Shoot Day Interview Tips

It’s shoot day. Maybe you’re filming a CEO, a nervous intern or a Hollywood star. Often it will be someone who is an authority on a subject. That subject might not be talking on camera!

Don’t be disappointed you can’t get your subject to forget about the pressure of the conversation. The reality is, sometimes we aren’t able to get someone 100% chilled. They might have a time crunch or feel underprepared. There might be something going on in their personal life and no amount of gentle banter and distraction is going to fully Zen them. That’s ok. Just remember these three things:

Really ask the question.

If you are really present, you are more likely to get the most composed authentic response. Know the questions in advance so you can keep eye contact and riff on a theme. Notes are ok, but people appreciate it when you’re prepared. The simple virtues are your friends here.

Really listen to the answer.

You don’t have to mine the deeper meaning of every nuance in every syllable. But it’s good to have a genuine reaction to what’s being said and how it comes across. Real reactions create an authentic dynamic.

Judge and embrace their energy.

They might be frenetic as all hell and full of adrenaline. They might be about to go onstage, into an AGM, or dealing with a crisis you don’t know about. Focus on the questions, bring them back to detail. They know what they’re talking about, and you just need them to be open enough to share it.

#Authenticity gets the best stories.