Shooting B-Roll for Better Interview Videos: A Director’s Playbook for Decision Makers

August 13, 2025 by stlouisvideostudio

If your interviews feel flat, the fix usually isn’t a new camera—it’s better B-roll. Thoughtful cutaway footage elevates on-camera answers into a narrative that persuades, clarifies, and moves viewers to act. Below is the framework we use at St Louis Video Studio to plan, capture, and integrate B-roll that makes interviews land with authority and style.

Why B-Roll Matters (to Business Outcomes)

Context & credibility: Show the process, place, and people behind claims to reduce viewer skepticism.
Clarity: Visualize features, workflows, and outcomes so complex ideas become self-evident.
Pace & retention: Varied imagery resets attention and smooths jump cuts, increasing watch-through.
Repurposability: A great B-roll library fuels social edits, sales decks, product pages, and launch reels.

Start with Message, Not a Shot List

Before we talk lenses or gimbals, we map the message arcs you need to land:

Who is speaking and why they’re credible.
What is the benefit or transformation.
How it works (process or proof).
What’s next (CTA or desired action).

For each arc, we pair visual proof points—moments that demonstrate the claim. Example: if an interview mentions “same-day turnaround,” we capture time-stamped workflow boards, scan guns, courier hand-offs, and the final product leaving the dock.

Pre-Production: The B-Roll Blueprint

Interview beat sheet: Highlight phrases you know will need cover (jargon, lists, long sentences).
Location walk-through: Identify hero spaces, quiet zones, natural movement paths, and drone-safe corridors (we can fly specialized cinewhoop drones indoors).
People & permissions: Confirm who can be filmed doing what; secure releases and any brand or safety approvals.
Props & demos: Stage real artifacts—devices, packaging, dashboards, product cross-sections.
Wardrobe & brand color cues: Ensure textures and tones that play nicely at your brand white balance.
Shot architecture: Pre-plan W-M-T (wide/medium/tight) passes for every key activity to guarantee editorial flexibility.

Shot Design That Sells the Story

Prioritize “people doing” over “people pointing.” The most valuable B-roll types for interviews:

Process: Assembly, testing, client hand-offs, onboarding steps.
Environment: Establishing exteriors, signage, interiors with meaningful context (not empty hallways).
Interaction: Team huddles, whiteboard sketches, customer demos, usability testing.
Details & macro: Hands, instruments, displays, textures, materials—visual “verbs.”
Transitions: Doors opening, feet walking, forklifts moving—great for pacing and scene bridges.
Aerials (including indoor): Spatial orientation of facilities, site scale, and equipment layout.

Movement choices:

Locked-off for authority (data screens, instruments).
Slider or slow gimbal for polish on processes.
Handheld micro-movement for energy with people.
Dolly-in on key claims (motivated by the interview’s emphasis).
Cinewhoop interiors for sweeping reveals without disrupting operations.

Technical Cohesion with Your A-Roll

Consistency beats novelty. Match the interview’s image science:

Frame rate: If interviews are at 23.98/24, capture most B-roll at the same rate; reserve 48/60 only for intentional slow-motion beats.
Shutter & motion cadence: Keep ~180° shutter (e.g., 1/48 at 24p) for natural motion.
White balance & color: Lock Kelvin; avoid auto WB. Shoot one profile (Log or Rec.709) across bodies.
Glass & filtration: Polarizer for screens/reflections; variable ND for constant aperture; macro for texture.
Lighting continuity: Key practicals (lamps, monitors) to match interview color contrast; add a gentle edge or negative fill to sculpt.
Sound beds: Capture NAT sound (machines, keystrokes, ambient room tone) for editorial glue under B-roll.

On-Set Workflow: Coverage Without Chaos

Three-pass rule: For each action, run a wide, functional medium, and expressive tight pass.
Subject-motivated movement: Start moves on action (hand lift, tool press) to create cut points.
Continuity stills: Snap a quick reference photo after each setup for reshoots or future batches.
Metadata discipline: Card labels by location/scene; clip notes for high-value selects (“Operator explains torque step”).
Coverage ratio: Plan 3–5 minutes of B-roll per minute of interview for efficient edits and future repurposing.

Editorial Integration: Turn Answers into Stories

Edit rhythm: Use J-cuts to pre-lap B-roll before new answers; L-cuts to sustain visuals through thought changes.
Cut on action: Hide edits by cutting mid-movement (hand pull, page turn).
Bridge problem → solution: Start with a friction visual, land on a successful outcome.
Use slow motion sparingly: Deploy for emphasis—operator precision, pivotal product moments—and keep it brief.
Graphics & captions: Lower thirds, UI callouts, and captioned definitions to translate jargon into value.
Color pipeline: One primary grade for cohesion; secondaries to brand hues; maintain believable skin tones.
QC pass: Check lip sync on visible dialogue, logo clearance, any safety or compliance visuals.

Smart Uses of AI (That Actually Help)

We incorporate AI where it saves time or adds quality without compromising authenticity:

Transcription & paper-edits: Auto-transcribe interviews, keyword search sound bites, and map B-roll candidates to lines.
Shot detection & tagging: Quickly cluster similar B-roll for versioning and social pull-through.
Noise reduction & speech enhancement: Clean dialogue transparently.
Object cleanup (when permitted): Remove stray logos or identifiers.
Style-consistent color assists: AI-guided balancing across multi-camera shoots before the final grade.

Repurposing: Squeeze More Value from Every Shoot

Aspect ratio strategy: Capture “clean” frames to support 16:9, 1:1, and 9:16 outputs.
Evergreen B-roll library: Tag by product, process, persona, and outcome for future campaigns.
Versioning plan: From a single interview, spin a 90-second hero, 30-second cut-downs, and 10–15 second verticals for ads and social.
Rights & compliance: Track releases, expiration windows, and facility restrictions to keep assets usable long-term.

Practical Tools: Checklists You Can Use

Pre-Production B-Roll Checklist

Interview beat sheet with visual proof points
Location map + drone/flight plan (indoor corridors marked)
Releases/approvals (brand, safety, compliance)
Props/products staged; screens prepped with demo data
Wardrobe guidance issued; color temperature plan set
Shot architecture: W-M-T passes per action
NAT sound targets identified

On-Set Coverage Pattern (per scene)

Establishing wide (5–10 sec static)
Functional mediums (two angles)
Tights & macro (hands, indicators, textures)
Expressive move (slow push or lateral)
Transition beats (doors, feet, forklifts)
NAT sound bed (20–30 sec)

Post-Production Hand-Off

Labeled folders by scene/action
Paper-edit with B-roll suggestions per line
Color notes, white balance targets, any legal flags
Shortlist of “hero” shots for thumbnails and teasers

A Sample Half-Day Run of Show

00:00–00:30 Lighting & audio for interview; camera tests; white balance lock
00:30–01:30 Interview capture (primary + safety cam)
01:30–02:30 Process B-roll (W-M-T passes)
02:30–03:00 Interaction & demo sequences (customers or internal team)
03:00–03:15 Indoor drone reveals (corridor + hero space)
03:15–03:30 Details, macro, transitions, NAT sound, safety pickups

Why Teams Hire Us for This

St Louis Video Studio is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and seasoned crew to ensure reliable, high-quality image acquisition—in studio or on location. We handle studio and location video and photography, editing, and post-production, and our licensed drone pilots (including specialized indoor flight) add dynamic perspectives safely and legally.

We customize productions for diverse media requirements and repurpose your photography and video branding to extend reach across platforms. Our team is well-versed in all file types, media styles, and the accompanying software, and we leverage the latest in Artificial Intelligence for transcription, tagging, cleanup, color assistance, and accelerated post workflows—always with human creative oversight.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is ideal for small productions and interview scenes, with enough space to incorporate props and create on-brand environments. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators and the right gear—so your next video is seamless and successful.

Since 1982, we’ve partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area to deliver marketing photography and video that performs. If you’re ready to transform your interviews with B-roll that actually moves the needle, we’re ready to roll.

314-913-5626

stlouisvideostudio@gmail.com

How to Make Your Video Interviews More Personal: A Guide to Authentic Corporate Storytelling

November 24, 2024 by stlouisvideostudio

In today’s competitive business world, video interviews have become a go-to tool for storytelling, whether for marketing purposes, client testimonials, or internal company communication. However, creating a truly personal and engaging interview requires more than just placing a camera in front of a speaker. It’s about creating an environment that makes the interviewee feel at ease and encouraging them to share authentic stories that resonate with the audience.

Encourage natural pauses, allow the speaker to elaborate on their answers, and build upon previous responses. This type of back-and-forth conversation, when done correctly, can make your audience feel as though they’re listening in on a meaningful dialogue rather than just receiving information.

Why Personalizing Video Interviews Matters

In the world of corporate communications, personal connections are more important than ever. When a video interview feels genuine, it allows your brand to connect on a deeper level with viewers. Personal stories, shared in an authentic setting, invite your audience into the experience, helping them understand the values, motivations, and human side of your company. This can be an invaluable asset in brand-building, employee engagement, and customer trust.

Creating these personal connections through video interviews, however, doesn’t just happen by chance—it requires strategic planning, the right equipment, and an understanding of how to make the most out of the setting, sound, and style.

1. Set the Right Environment for Authenticity

The first step in making an interview personal is setting the right environment. At St. Louis Video Studio, we specialize in designing private, custom interview setups that allow for a comfortable and controlled environment. This means providing lighting that flatters the speaker, a backdrop that fits the narrative, and soundproofing that eliminates distractions.

The location is just as important. While an office setting may work in some instances, consider using spaces that reflect the essence of the story you want to tell. If you’re interviewing a creative team member, for example, showcasing their workspace or a branded space can make the interview feel more connected to their daily life.

2. Create an Interview Flow That Prompts Real Answers

Making your video interview feel personal starts long before the camera begins rolling. A key element is asking the right questions. Focus on open-ended questions that encourage storytelling rather than yes/no answers. Create a relaxed environment where the speaker feels free to share anecdotes, challenges, and successes that paint a full picture of their role in the company.

Our experience at St. Louis Video Studio includes crafting interview scripts that help guide the conversation naturally while keeping it personal. It’s important to adjust the tone of the questions to fit the personality of the person you’re interviewing. This allows their voice and perspective to come through clearly.

3. Lighting and Camera Techniques for Intimacy

Lighting plays a pivotal role in how personal your video interview feels. Harsh, unflattering light can create a cold or unwelcoming atmosphere. Our private studio setup at St. Louis Video Studio allows us to control lighting perfectly, creating a softer, warmer tone that flatters the subject and sets the mood for an intimate conversation.

Our crew uses high-quality lighting and camera equipment to ensure that the visual quality of your video matches the personal story being told. Using techniques such as close-up shots can enhance the intimacy of the interview, allowing viewers to see the speaker’s emotions more clearly. We also use our expertise in framing and angles to highlight the interviewee’s body language, which can significantly contribute to making the video feel more connected and personal.

4. Make the Interview Feel Like a Conversation

Instead of presenting the interview as a formal Q&A session, aim for a more conversational tone. Encourage natural pauses, allow the speaker to elaborate on their answers, and build upon previous responses. This type of back-and-forth conversation, when done correctly, can make your audience feel as though they’re listening in on a meaningful dialogue rather than just receiving information.

A personalized interview often means editing out the sterile, overly-polished moments in favor of showing the human side. At St. Louis Video Studio, we specialize in editing and post-production to bring out the best moments in the conversation. Our team will ensure the final product feels as authentic as it was in the moment, without making the speaker sound scripted or over-rehearsed.

5. Leverage the Power of Location and Props

Sometimes, the location can tell a story just as much as the words do. Whether it’s the work environment of the interviewee, a specific set design, or even props that align with the company’s branding, these elements can enhance the personal feel of the video. At St. Louis Video Studio, we have a large, versatile studio space that can be customized with props or designed to match your vision.

Props can be as simple as a branded item that holds personal significance or something more elaborate that enhances the interview’s narrative. These touches can turn a basic corporate video into something that feels more engaging and personal.

6. Incorporate Testimonials from Others

Another way to add a personal touch to your interview is by including short testimonials from colleagues or customers. Adding their voices helps to reinforce the narrative being shared in the interview. This can create a fuller picture of the subject’s contributions or the impact of the company’s product or service.

7. Make Use of Professional Equipment for a Polished Finish

Finally, to make your interview feel more professional yet personal, you need the right equipment. At St. Louis Video Studio, we utilize top-of-the-line video and audio equipment to capture high-quality sound and visuals that make your interview shine. From high-definition cameras to state-of-the-art microphones and lighting, we ensure that every aspect of the production matches the personal tone you’re aiming for.

Why St. Louis Video Studio Is Your Go-To for Personal Video Interviews

St. Louis Video Studio is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company that specializes in creating impactful, personal video content. With over four decades of experience, we have the right equipment and creative crew to deliver exceptional results for your corporate video needs.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. St. Louis Video Studio excels in customizing productions for diverse media requirements, ensuring that your video aligns perfectly with your brand and messaging.

Repurposing your photography and video branding is one of our specialties. We understand how to take existing assets and reformat them for different platforms, helping your company maintain consistent and effective messaging. We’re well-versed in all types of file formats and media styles, ensuring that your video production is both versatile and ready for any distribution channel.

Whether you’re planning an interview, a testimonial, or a full-fledged marketing campaign, our private studio lighting and setup are perfect for small productions and interviews. We can accommodate props, and our crew is skilled in all aspects of production, from camera and sound operators to the use of indoor drones for dynamic shots.

Since 1982, St. Louis Video Studio has been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies across the St. Louis area. Our extensive experience means we understand how to create videos that make a real impact. Let us help you bring your next video project to life, creating engaging, authentic content that connects with your audience on a personal level.