Many films for business require interviews with colleagues who may not be used to being on camera. Often people have had no media training - or it happened long ago. Many people in this situation feel daunted and out of their comfort zone.
Some feel only mildly uncomfortable. It’s rare that an interviewee feels confident and looks like they are enjoying the experience. As an interviewer, it is useful if you can help to put them at their ease. The better their performance, the better the finished film will be.
There are several steps you can take to make the interviewee more comfortable.
Communicate clearly when and where they will need to be and how best to get there. The more comfortable their journey to the interview, the more relaxed and composed they will be. A stressful journey will lead to a stressed contributor.
When people are on camera they become very conscious of how they look. Discuss with them what they will be most comfortable wearing. Do they want to wear business attire to create a sense of formality ordo they want to be casual? Tell them they can bring options on the day if they are unsure.
Explain what the subject matter will be and what the aim of the interview is. I usually avoid providing specific questions because some people write and rehearse their answers too much. This then usually leads to a stiff and unnatural performance on camera. Emphasise that this is not a presentation but an interview. A conversational and spontaneous style usually works better on camera.
Once the interviewee arrives on set, introduce them to the people they will have contact with, and offer them a room or an area where they can sit and wait and compose themselves. Offer them a glass of water and make sure they know where the loo is. It is important that they feel to know they have everything they might need whilst on set. Make sure that they feel they can ask questions.
Once they have orientated themselves, explain the state of play. If the crew are still setting up the lights and camera, explain that is what is happening. Tell them when they might be needed. These details help people to feel centred and calmer, that they know what is going on around them and when they will be required to do their bit.
Once it is time for the interview, escort the contributor to the spot where you want them to stand or sit and tell them where you would like them to keep their eye line. Usually, it is towards the questioner. It is sometimes useful to put a mark on the floor if they are standing and ask them to remain on that spot. This helps the camera operator keep them in focus and in the right place in the frame. At all times encourage them to ask you questions and let you know if they need something
Before the camera is rolling, explain that it is not a live recording so they can have as many attempts at the answer as they need. Reassure them they don’t have to be a ‘one-take wonder'. Once the interview is underway engage them with your eyes and facial expressions - nod your head and show that you are listening. Feedback on their answers.
Once they are in their flow you can coach them more, perhaps asking them to go over an answer again and make it shorter, or ask them to expand on a point. The more you can get them to engage with their thoughts and ideas, the less conscious they will become of the unusual environment and so they will look more natural.
Once the interview is completed ask them if there is anything they would like to go over again or if there is anything else they would like to speak about that hasn’t come up.
Finally, thank them for their time and make sure they know how to leave the set safely.
By taking these steps you are doing what you canto make the experience an enjoyable one for the contributor. You are also allowing them to be at their most relaxed which usually translates into better performance on camera.
See how we do it: send us an email to hello@shortstories.media if you would like to discuss your next film project.
