There’s nothing better than filming a client having fun or collaborating on a project; that lighthearted humor and teamwork are exactly what you want to highlight.
Let me share a few tips on how you can successfully film a client on-site.
Overcoming On-Camera Fear
Most people who aren’t used to being on camera feel nervous or even scared. The best way to help them relax is to avoid having them look directly at the camera. Position the camera off to the side and have a casual conversation with them. This makes the process feel less intimidating.
Don’t bring big cameras, bright lights, or a full crew; it only adds more stress. Focus on capturing real, natural moments when they’re relaxed and not thinking about the camera. Let someone else hold the camera while you ask simple questions like, “What’s your favorite place to eat in town?” or “How did you get started with mowing lawns, building pools, or pest control?”
For instance, when we interviewed Dan Ulin , we placed him in a relaxed setting, on a couch with minimal visible equipment. Simple questions such as “What motivates you daily?” and “What’s a memory that still makes you smile?” drew out authentic responses, allowing his personality to shine.
When filming clients who are resistant or working in challenging environments, start by building trust and explaining the video’s purpose, keeping the shoot casual to ease their nerves.
Start with easy, simple topics like their favorite foods or sports teams. Spend the first few minutes warming them up. When they feel less pressured, their true personality will shine through.
Filming Tips
What I see a lot of people do is forget the microphone, but sound is critical, you need great audio. Don’t worry about a soundproof environment; a kid walking by or a truck passing is fine. Be natural, as if the camera were just another friend. Check their Facebook to see what they’ve been up to, and use their name often.
In our interview with Perry Marshall , we used a Rode Wireless system as a backup alongside the primary audio source, ensuring crisp sound even in dynamic settings.
High-quality content doesn’t require a complicated setup. In an interview with Dan Ulin, Will Troup used an iPhone 14 Pro Max, a DJI wireless mic, and natural lighting. The casual kitchen backdrop made the conversation feel authentic, while the lightweight equipment kept distractions to a minimum.
Many new interviewers start with basic questions like, “Where did you grow up?” or “What services do you provide?” While these are a good start, it’s essential to vary your approach.
Instead of repeatedly asking, “How did you feel?”, try deeper, open-ended prompts like, “What moment stands out the most in your journey?” or “Can you share a turning point that defined your work?” These spark authentic, diverse responses and avoid overusing similar phrases.
If they’re celebrating something, like saying, “Yeah, so-and-so has been with us for five years,” repeat it back to them: “John, that’s awesome, five years!” Don’t be afraid to ask the same question multiple times; they won’t even notice.
When someone shares an accomplishment or a meaningful moment, follow up with:
– “What gives you energy each day?”
– “What gets you excited to wake up in the morning?”
You’ll be amazed at the responses.
You can even use tools like ChatGPT to come up with questions, like, “I’m interviewing a pest control guy in Dallas. What questions should I ask to satisfy PAA and EEAT?” Danny Leibrandt and I discussed this in our video on the new era of SEO.
Building Authority with High-Profile Interviews: The 3×3 Video Grid Strategy
A great way to enhance your client story videos is by incorporating the 3×3 Video Grid Strategy. It builds trust but also positions you as an authority in your industry.
Start by including interviews with influential figures, CEOs, local politicians, or other high-profile individuals. These interviews amplify your credibility because what others say about you often carries more weight than what you say about yourself. Focus on asking one key question, such as, “What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting in this field?” or, “What’s the best tip for finding great employees?”
For instance, when filming Kevin Harrington , we alternated between “Why” content (his passion for empowering entrepreneurs) and “How” tutorials (his advice on leveraging media). These varied angles made his story both relatable and authoritative.
By integrating the 3×3 strategy, you not only capture meaningful stories but also align with your audience’s values. Each video, whether focusing on why, how, or what, should help establish a connection and make your client stories even more impactful.
Repurposing Video Content
If you’re repurposing these videos through the 4 stages of the Content Factory, focus on capturing a natural vibe. These videos can be turned into social media posts, website content, or other formats to highlight authentic moments.
Once you have the content, you process it into polished assets and share it across platforms to get maximum visibility.
By following these stages, you can efficiently produce high-quality, engaging videos that resonate with your audience.
Always aim to get to the why behind their actions. For example, When interviewing customers, ask them to share their experience and follow up with, “What would you say to a friend who needs pest control (or another service)?” This taps into their emotions and creates powerful testimonials.
To learn more about creating impactful one-minute videos, check out our One-Minute Video Course for step-by-step guidance.
Filming Techniques
When filming, frame it so your head is in the top third of the shot, not the center. Avoid plain white walls behind you; they can feel impersonal. These little details, like proper framing and thoughtful background selection, make a big difference in creating professional-looking videos. Use as much space as possible. For short stories, film vertically, but leave enough room so your video editor can crop for different formats, stories, B-roll, or other uses.
During our shoot with Corey Tollefson, vibrant Hue lights were used to create a dynamic backdrop that perfectly contrasted with his outfit, adding visual appeal.
Record on your iPhone or Android, upload to Google Photos, and let your VAs handle the processing. This saves you time. I prefer recording in 4K ProRes for higher quality, even if it takes up more space.even if it takes up more space. If you’ve got a one- or two-terabyte hard drive, you’ll have plenty of storage.
Learn how to make videos like a pro, and good luck with your filming!
