Interviews are one of the most multi-functional pieces of footage you can obtain. They can be used as sole video content, or put into just about any other type of video. With footage that valuable, you want to make sure you’re conducting interviews in a way that produces good, usable footage.

To get the best usable content through an interview, you want to make sure to pick people who are comfortable and lively on camera. BUT.. the success of the interview heavily relies on you as the interviewer.

Remember that YOU are the one who understands the video you’re trying to produce. Go in knowing the purpose you want to achieve and ask questions that’ll get you those best results. Make sure your questions can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. In fact, if you can, try to avoid asking questions altogether. Try to have a conversation with the interviewee by wording phrases like “Tell me about your experience with”, or “Describe your favorite things about”.

Don’t be afraid to stray from your pre-planned questions. Really listen to what they’re saying and feed off of their answers when you can. This is how you’ll get genuine excitement and passion from the interviewee which will absolutely resonate with your viewers.

And don’t forget B-roll! It’s essential to make longer interviews more appealing for your viewers. Any time you can get a good interview, you should! Even if you don’t have a particular use for the footage at the moment, interviews are so versatile that an opportunity to use it will definitely come around.