Top Tips for On-Camera Interviews

Mar 15

When you're tasked with being interviewed on camera for your brand or for the brand you work for, you may be apprehensive, especially if you're not typically on camera. You may have already been interviewed on camera a number of times but trust us when we say the work is never done; there's always room for improvement. Are you ready to learn how best to leverage your time on camera and ease any apprehensions you may have? Then read on.

Preparation for On-Camera Interviews is Crucial

Nobody knows your brand or the brand you work for back to front quite like you! And while you may know all there is about the brand, it's crucial to obtain a list of questions with the key messaging you need to answer before the shoot day correctly. However, don't recite the key messaging and try to remember it on the day of filming because this will hinder your performance and not appear natural. You'll want to treat the on-screen interview process like you're talking to a colleague or friend; keep it simple but run through each question you're presented with before filming day, so you've got a good hold on what to expect.

Look Your Best & Align With Your Branding

For your on-screen interviews to look the best, your wardrobe styling is pivotal. It does come down to how you'd like to position your brand; however, we find block colours and simple materials look best on camera. Crazy patterns or reflective materials can cause issues with the professional lights and cameras used. Look to keep it clean, sharp and straightforward.

Hair & Makeup for Additional Polish

We don't need to tell you to have your hair looking neat and tidy; however, less is more when it comes to makeup. Makeup does read stronger on camera than it does in person, so don't overdo it. A touch of translucent powder can take away shine and oils present on skin that the professional lights can accentuate for men. For women, you can also keep your makeup simple with the use of translucent powder- remember there's no need to overdo it, ensure you're happy with how you're presenting yourself on camera.

Enunciate to Evoke Your Key Messaging

Have you ever watched a video interview and said to yourself, "Wow, that person was so boring"? Well, it can happen, and that's okay. Not everybody is excellent at on-screen interviews; however, the more enthusiasm you convey when you speak, the better. A smile goes a long way, too, but that depends on the subject matter at hand. You'll also want to talk clearly and as concisely as you can. While the editor can work their magic in the edit, we strongly recommend that your key messages come across as close to what will end up in the final output- this approach will help you stay on track and not waffle your sentences. Just like hair & makeup, less is more for your responses to the questions at hand. If you fumble a word or a line, it's okay to stop yourself and start from the top. In the editing process, there are ways in which a talented video editor can work around these moments.

The bottom line is to enunciate clearly, sit up straight, move naturally (place your hands under your legs if you use your hands a lot when talking) and have a conversation like you would with a colleague or friend.

Shoot Day

Depending on the project's requirements, there can be a large crew or a smaller crew present when it comes to filming day. It all depends on the task demands; however, trust there will be at least a handful of crew members on the day setting up the camera, sound and anything else to make you look fantastic.

You've got your wardrobe and makeup together; you've read through the questions you'll be asked, and if you've prepared as much as you can be (don't forget that preparation is vital before the filming day)- what now? Well, it's your turn to shine, so take a few deep breathes in the corner if you have to and don't overthink it. The film crew should allow you ample time to capture all of your responses to the questions. The person interviewing you (typically off-camera) will ask you question by question until each one has an adequate answer for the editor. Keep your eyes locked on the person interviewing you, don't wander your eyes all over the room and not into the camera if it is not a stylistic requirement.

The best tip we can share here is to forget the crew- as far as you're concerned, they do not exist.

While it can be difficult to not look at the camera instead of the interviewer, that's okay. You'll find that you'll warm up in no time, and before you know it, the interview will be complete, and you'll look and sound great in the final output.