Take 2 - Who doesn't love a great Testimonial?

Last month, we discussed the Value of a Video Testimonial and how to use them, but there's much more to just capturing them...It's how....

See why the style and approach are just as important.

Style and Approach Matter

There are a couple of different styles and techniques to consider. For example, do you want your subjects looking directly at the camera or

off-camera like a TV-newsmagazine interview? The way we film them determines how your audience reacts. Subjects looking off-camera seem more genuine and matter-of-fact, versus selling and talking right AT your audience. But it all depends upon how you are using the testimonials.

Style wise, we can do more of a classic “man-on-the-street” interview and film them with a realistic setting, such as a trade show or an office. Another approach is “Studio-Style,” where we film against a solid backdrop of white, gray-blue, black – or even green screen to put them into a video graphic world. And using a real studio is wonderful because we can utilize the depth and the professional lighting grid. Regardless of style, one needs to have good depth between the subject and the background so the subject is not pinned up against the wall or absorbed by the background.

Another technique is to add a second camera to get another angle on the interview subject. This makes it an easy way to edit the testimonial and not have it be so obvious to the audience. Often, we put a second camera on a robotic slider which adds subtle movement and brings about interest in the shot.

Setting up a remote interview set during a conference creates easy accessibility while your subjects are all in one place.

Remote interview technology actually temporarily records 4K to cell phone or tablet.

What if your clients are scattered all across the country?

That’s a great question and there’s a couple of options. One is if there’s a meeting where your interview subjects gather, then it’s a matter of finding a space and time to knock them out. If there’s a healthy budget, we travel with our crew and if not, we vet and assist in hiring local crews to capture the interviews.

And if that’s not in the cards, there are now remote ways to capture quality interviews – Zoom or Teams are what most consider using, but now there’s even better technology available that allows for capturing 4K quality video.

Don’t forget B-Roll

In addition to capturing these testimonials, you probably want to consider adding b-roll of your organization, product, or service in action. This way you not only have something to cover an edit, but you are bringing additional insights to your audience, seeing your organization or product in action. After all, video is all about showing & telling!

One more consideration...

Unfortunately, budgets drive everything. But if possible, it is highly recommended to add a Make-up/Stylist to the production crew so that they can ensure everyone looks their best on camera, and that no hair is out of place or disheveled looking, because it can be distracting to the audience. After all these interviews represent your organization. How do you want to be remembered?

With a little time and planning, we can show you how to get a lot of love out of a great testimonial.

VIDSOL Media brings over 30 years expertise in developing original media content. We are happy to talk with you about how to effectively leverage the power of a great testimonial.

We put ideas into motion. Happy to discuss your ideas.

Connect with me via email or call me direct: clark@vidsol.media | 703.683.5305

Thanks for tuning in.

Clark Bavin

President / Media Consultant

VIDSOL Media LLC

www.VID SOL .media

Alexandria, VA 22304

703.683.5305

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