At SkipperFilms Video Production Washington DC, we believe that great video production isn’t just about what happens in front of the camera—it’s about the people behind it. We bring the lighting, the cameras, and the gear, sure—but more importantly, we bring a friendly, approachable energy that makes our interview subjects feel comfortable, confident, and ready to shine.
Whether you're planning a testimonial video, a brand story, or a recruitment piece, here are five expert tips we use to capture genuine, compelling interviews:
One of our greatest strengths? Just being friendly, relatable people. It sounds simple, but a warm and approachable crew makes a huge difference. When people feel at ease, the nerves disappear and authentic moments take over. The best interviews happen when it feels less like an interrogation and more like a conversation. Whether we're filming local here in Virginia or Washington DC, or traveling somewhere else in the country for a conference or off-site client video shoot, we can find common ground with just about anyone, and make them feel at ease with us. This is one of those intangible qualities that our clients really love about us, if only we could put "Friendly Personable people" as a line item on our invoices.....
Not everyone can memorize lines—and that’s okay! If your subject is a strong reader, a teleprompter can help keep things smooth. The key is making sure it doesn’t sound like they’re reading. That robotic tone? We're not here for that. With the right setup and direction, teleprompters can actually boost performance, not hinder it. Teleprompters in video production can also be used simply when there is a need for consistent messaging. If we're filming more of a commercial than a brand video, then sometimes writing a script is the way to go. This helps us keep time without any creative editing for removing parts of sentences to keep it under 60 seconds.
If our subject is using a teleprompter, we like to have them read the script 10 times the night before and twice right before filming. No need to memorize it fully—just being familiar with what’s coming next helps them read more naturally, avoid speed issues, and stay confident on camera. It’s a simple prep tip with powerful results.
We always shoot interviews with at least two cameras. Why? Because it gives us flexibility in the edit. If your subject stumbles or needs to rephrase something, we can simply cut to the second angle and keep the momentum flowing. It’s a smart, seamless way to smooth out any rough spots and remove the pressure of getting it “perfect” on the first try. What we're trying to avoid with this is an ugly jump cut. You know, when you're watching an interview and suddenly you see them abruptly shift slightly? We don't want our audience fully aware of how edited your interview might be, that could compromise the authenticity of your video in some ways.
The less your subject feels like they have to be perfect, the better their interview will be. From pre-shoot prep to on-set support and post-production editing, we do everything we can to make your team feel comfortable. And that confidence translates beautifully on screen.
Great interviews don’t happen by accident—they happen when preparation, professionalism, and personality all come together. That’s exactly what we bring to every shoot at SkipperFilms.
Whether you’re a local business or a national brand, our Washington DC video production team is here to help you tell your story in the most authentic, cinematic way possible.
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