Learn to Shoot an Off-Camera Solo Interview
In this video, we meet up with Matthew Swinnerton founder of Event Santa Cruz. Matthew stopped by our new Capitola office to see what we were up to. Now since we’re hosting the upcoming 'Video Creator Training Course' [VCTC] we wanted to share this video style for anyone creating videos from anywhere you work!
The ‘off-camera look’ is an Uber-popular interview style, and it can be done with no interviewer at all… completely solo! Matthew was great for this demo, and we hope it helps you read too. Most people love this style as they can fully control the interview, look away from the camera, and be casually authentic on video.
One of the reasons we built an in-person, hands-on video course was to educate professionals just like this. By showing people how to become more creative and inspired we can empower them to reach new heights by leveraging video marketing. If you want to learn more about our upcoming live course coming to Santa Cruz, click here… VCTC course. Be sure to mention this post. Thanks again to Matthew for being our model here, we think he did a great job!
Below are details on the steps to shooting this style of video interview solo!
Steps to creating the Off-Camera Interview Solo:
Craft a few questions you want to answer in your interview, about 3-5 is good.
When answering them, be sure to weave the questions into your answer. For example for the question: How long have you been in business? Answer “I’ve been in business for X # of years and started back in 2013, when I ____ (tell a short story).” If the question is, What do you love about working with your clients? Answer starting with “The thing I love about working with my clients is _____!” Again tell a short story about a client here. Set yourself up for success in your answers.
Be sure to mount your camera or a smartphone on a stable stand or a tripod that creates a clean shot, one that feels comfortable and natural for you. Typically seated for this style of video interview is best, but standing could work too. Seated is more relaxed, standing is more energy on camera plus more hand gestures.
Connect a simple wired microphone to the camera and clip within 6-10” of your mouth, onto your collar, a jacket lapel, and button-down shirts, t-shirts can be harder to clip to. Bluetooth earbuds are not recommended for this style.
Compose your shot to leave a little room to one side (asymmetrical), typically the cross angle from where you are looking. Above, see how Matthew has more room to his right side, this allows for some open area for logos and titles also.
When recording look (eye-line) just next to the camera recording, but never look directly at it… ever! You have to pretend it’s not even there when you record, which most people enjoy. You can have bulleted notes or even a teleprompter in your view to refer to, only if it helps you!
Now here is the real key… relax into it and answer the questions as authentically as possible, realizing you are interviewing yourself! Pretend you’re talking to someone you respect and want to answer all their questions with energy, joy, passion, and with a dose of realism!
Try it today, and let us know how it goes. Share any tips you want to add and go try this off-camera interview style… solo! We believe you will crush it.
~ Jared Brick, founder BHMC and creator/guide of VCTC