt to take over. Our job is to collaborate directly with you or your marketing and brand decision-makers to ensure the questions hit the mark so your answers naturally flow.

Wardrobe: Simple & Professional

Your internal marketing team or agency partner will typically develop a guideline that outlines basic inspiration for your outfit. However, choosing an outfit you will be comfortable and confident in is always best. Avoid distracting patterns - Opt for solid neutrals and avoid colors that will contrast with your skin tone. High-quality cameras are sensitive to transparent fabrics. Say no to distracting, loud jewelry unless you want to make a statement. If you wear glasses, clean your lenses beforehand. And finally, if you are unsure about what to wear, bring options and let the video and creative team help you decide. Lastly, interview sets can be bright and cause shine on your face and skin. It's a good practice, at a minimum, to use oil wipes. For the ladies, try not to use oily makeup as it will reflect in the lights and is very hard to bring down in post-production. And take time to style your hair and makeup to feel your best.

Confident Deliverance: Eye Contact and Posture

A relaxed, open set is the first step in ensuring all participants feel comfortable and confident. We believe trust is one of the most important elements when you walk through the door. With a strong relationship, we can capture your stories together. Always make eye contact with the person who is interviewing you. Pretend that you are the only two people in the room. Ignore the cameras if you need to. Delivery is best when you are comfortable, knowledgeable, and passionate. Be aware of your body language, but don't overanalyze it. Always sit or stand upright, and avoid slouching. Good posture helps you project your voice. Try not to fidget. If you are nervous, the best thing to do is to take a deep breath.  

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Remember to have fun: A Unique Experience

Most people cannot deliver a structured sentence that hits the mark, even if they are well-practiced and prepared. But don't be discouraged; you may or may not be aware of magic inside of you. The more passionate you are about a certain topic, story or product, the more you can allow your passion to come through. It may take a few rounds before you realize it, but you can do it if you believe in yourself and trust your senses. Partnering with an experienced video production company that interviews people from all walks of life will allow you to trust in yourself and their process so you can focus on being yourself. Just be yourself. With a bit of behind-the-scenes help, it'll be a genuine, fun experience.

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Virtual Interviews: The Digital Landscape

Virtual interviews are a popular option for connecting with remote subjects. Here are our tips for when you are not on set. Most of, if not all, of the steps outlined above are still just as relevant. Check your internet connection, confirm that your camera and mic are working correctly, and familiarize yourself with the platform (commonly Zoom or Google Meet). Find a quiet, well-lit space for the interview where you won't be interrupted. Choose a clean, uncluttered background. Avoid busy or distracting backgrounds that could draw attention away from you. Engage with the camera. Maintain eye contact with the camera rather than the interviewer's image on the screen. These simple tips will help create a sense of connection and sophistication to your audience.