For many types of videos, interviews are the backbone of the story. There are two approaches to being interviewed. One way is preparing with a script and reading it on a teleprompter during filming. This approach allows the client to be prepared and can extinguish some nervous energy. Another way is naturally responding to questions during an interview, which can lead to relaxed and genuine results. Either way, achieving a high-quality interview requires some effort and attention to details. This post will provide an interview outline and any necessary details.
What is the interviewee wearing? Are there any “costume changes”?
- Stone Hut Studios (SHS) recommends bringing a few outfit changes for an interview, even if there is a simple added sweater, jacket, or necklace.
- SHS aims to eliminate any interview uncertainty. If the interviewee is unsure about their outfit for the interview, please communicate with the SHS coordinator, who will be able to provide direction and recommendations based on the shoot. The interviewee is welcome to bring options the day-of shooting, arrive early, and receive feedback from the coordinator on-site.
- Please let SHS know ahead of time if the interviewee plans to wear glasses during the interview.
- SHS recommends bringing additional comfortable shoes.
- Makeup products or artists and hair stylists or products will not be provided. Please arrive prepared.
- SHS requests the interviewee wear a solid colored top without branding unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Don’t forget a mask for when you’re not on camera!
What is the interviewee saying? Is there a script or questions?
- Scripts:
- A script will be either created by the client or in collaboration with SHS. Either way, the script must be approved by SHS prior to filming.
- SHS requires clients to send the pre-approved script 24 hours ahead of a shoot. This time allows SHS to load the content onto the teleprompter if needed.
- SHS recommends the interviewee rehearse the script prior to arriving on-location.
- Questions:
- If the interviewee is responding to questions prompted by the interviewer, those questions will be either created by the client or in collaboration with SHS. Either way, the questions must be approved by SHS prior to filming.
- SHS requires clients to send the pre-approved script 24 hours ahead of a shoot. This time allows SHS to prepare the questions in an easy-to-access format.
- SHS recommends the interviewee rehearse their answers to the questions prior to arriving on-location.
Additional requests?
- If a client or interviewee needs additional assistance prior to an interview, please reach out to the SHS coordinator or anyone the interviewee is comfortable asking. These requests can include, but are not limited to: mobility accommodations, camera-shyness or anxiety, hard-of-hearing or deafness accommodations, sight accommodations, motor-tic or twitch accommodation, etc.
