Ready for Anything: The Adventures of a Production Assistant

I took the mantle of office PA at Production Craft a few months ago, and at the time I was aware of PA duties, but I never knew until I had the job how dynamic the role could be. As a PA any day can become my own little adventure.

I’d assumed, in the world of video production and filmmaking, that it’s the creative decision makers that get to have all the fun. I had understood that the PA handles all the laborious tracking, researching, and going-to-get-someone-somethings that producers, directors, and DPs wouldn’t want to get bogged down in. But the needs of a production can be so broad that I find myself assisting in new ways all the time.

Don’t Be Nervous! How to Conduct a Great Interview Part Two: During the Interview

Our Senior Producer Dawn Arnold shares her tips preparing for a great interview.

When I first started, conducting an interview was nerve-racking. Would I ask the right questions, would I get the best responses, would the interviewee be comfortable and natural on camera? I’ve learned that if I was nervous, so were they.

Now the interview is my favorite part of production. I love meeting new people and learning about their lives, their jobs, their mission, and the ideas they have to share. I love helping them craft their message on camera and engage audiences. In this first part I will go over everything you should be thinking about before the interview to set yourself up for success.

Don’t Be Nervous! How to Conduct a Great Interview Part One: Before the Interview

Our Senior Producer Dawn Arnold shares her tips preparing for a great interview.

When I first started, conducting an interview was nerve-racking. Would I ask the right questions, would I get the best responses, would the interviewee be comfortable and natural on camera? I’ve learned that if I was nervous, so were they.

Now the interview is my favorite part of production. I love meeting new people and learning about their lives, their jobs, their mission, and the ideas they have to share. I love helping them craft their message on camera and engage audiences. In this first part I will go over everything you should be thinking about before the interview to set yourself up for success.

How to Choose a Good Location for a Video Interview

Location, location, location, it’s the number one rule in buying real estate. There’s a reason it’s said three times — no other factor most affects the value of a property or your video shoot.

A good location is just as important in video production and for similar reasons. Here’s an example of what we look for when shooting interviews.

How to shoot an interview: Tips for shooting the perfect interview

Tips for shooting an interview…

How to produce a good interview video

Get a room (and a good one at that!)

When it comes to interviewing a satisfied customer or getting that quarterly update from your CEO for your corporate video, a big fussy video production isn’t necessary. But even with low-key productions, the room matters.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting a space for your next interview:

Video Tips and Resources