How to Prepare for a Corporate Video Shoot (and What Happens on the Day)
By Spencer Stanley · · 3 min read
The short answer
Most people feel nervous before their first corporate video shoot, and almost everyone says it was easier than expected. The shoot day is mostly lighting, audio and a relaxed conversation. If you know your topics, wear something comfortable and give your space a quick tidy, you are most of the way there.
What happens on shoot day
- Setup. The crew arrives early to set up cameras, lighting and audio. This usually takes the longest.
- Sound and framing check. You sit down and we check how you look and sound.
- A short warm-up. A bit of casual conversation helps you relax.
- The interview. A friendly conversation, with follow-up questions, pauses and retakes as needed.
- B-roll. We film your space, your team at work and the details that make the video feel real.
- Wrap. We pack up, confirm what we got and talk next steps.
How to prepare for an interview
- Know your topics, not a script. Write down three or four points and two or three real examples or stories. Memorized scripts sound stiff.
- Speak in full sentences. Try to answer in a way that includes the question, for example "Our team started this program because...". It makes the edit much easier.
- Look at the interviewer. They will usually sit just beside the camera. You do not need to look into the lens.
- Pauses are fine. Take a breath before answering. Silences get trimmed in the edit.
- Start over whenever you want. Retakes are normal and nobody expects perfection.
What to wear
- Choose solid, mid-tone colours such as blue, grey, green or burgundy.
- Avoid tiny patterns and tight stripes, which can shimmer on camera.
- Be careful with pure white, pure black and large logos.
- Wear something comfortable that you would wear to an important meeting, and bring a backup option.
- Check the basics: a quick look in a mirror, and if you wear glasses, tell the crew so we can manage glare.
How to prepare your space
- Tidy the areas that will be on camera. Clear clutter from desks and shelves.
- Plan for quiet. Let colleagues know filming is happening, silence phones, and tell us about noisy equipment, HVAC or nearby construction.
- Have a point person. One person who knows the building, can open doors and can find the people we need.
- Confirm access and parking. Crews carry a lot of gear, so tell us about loading zones, elevators and security check-ins.
- Think about releases. Anyone who appears on camera usually signs a release, so it helps to have a list of who will be there.
Day-of checklist
- Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Bring water (room temperature is best).
- Silence your phone.
- Bring your backup outfit.
- Know your main points and a couple of real examples.
- Relax and have a conversation.
If you are still planning, how long a corporate video takes will help you plan the schedule, and how much a brand video costs will help you plan the budget. Ready to start? Tell us about your project, or see our video production services and our video production in Winnipeg page.
Frequently asked questions
Solid, mid-tone colours work best. Avoid very small patterns or tight stripes, which can shimmer on camera, and be careful with pure white and large logos. Wear something comfortable that you would wear to an important meeting.
Usually at the interviewer, just off to the side of the camera, not into the lens. It feels more natural and the result looks more conversational.
Pause and start the sentence again. Retakes are completely normal and are edited out, so you do not need to be perfect.
Most corporate shoots take one to three days. Interviews themselves are often shorter than people expect, with most of the time spent on setting up lighting and audio.
Planning a video in Winnipeg?
Tell us what you are working on and we will help you figure out the right approach and budget.
