The Secret to Getting the Most Genuine Responses During a Video Interview

In big places for video production such as Utah or the West Coast, there are a range of useful strategies for every project. When it comes to a video production that requires one or more interviews, there may be some unexpected elements that may be seen as obstacles. Interviews (on the interviewee’s side, at least) are not scripted. The point of an interview is to gain organic, real-life material on the subject of the film. This may be seen as an obstacle to some because the reactions and responses of the interviewee are completely out of the producer and interviewer’s control. 

When conducting a video interview, it is important to keep in mind that the interviewee may be a little nervous or uneasy at first. This is completely normal. 

For example, if a documentary production was being made about the Utah Winter Olympics several skiers, snowboarders and speed skaters would likely be interviewed for the documentary. But unlike movie stars or broadcasters, some of these athletes may not be as accustomed to being in front of a camera. They may feel out of their comfort zone and may act somewhat differently than they normally would.

News reporter Faith Fuller has a secret for making documentary interviews show the true personality of the interviewee. Fuller has years of on-camera and interview experience. She knows that it is natural sometimes for interviewees in Utah or elsewhere to be nervous during an interview. Fuller suggests something a little out of the ordinary and totally unexpected. In a Desktop Documentary interview, she advises filmmakers to continue filming the interviewee after the interviewer says the interview is over. 

Fuller explains, “When you’re done with your official questions, say, ‘OK, that’s the end of the interview.’ Make sure the camera continues to roll at this point because often the conversation will continue. Psychologically, the person no longer feels the ‘pressure’ of the interview and will loosen up. This is the time I have often gotten the best quotes of the interview!” 

This strategy could work very effectively in the case of interviewing athletes from the Utah Winter Olympics as mentioned before. This would allow for the interviewees to feel more comfortable, therefore speaking more naturally and candidly, which will ultimately yield much better results for any video production.

Jordan Lee writes for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. She writes for many other clients as well.