When planning a corporate video project, the style of the interview can make or break the overall effectiveness of your content. Whether it’s for internal communications, marketing campaigns, or customer testimonials, the way you capture an interview plays a significant role in how your message is received by the audience. Choosing the right interview style can be daunting, but by asking the right questions, you can make a well-informed decision that suits your company’s needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key questions you should ask before selecting an interview style for your next video production.
1. What is the Objective of the Interview?
Before deciding on an interview style, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of the video. Are you showcasing an expert’s authority? Do you want to create an emotional connection with the audience? Or is your goal to inform or educate?
For example:
- If you need a professional, polished presentation of an expert or executive, a traditional sit-down interview may work best.
- If you aim to humanize your brand and create a relatable, storytelling atmosphere, an on-location or walking interview could be more effective.
2. What is the Tone of the Interview?
The tone of your interview will significantly influence the style you choose. Will the interview be formal, casual, or somewhere in between?
- For a serious, authoritative tone, a traditional sit-down interview often delivers the best results.
- If you want a more relaxed and conversational tone, walking interviews or roundtable discussions can help convey a more informal vibe.
3. How Will the Interview Be Presented to the Audience?
Consider how the final video will be distributed. Will it be shown at a corporate event, shared on social media, or embedded in a website?
- Corporate events or formal presentations may require more traditional, clean styles like sit-down interviews or two-camera setups for a professional finish.
- Social media or website use might benefit from more dynamic styles, like walking interviews or on-location shots, which offer a more engaging and personalized feel.
4. What is the Environment Like?
The location where the interview is filmed plays a major role in your choice of interview style. Will the interview take place in a controlled environment like a studio, or will it be on-location?
- A private studio setup offers control over lighting, sound, and background, making it ideal for controlled interviews or corporate settings.
- On-location interviews provide authenticity but can present challenges with lighting and noise, which may require additional equipment and preparation.
5. How Much Time Do You Have for Setup and Filming?
The amount of time available for filming will also influence your decision. More complex interview styles often require additional setup time.
- Traditional sit-down interviews are relatively quick and easy to set up, requiring minimal equipment and crew.
- Walking interviews or multi-camera setups may require more crew and time for adjustments, but can offer richer, more dynamic footage.
- If you have limited time, you may opt for single-camera setups or green-screen interviews that allow for more flexibility in post-production.
6. How Important is Visual Appeal?
The visual elements of the interview are key to maintaining viewer engagement. Does the setting play an important role in conveying the message?
- On-location interviews can visually reinforce your message, providing contextual clues that are highly engaging and visually dynamic.
- If the background or setting is not essential, then a studio interview with clean, controlled lighting can focus the audience’s attention solely on the subject.
7. What is the Length of the Interview?
Longer interviews may require more dynamic approaches to maintain viewer interest. Will the interview be a short soundbite, or a more in-depth conversation?
- For shorter interviews, a traditional sit-down or two-camera setup can keep the content concise and impactful.
- For longer interviews, a dynamic two-camera or walking interview style can help break up the footage and make it more engaging.
8. Do You Need to Repurpose the Content?
Repurposing video and photography is a powerful strategy for maximizing your investment. Will the footage need to be edited into multiple formats, or used across different platforms?
- Two-camera interviews or green-screen setups offer great flexibility for repurposing content, giving you multiple angles or the ability to add backgrounds in post-production.
- A multi-location or roundtable discussion might be ideal for creating a series of videos from one shoot, allowing you to break down content into bite-sized pieces for different channels.
Why St. Louis Video Services is Your Best Choice for Video Production Success
At St. Louis Video Services, we’ve been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area since 1982. We understand that each project is unique, and our team is dedicated to creating videos that meet your specific objectives. Whether you need a traditional sit-down interview, a dynamic walking interview, or a full-blown multi-camera shoot, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver.
Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with the right tools for the job, including full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. St. Louis Video Services excels at customizing video productions to meet your diverse media requirements, whether you’re looking to enhance your branding, repurpose content, or create a video that resonates with your audience.
Our private studio offers flexible lighting setups perfect for small productions and interviews, and we can accommodate larger sets for more complex shoots. We also specialize in flying drones indoors, providing unique and high-quality aerial shots for your video. From private interview studio setups to providing sound and camera operators, we offer everything you need to make your next video production flawless.
Choose St. Louis Video Services for your next project and experience how our expertise, equipment, and creative vision can help bring your ideas to life.
St Louis Video Services 