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Tips from a San Diego Video Production: Pre-interview Your Subjects
Author: Kurt Snider
October 2005
One of the best ways to improve your on-camera interviews is by conducting mini-interviews with your subjects before the camera rolls. This was really helpful for a recent San Diego video production. An apprehensive, nervous CEO became a solid, confident presenter on tape largely because our producer spent time preparing him.
Ideally, this is done in person with the subject a few weeks or days before your video production. That way, they'll become comfortable with your interview style and you'll have an idea what they'll look and sound like on tape. It will also give you an opportunity to evaluate their chances of performing as required for the program. It may be possible to schedule some quick media training or suggest other ways to enhance their performance. This could include the addition of a teleprompter or a hair/makeup stylist.
If time doesn't permit a personal visit, a phone conversation is the next
best thing. This is when you can determine whether your subject is long-winded,
lacks energy, etc., so that you can find a better interview subject. You can
help your subject to be succinct and clear (i.e., "Am I understanding
you correctly when you say..." or "Do you
mean to say..."). It will also give you the chance to help the subject
gather their thoughts. Busy professionals often wait until the last minute
to scan briefing notes and then sit down and want the interview over in five
minutes. The client then wonders why the program wasn’t successful.
Pre-interviews can also help you formulate better questions because you'll
know what your subject is going to say. At the very least, take a few minutes
before the camera rolls, while the crew is setting up, for a mini pre-interview
to find out what your subject will say and to help him or her relax. The worst
thing to do is to sit in the room during setup. There are too many distractions.
The client will be listening to where the audio guy went on vacation instead
of discussing the subject at hand with you. This is the time to take control,
isolate the client from handlers if possible, and accomplish your goal of making
the subject comfortable with you and their material.