Interview Tips, Part 1 of 2: Prepping Your Interviewee

Throughout my career, I have conducted well over a hundred interviews for assorted video projects. The interviewees have ranged from the camera savvy to first timers that sit down with a look of utter fear in their eyes. I quickly learned that no two interviewees were alike.

What I also learned early on, was that it was on me to properly prep interviewees to ensure they arrive feeling prepared and relaxed, and that filming day goes as smooth as possible.

With that in mind, here are three areas I communicate with interviewees and/or their assistants, representatives, etc., in advance of filming.

General Logistics

Info I share (when coming to them): What time we will arrive, how long we will need to set-up, how much crew and equipment will be present, what precautions we take to not cause any scuffs/damage to the facilities, how long the interview will take and how long we will need to pack up and exit the location.

Info I share (when they come to us): Where to park (including who is covering the cost), where the entrance is, what security measures may exist, who is their point of contact and their phone number should they have any problems upon arrival, and what the timeline will be from arrival to exit.

Questions I ask (when coming to them): What's the parking situation, will we have to clear security, are there specific elevators/entryways that need to be used when bringing in equipment, do we need to coordinate with buildings management, who is our main point of contact on the day (and their #) should we have any delays/problems and are there any other restrictions we should be aware of?

Takeaway: This helps set a positive tone. It shows the interviewee that you are a professional and value their time and space. You're being proactive and thinking about a lot of details that most interviewees never would have considered. They can now plan around your logistical needs and create the necessary time and space for you to film. Most importantly for them, they can plan the rest of their day around the interview timeline. Time is precious, show them you value theirs.

Talking Points

In my case, all the interviews I conducted were not investigative journalism pieces that required "stealth questions." The nature of the videos and the role of the interviewees in the video were very transparent. That allowed me to offer full disclosure.

Info I share: A detailed list of all the talking points and questions I would like to cover. When possible, I provide extra context as to why I'm asking a certain question or want to broach a specific topic so they understand the intent.

Questions I ask: Are there any additional talking points you would like to cover, is there anything on the list that you don't feel comfortable/suited discussing, and is there someone else we should speak with regarding certain points?

Takeaway: By having these discussions, as early as possible, you allow your interviewee to collect their thoughts, facts and anecdotes. This will lead to a smoother interview process (in theory) where you won't lose time waiting for them to collect their thoughts. It also creates a great window to refine the talking points around the person's expertise. Identifying alternate speakers better suited to answer a topic could work to your advantage if they are at the location on the same day and you can secure multiple interviews.

Appearance

This may very well be the most important of the three topics in this article. You are, after all, filming these people and their appearance is getting permanently documented. The last thing you want is getting angry calls about how unhappy they are with their appearance because they didn't know how to prepare.

Info I share: How much of their body will be in frame, whether there will be a hair and make-up person available or if they need to arrive camera ready, avoid loud/dangly jewelry, avoid fine line patterns that will flicker on camera and bring at least three outfit options

Questions I ask: Will you need additional guidance on determining wardrobe, are there special framing requests, do you wear glasses?

Takeaway: You want your interviewee to look great on camera and it's on you to make sure they arrive with options. You should also bring your own make-up kit packed with essentials; especially extra powder for bald heads, eyeglass cleaner for dirty frames/lenses and nipple tape. Another essential item is a few clothespins or binder clips to help tighten a jacket or top from behind. An interviewee's mood can quickly go from relaxed to stressed if they feel they won't look good on camera because they weren't briefed properly.