So, you’re going to be interviewed on camera?
Here’s What You Should Know To Get the Best Results
TIPS FOR A Good VIDEO Interview
It’s completely normal to feel uncomfortable in front of a camera. We’ve produced over 1,000 videos and rarely is the interviewee someone who loves being on camera. That’s why we have developed some tried-and-true methods to ensure a quality outcome and to coach you throughout the interview.
Plan on multiple takes. It’s normal to do several takes until you're comfortable with one—so don't let that worry you. Just take a breath, stop, then start again when you're ready. And it's OK to stop, form your idea, and then restart. We're patient with the process and empathize with how challenging it can be to be the one in front of the camera!
Frame your answer. Since the person asking the questions is often not in the final edit, it’s important to answer each question with a full sentence.
Example: The interviewer asks, "What is your favorite color?"
Incomplete Answer: “Blue.”
Complete Answer: “My favorite color is blue.”
Look at the camera as much as possible. If you need to check notes, do so. Then pause, look into the camera, smile, and begin your answer.
In general, don’t read or memorize your message. Since it’s difficult to read a message well on camera, we typically prompt you with questions and give you several opportunities to respond until we have the take that is just right. This allows for a more natural and warm delivery.
Do write out your talking points in advance. You won’t be able to read from notes, but writing key points out prior to the interview sometimes helps you simplify your message. If you need notes, we recommend bringing talking points to refer to between questions. Also, be careful not to rattle your paper once you start answering the questions, as we’ll pick those sounds up in the audio recording..
Keep it short. Aim for 2-3 sentences per answer, as a rule-of-thumb, though some questions will require more.
Leave a small "sound tail" at the start and end of each answer. This helps our editors get a clean take. Relax, take a breath, smile, and begin your answer. Then when finished, keep looking at the camera when you’re done for two seconds.
Avoid clothes with bold patterns and stripes. Introducing some solid colors in a cardigan, jacket, or shirt can add life to the visuals, but large busy patterns can be distracting. Solid neutral tones like blues, grays, tans, or deeper rich colors often work well.
Be on time. Others may be scheduled after you so, if you’re late, it can impact the other participants and can also add cost to the project, as the crew bills by the hour.
If you need to cancel due to illness or an emergency, call us as soon as you can, and we’ll reschedule. Please do not participate if you are ill.
TIPS FOR MAKING SURE YOUR REMOTE ZOOM VIDEO INTERVIEW LOOKS GOOD
Find a quiet room for your remote interview.
Position your laptop or computer at eye level. Adjust the height of your computer using extra books or a monitor tray. The camera should be directly in front of you or slightly higher than your face for the most flattering angle.
Position yourself in the room with soft or natural light facing your face. Don’t set up in a place where a window is behind you, as this creates a darker lighting on your face than in the background.
Start each answer with a breath, a smile, and then a word like “OK.” Zoom changes screens based on who is speaking, so saying “OK” before you reply will ensure that you’ll appear full screen in the recording.
Select a good background. Look for a bookshelf or a blank wall. A simple prop like a plant to the side of where you’ll be can add warmth but isn’t mandatory. Avoid cluttered spaces, as that can be distracting.
Create a balanced composition. Aim to position yourself in the center of your screen, with equal space to the right and left of your head.
covid-19 precautions
CMBell is very experienced in facilitating video shoots that observe COVID-19 precautions. These include:
Our employees are not permitted to come to work or to handle equipment if they are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Our crew wears masks and observes social distancing during the shoot.
Our team wears masks even when not on shoots if they are working in an office with other people.
We work with one interviewee at a time and ask that others wait at a distance, in another room, or in a car if they are in line for an upcoming interview.
We wipe down our equipment with sanitizing wipes after each shoot.
Even with precautions, of course, no one can guarantee complete safety. If you have questions or feel uncomfortable participating in a live shoot, we always respect your wishes. Please notify us if you are ill or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 prior to the shoot so we can re-schedule when it is safe for our team to do so.