Creating Interview Videos That Engage

In the age of Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, one thing is clear: marketing agency video wins attention. But not just any video.

If you’ve ever sat through a stiff, monotone corporate interview video, you know how quickly viewers zone out. Even the most insightful founder or passionate client can sound uninspired when shot in a plain office corner, staring directly into a camera under harsh lights.

Creating Interview Videos That Engage

At Paper Cut Collective, we believe interview-style videos can be powerful storytelling tools but only if they’re done with intention, creativity, and humanity.

Whether you're filming a founder feature, a client testimonial, or a team spotlight, here’s how to create interview videos that don’t just inform but engage, connect, and convert.

Step 1: Define the Purpose and Platform Before You Press Record

Not all interviews are created equal. The first step in a successful shoot happens before the camera rolls.

Ask yourself:

• What is the goal of this video?

• Who is the audience?

• Where will it be published?

For example:

• Founder storytelling might suit a 2–3 minute LinkedIn video

• Customer testimonials may perform best on your website and in pitch decks

• Internal team features could live on your careers page or as part of a recruitment campaign

• Short behind-the-scenes snippets might be perfect for Reels or TikTok

Knowing the purpose helps you craft the right tone, length, and visual style. It also informs how you direct your subject and how you cut the final piece.

Step 2: Write a Flexible, Story-Led Interview Structure

Let’s be clear scripted interviews kill authenticity. But that doesn’t mean you should wing it.

Instead, create a loose narrative framework:

• Start with an introduction

• Move into a challenge or transformation

• Highlight the key message

• End with a memorable takeaway

You’re not just gathering information you’re crafting a story arc. Think of your questions as prompts to draw out personality, insight, and emotion.

Avoid robotic, yes/no questions. Instead, try:

• “Tell me about a time when…”

• “What surprised you the most about working on this?”

• “If you could give one piece of advice to someone watching this, what would it be?”

Give your subject room to breathe, but keep the conversation focused.

Step 3: Elevate the Visual Style (No More White Walls, Please)

What makes a creative interview video feel… well, creative?

It’s not about flashy effects it’s about intentional design and atmosphere. Your visual style should enhance the message, not distract from it.

Some techniques we use at Paper Cut Collective:

• Multi-angle setups to add visual movement

• Candid B-roll layered over answers for added depth

• Filming on-location in environments that reflect your brand (e.g. café, studio, workshop)

• Using props or relevant visuals in-frame (e.g. product samples, sketchpads)

• Stylised lighting (soft shadows, warm tones, or bold contrast)

• Brand-aligned colour grading in post-production

Even subtle choices like filming in natural light or adding branded lower-thirds can level up the entire experience.

Step 4: Make Your Interviewee Comfortable on Camera

This is arguably the most overlooked part of a successful interview video.

People aren’t actors. Even confident speakers can freeze under a lens if they’re not guided with care.

Here’s how we coach interviewees during shoots:

• Start with casual conversation no camera for the first 5 minutes

• Let them stand or sit naturally (comfort > posture perfection)

• Reassure them that mistakes are normal and can be edited

• Keep the energy upbeat, relaxed, and conversational

• Offer cues, not scripts: “Can you tell that again, but more casually?”

• Repeat strong points for safety takes

The result? Authentic delivery with real emotion and way less stress.

Step 5: Add Energy and Emotion in Post-Production

The magic often happens in the edit.

Here’s where raw footage becomes compelling content:

• Trim the fluff, but preserve quirks and candid smiles

• Add captions (especially for mobile) in your brand style

• Highlight soundbites as quote animations

• Use music and ambient sound to support tone

• Slice the full interview into:

  • 60-second clips for socials

  • A 2–3 minute hero cut for your website

  • A vertical teaser for Instagram Stories or TikTok

  • Quote graphics for LinkedIn

Remember: one great interview = multiple assets across platforms.

Bonus Tips for Polished Interview Production

• Record in both landscape and portrait if possible

• Use a lavalier mic or shotgun mic for clean audio

• Always film some b-roll or cutaway shots (e.g. hands, workspace, reactions)

• Ask the interviewee to repeat strong answers for clean audio and alternate takes

• Add motion graphics or text overlays to reinforce key points

How Paper Cut Collective Produces Interview Videos That Don’t Feel Like Interviews

We don’t just film we craft brand-led, story-first visual content that reflects your mission, values, and tone.

Whether you’re filming a founder profile, a behind-the-scenes feature, or a customer spotlight, our video team delivers:

• Creative direction and question mapping

• On-site or remote shooting in Singapore

• Cinematic or social-first framing

• Multi-format deliverables for every platform

• Clean edits, stylish motion, and branded captions

And because we’re marketers too, we make sure every video supports your larger campaign strategy not just your content calendar.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Capture Words Capture Energy

Interview videos don’t need to be corporate, cold, or cookie-cutter. With the right structure, style, and storytelling, they can become your brand’s most human content format.

Whether it’s an origin story, a product journey, or a culture piece video helps people see and feel what you stand for.

And when they feel it, they remember it.

Ready to Turn Conversations into Compelling Video Content?

Let Paper Cut Collective help you plan, shoot, and craft interview videos that bring your story to life and work across every platform.

👉 Visit papercutsg.com to book your free content consultation today.

Because every good brand has a story. We help you tell yours with style.