Filming video testimonials can be one of the most effective ways to build authenticity with your video marketing. Nothing resonates more than authentic praise from actual clients who’ve benefited from your product or service. But let’s face it: a poorly planned testimonial shoot can turn into an editing nightmare faster than you can say, “Where’s my coffee?” With some preparation and a touch of humor, you can avoid the headaches and create testimonial videos that shine. Here’s how.
Keep the Soundbite in Mind when Filming Video Testimonials (Or Risk Eternal Rambling)
One of the biggest mistakes when filming video testimonials is letting the client ramble endlessly. Sure, their enthusiasm is great, but your editing room will turn into a battleground if you don’t keep things concise. A well-structured soundbite grabs attention and communicates value quickly. Think of it as a mini commercial, not an audiobook.
Pro Tip: Before the shoot, let your client know you want quick, impactful statements. For instance, instead of a five-minute story about their cat’s cousin’s best friend’s experience, guide them to say something like, “Thanks to [your product], we’ve doubled our sales in just six months.”
Use Two Cameras (Because Editing Shouldn’t Be a Horror Film)
Want to save yourself from yelling at your computer during post-production? Use two cameras. A two-camera setup allows you to cut between angles, making it easy to salvage a great response even if the client trips over their words (or sneezes mid-sentence).
Here’s the magic formula:
- Camera 1: A wide shot to capture the client’s full frame.
- Camera 2: A close-up of those golden emotional expressions.
You can splice the footage seamlessly with these angles, turning even the clumsiest interview into a polished masterpiece.
Ask Result-Driven Questions (Because “Uh, I Dunno” Won’t Cut It)
Your questions are the backbone of your video testimonials. Skip the generic “How did you like it?” and dive straight into the juicy stuff with result-driven questions. These help clients articulate the value they’ve experienced, giving you material that sells.
Here are some examples to get those testimonial juices flowing:
- “Why do you LOVE our product?” (Yes, emphasis on ‘love.’ Passion sells!)
- “What specific results have you had since using our service?”
- “How has our solution made your life easier?”
- “What made you choose us over the competition?”
The more specific the question, the more compelling the response. And remember, leading the client to share tangible benefits saves you time editing vague, rambling footage later.
Make Them Repeat the Question (Because Context is Everything)
Here’s a simple trick: Ask your client to repeat the question in their response. Why? Because viewers won’t hear your voice asking the questions, and their answers must stand alone.
For example, ask yourself, “What do you love most about our product?”
Answer: “What I love most about your product is its easy use. It’s saved me hours every week.”
Without this structure, their response might feel like an awkward soundbite ripped from context. With it, you get professional, ready-to-use clips that make editing a breeze.
Create a Comfortable Atmosphere (Because Awkward is Never on Brand)
Nobody shines on camera when they’re uncomfortable. Creating a relaxed environment helps your clients deliver authentic, relatable responses. Happy clients mean better footage, which means fewer headaches during editing.
Here’s how to set the mood:
- Choose a quiet, distraction-free location.
- Chat casually with them before hitting record to break the ice.
- Ensure there are no wrong answers (but don’t mention the editing process).
Add B-Roll for Extra Flair (Because Words Alone Aren’t Always Enough)
Filming B-Roll Video for Testimonials (Because Words Alone Aren’t Always Enough)
B-roll footage is like the seasoning to your testimonial steak—it makes everything better. Your goal should be to capture your client interacting with your product or service, collaborating with your team, or even smiling in their office using a “hero shot.” This media coverage keeps viewers engaged and reinforces the story being told.
For example, if your client says, “Your software streamlined our workflow,” wouldn’t showing a clip of their team using the software would be nice? It’s simple, but it adds so much depth.
Keep It Short and Sweet (Nobody’s Watching a Mini-Series)
Attention spans are shorter than ever. Aim for video testimonials that run between 60 and 90 seconds. Highlight the most compelling parts of the client’s story and trim the fluff. Trust me, you’ll love yourself in the future for doing this!
Example of Filming Video Testimonials Done Right
Here’s how a situation like this could go:
Question: “What results have you seen since using our service?”
Answer: “Since using [your service], our customer satisfaction scores have increased by 40%, and we’ve seen a 20% rise in repeat business. The support team has been phenomenal; they are always there when we need them.”
Doesn’t this sound clean? That simple repeat of the question and short answer makes all the difference.
Conclusion on Filming Video Testimonials
Filming video testimonials doesn’t have to be a pain if you’re prepared. You’ll save hours in post-production by focusing on soundbites, using a two-camera setup, asking the right questions, and guiding your clients to make themselves look and sound better. Add some B-roll or stock images and a dash of quirky fun, and you’ve got yourself a winning testimonial video that might make your competitors envy you.
That’s all I have for you today. If you have questions or need more insight into video or film production, I’m always available for consultation Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific. Reach out to our contact and let us know about yourself!
Peace-out!
-Kelly