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Producing great testimonial videos

Producing great testimonial videos

by Sigge Fabiansson, Video Producer at Storisell

For one to create effective testimonial videos, the filming location is essential. The correct setting and set of circumstances must be present for the interview to be successful. A excellent interview movie should feature both the interview and a supporting part. Secondary film snippets are known as “b-roll,” and they serve to visually complement conversational content. Typically, we take the interview first and then create the b-roll. Another important factor is the setting of the interview.

The room must have space for cameras and lamps, be silent and free of distracting noises like calls, traffic noise, and ventilation systems, and allow for the management of light coming in through windows using, among other things, curtains or blinds. Our team at Storisell frequently brings film lighting that has been customized for a film production, allowing us to avoid relying on window light or ceiling fixtures. The participant’s background is one item that is significant when conducting an interview. Looks like what? Is the background a landscape of an office building or a plain white wall?

 

We begin recording the b-roll after we are pleased and the interview is over. B-roll videos are resources that we utilize to support the conversation’s subject matter: if we are discussing a new product, we would also like to show it; if we are discussing clients, we would like to show them. B-roll additionally provides us the chance to conceal snippets in the interview, which enhances the editing process and makes the video even better. We discuss how the testimonial interview went and the type of b-roll we want to record before producing the b-roll. At this point, all concepts are viable, and we have the chance to record as many concepts as we can, which

When we are satisfied and completed with the interview, we record the b-roll materials. B-roll clips are materials that we use in order to reinforce the content in the conversation: if we are talking about a new product, we would also like to show the product; If we are talking about customers, we would like to show them. B-roll also gives us the opportunity to hide clips in the interview – which improves the editing work-flow so that the film becomes even better. Before we produce the b-roll, we go through how the testimonial interview went and what kind of b-roll we want to capture. All ideas are good at this stage and here we have the opportunity to film as many ideas as possible which increases our flexibility in the post-production stage when we return to the office to start editing your new testimonial videos.

Before producing testimonial videos, what is important to think about in the pre-production?
It is important to think about what end-results we are aiming at achieving. A testimonial video is more than just a filmed conversation. How do you want the video to look? Should the dialog be produced in a high or low tempo? Fast clips and exciting music convey spontaneity and energy. Should your films be slow and sweeping to convey security and stability? People usually talk about “filming for the purpose of the end-result”. The clearer you can communicate your ideas and desired outcome before we film, the better our accuracy will be.

producing testimonial videos
How can you or the end-client prepare for a testimonial video?

To get the best out of a testimonial video, it’s important to be prepared and to know what the interview is trying to convey – what information should the viewer be left with after viewing the testimonial video? How many segmentations and audiences should the content target? Maybe we should repeat the same question several times and angle the answers towards different target groups? It’s not uncommon for you to be able to read the interview questions well in advance of the testimonial interview – so why not take the time to read each question and plan your answers? Write them down on a piece of paper that you take with you on-site. We are happy to take part of your notes so that we can optimize and present your answers with a good b-roll during the video production. Or let a colleague ask you the questions out loud and ask them to give feedback on your answers to see if they feel natural. Maybe you and your colleagues can help each other together, so you have the opportunity to be well prepared before it’s time to record. The more you prepare your answers, the more time we can spend improving the other parts of the testimonial video.

Do you also want to produce videos for your company? Produce your videos with our in-house film team at Storisell. We help you from the concept to the final render. Start by requesting our price guide or contact someone on our team.