Your first Business Profile Video: Getting ready!
Here are some tips about putting together a great Business Profile Video. Please read this page as much as you can before your shoot! What you will find below are these topics:
Section 1: Guildlines - what to expect for your shoot
Section 2: Some sample questions for your interview/conversation, in a typical Business Profile Video
Section 3: Preparing for your interview/conversation and how to do it well!
The great thing about this type of video is that it doesn't require tremendous planning or scripting; however, the right type of preparation and knowing your message is key to getting what you want out of your video.
Section 1: Guildlines - what to expect for your shoot
Section 2: Some sample questions for your interview/conversation, in a typical Business Profile Video
Section 3: Preparing for your interview/conversation and how to do it well!
The great thing about this type of video is that it doesn't require tremendous planning or scripting; however, the right type of preparation and knowing your message is key to getting what you want out of your video.
Section 1: Guidelines - what to expect for your shoot
-The shoot will take place in one location, and generally only take 2, maybe 3 hours at the most. (If you think you may want more than one video made from this footage, then we'll plan more time.)
-The shoot will incorporate two main elements: the INTERVIEW (essentially an on-camera conversation), and B-ROLL/ACTION SHOTS.
-It is generally best to do the INTERVIEW(s) first, then finish with B-Roll. In the case of multiple customers offering testimonials, we will shoot some b-roll that includes those speakers after each of their interviews.
-Once I arrive, we will take care of any paperwork, signed releases, etc first. Then, we will determine the location for the INTERVIEW. A good location generally means quiet, not in direct sunlight, and with something appropriate or interesting in the background. Deep backgrounds are best (eg not in front of a wall). Natural light is a factor.
-Every face that appears on camera, speaking or not, needs to sign a simple, standard appearance release (I can provide in company’s name).
-There is no lighting crew on this shoot, so availability and direction of natural light is a factor in choosing locations.
-Allow approx. 15 minutes for me to set up for the INTERVIEW, and about 10-30 minutes for the actual interview/conversation. If we capture the messages right away and everything goes extremely smoothly this can go very quickly. It is very common for it to take longer as well, allowing for the speaker to get “warmed up”. No need to feel rushed. Testimonials are typically much quicker.
-Each person speaking on camera will have a lav mic put on them. If you have customers that would like to offer a testimonial, they will be miked also when it is their turn. The lav will hook to your collar, and the transmitter hook to a belt or edge of pants, skirt, pocket, etc. (I’ll put it on you.)
-Please see list of questions and tips below for your spokesperson on camera.
-For the B-ROLL/ACTION shooting, generally we want 4-6 different setups for coverage. These are SIMPLE shots, usually involving one basic action, shot at a few angles. This might involve setting up a couple simple scenes such as business owner interacting with a customer, or an employee working on a project. Primarily , we want B-Roll to cover things that are referred to by the spokesperson during the interview. That is why we should know the basic message prior to starting the shoot, so we also know what is appropriate B-Roll to shoot.
-Generally, the most important thing about B-Roll is that we capture faces that are happy, smiling, pleasant, or have some kind of good authentic upbeat energy. Audio is less important. If talking about surfing gets happier expressions than talking about your product, then talk surfing. I’m looking for energy, eye contact and connection. I will direct you through this process.
-The main rule with B-Roll is to not look directly into the camera. If I speak to you or suggest something from behind the camera, try to avoid looking at me…just carry on, incorporating my suggestion.
-The shoot will incorporate two main elements: the INTERVIEW (essentially an on-camera conversation), and B-ROLL/ACTION SHOTS.
-It is generally best to do the INTERVIEW(s) first, then finish with B-Roll. In the case of multiple customers offering testimonials, we will shoot some b-roll that includes those speakers after each of their interviews.
-Once I arrive, we will take care of any paperwork, signed releases, etc first. Then, we will determine the location for the INTERVIEW. A good location generally means quiet, not in direct sunlight, and with something appropriate or interesting in the background. Deep backgrounds are best (eg not in front of a wall). Natural light is a factor.
-Every face that appears on camera, speaking or not, needs to sign a simple, standard appearance release (I can provide in company’s name).
-There is no lighting crew on this shoot, so availability and direction of natural light is a factor in choosing locations.
-Allow approx. 15 minutes for me to set up for the INTERVIEW, and about 10-30 minutes for the actual interview/conversation. If we capture the messages right away and everything goes extremely smoothly this can go very quickly. It is very common for it to take longer as well, allowing for the speaker to get “warmed up”. No need to feel rushed. Testimonials are typically much quicker.
-Each person speaking on camera will have a lav mic put on them. If you have customers that would like to offer a testimonial, they will be miked also when it is their turn. The lav will hook to your collar, and the transmitter hook to a belt or edge of pants, skirt, pocket, etc. (I’ll put it on you.)
-Please see list of questions and tips below for your spokesperson on camera.
-For the B-ROLL/ACTION shooting, generally we want 4-6 different setups for coverage. These are SIMPLE shots, usually involving one basic action, shot at a few angles. This might involve setting up a couple simple scenes such as business owner interacting with a customer, or an employee working on a project. Primarily , we want B-Roll to cover things that are referred to by the spokesperson during the interview. That is why we should know the basic message prior to starting the shoot, so we also know what is appropriate B-Roll to shoot.
-Generally, the most important thing about B-Roll is that we capture faces that are happy, smiling, pleasant, or have some kind of good authentic upbeat energy. Audio is less important. If talking about surfing gets happier expressions than talking about your product, then talk surfing. I’m looking for energy, eye contact and connection. I will direct you through this process.
-The main rule with B-Roll is to not look directly into the camera. If I speak to you or suggest something from behind the camera, try to avoid looking at me…just carry on, incorporating my suggestion.
Section 2: Some sample questions for your interview/on-camera conversation
Here are some examples of questions I might ask. Seeing them can help you prepare your own message. Please share with me the ones that most resonate with you, and/or come up with your own and share those with me. Remember that your video will only contain about 3-4 points in its duration, so only the best material will be utilized. Questions are never designed to throw you off, but rather capture something interesting, that you talk about with authenticity. We always overshoot, to create options when editing. Please see the TIPS FOR THE BEST INTERVIEW, below.
MUST-DO
1. Introduce yourself - your business name and your name and title
2. Please give a short (15-20) description of your business
OPTIONALS
3. How long have you been in business and what motivated you to start this business?
4. What do you specialize in (or focus on)?
5. What is the mission of your business?
6. What makes your business unique or sets it apart from others in this field?
7. Why should a consumer/client choose you (over someone else)?
8. Do you have a (brief) anecdote about the business that summarizes what you are all about?
9. What can a client expect when they call/hire you?
10. What should people consider when making a decision to hire this type of service?
11. Who is your ideal client/customer?
12. What makes a good ______________ (your title/service)?
13. What about your business makes you the most proud?
14. What is it about what you do that inspires you to do it every day?
15. What do you like best about doing this work?
16. How is your work rewarding?
17. What do you want your business to be known or remembered for? Why?
18. Name 3 characteristics that best describe you and your business (example of each)?
19. What would your clients say about you?
20. Why are you passionate about this work?
21. What is a piece of advice or good tip you can give people interested in ______ (what you provide)?
22. How should a person go about preparing for use of your service, or how to make the most of it?
23. Any funny story about your business?
24. Do you have a special message to share with the community?
Section 3: Preparing for your interview/on-camera conversation and how to do it well!
TIPS FOR THE BEST INTERVIEW
Here are several tips to know what works the best when you do your interview. Just breeze them over for an idea what to expect, but don't worry about trying to remember it all. I'm there to help you; I'm your director! Hopefully these tips can boost your confidence in the process.
-When shooting conversation/interview, NO background music, quiet location, phones off if possible.
-What to wear: avoid solid black, solid white, solid red, or busy patterned clothing. Best is solid tones with attractive color you feel good in.
-Makeup/hair: there is no makeup artist provided on this shoot; you should come makeup/hair ready (look natural yet professional). This is high definition so how you look will show; no need to over-dramatize makeup like on stage.
-You may chose to sit or stand for this. It's important that you feel comfortable so you can relax and be natural. I will adapt the shot to you.
-I will ask you questions; you will talk to me, NOT into the camera lens. Hopefully you can ignore the camera altogether!
-Do not try to memorize lines or plan to read on camera – the most conversational, spontaneous, relaxed and natural the better. The BEST result is when you are SINCERE and AUTHENTIC, which is more important than the precise words! Remember, this really should be like a simple, relaxed conversation.
-Know the main 3-4 messages/topics you want to convey, as bullet points. Please don't have fully-written sentences prepared....if you do, it will most likely work against you because you will be too focused on trying to say what you've written rather than simply being yourself and being real and speaking from your heart when the camera rolls! Trust me, it will be harder than you think to get out pre-scripted lines. Trust yourself that YOU KNOW your business!
-Keep your message simple. The best introductory videos don’t get into the deep minutia but rather stay focused on the basics of what you do, why you do it, how you do it.
-Think soundbites. Not long speeches if possible. (But if you are "feeling it" go for it! I can determine if we need to go back over anything.)
-Keep your audience (client/potential customer) in mind.
-Try to answer and speak everything in complete sentences so it doesn't need my question to be understood (ie if I ask you “Why are you passionate about your work?” – do NOT say: “Because I get to help people every day.” – but rather, correctly: “I'm passionate about my work because I get to help people every day”). I will remind you this if you forget!
-Remember that editing is your friend! If you don't like the way something came out, or if it isn't strong enough or real or if it’s too long, we simply won't use it. Always speak up if you feel you can offer a better answer than what you just did, and we'll just do it again! We can do as many tries as you like.
-Perhaps your first answer was great but too long to ever use in a video. Often we can say it again and make it a bit more concise. (I may also ask for a “safety” which is a second take of the same idea.)
-Not everything you say will end up in your video. Most will not. (Unless we are going to make multiple videos!)
-Once you are answering a question, if you lose track or think you messed up, try to just keep going to the end. If you have to pause and think about your next words, do it, and continue. It's ok to stop and think while talking! Again, this should be you being YOU.
-Let go of any pressure to be a perfect speaker. Your only job is to be a passionate and sincere speaker on the topic of YOUR line of work or business. Period. I will make it work well for your video!
-It's ok to smile, laugh, be goofy, be candid, pause and think as you speak, be expressive, etc. That's being HUMAN, and that's what people want to see! Authenticity.
-Don’t worry…keep it simple and this should be EASY! Bottom line: BE YOURSELF!
Here are several tips to know what works the best when you do your interview. Just breeze them over for an idea what to expect, but don't worry about trying to remember it all. I'm there to help you; I'm your director! Hopefully these tips can boost your confidence in the process.
-When shooting conversation/interview, NO background music, quiet location, phones off if possible.
-What to wear: avoid solid black, solid white, solid red, or busy patterned clothing. Best is solid tones with attractive color you feel good in.
-Makeup/hair: there is no makeup artist provided on this shoot; you should come makeup/hair ready (look natural yet professional). This is high definition so how you look will show; no need to over-dramatize makeup like on stage.
-You may chose to sit or stand for this. It's important that you feel comfortable so you can relax and be natural. I will adapt the shot to you.
-I will ask you questions; you will talk to me, NOT into the camera lens. Hopefully you can ignore the camera altogether!
-Do not try to memorize lines or plan to read on camera – the most conversational, spontaneous, relaxed and natural the better. The BEST result is when you are SINCERE and AUTHENTIC, which is more important than the precise words! Remember, this really should be like a simple, relaxed conversation.
-Know the main 3-4 messages/topics you want to convey, as bullet points. Please don't have fully-written sentences prepared....if you do, it will most likely work against you because you will be too focused on trying to say what you've written rather than simply being yourself and being real and speaking from your heart when the camera rolls! Trust me, it will be harder than you think to get out pre-scripted lines. Trust yourself that YOU KNOW your business!
-Keep your message simple. The best introductory videos don’t get into the deep minutia but rather stay focused on the basics of what you do, why you do it, how you do it.
-Think soundbites. Not long speeches if possible. (But if you are "feeling it" go for it! I can determine if we need to go back over anything.)
-Keep your audience (client/potential customer) in mind.
-Try to answer and speak everything in complete sentences so it doesn't need my question to be understood (ie if I ask you “Why are you passionate about your work?” – do NOT say: “Because I get to help people every day.” – but rather, correctly: “I'm passionate about my work because I get to help people every day”). I will remind you this if you forget!
-Remember that editing is your friend! If you don't like the way something came out, or if it isn't strong enough or real or if it’s too long, we simply won't use it. Always speak up if you feel you can offer a better answer than what you just did, and we'll just do it again! We can do as many tries as you like.
-Perhaps your first answer was great but too long to ever use in a video. Often we can say it again and make it a bit more concise. (I may also ask for a “safety” which is a second take of the same idea.)
-Not everything you say will end up in your video. Most will not. (Unless we are going to make multiple videos!)
-Once you are answering a question, if you lose track or think you messed up, try to just keep going to the end. If you have to pause and think about your next words, do it, and continue. It's ok to stop and think while talking! Again, this should be you being YOU.
-Let go of any pressure to be a perfect speaker. Your only job is to be a passionate and sincere speaker on the topic of YOUR line of work or business. Period. I will make it work well for your video!
-It's ok to smile, laugh, be goofy, be candid, pause and think as you speak, be expressive, etc. That's being HUMAN, and that's what people want to see! Authenticity.
-Don’t worry…keep it simple and this should be EASY! Bottom line: BE YOURSELF!
