How to Prepare for a Corporate Video Interview
We're a corporate video production company based in Auckland, specializing in documentary-style interviews for businesses across New Zealand. We've filmed hundreds of corporate interviews for campaigns, internal comms, and case studies.
The people we interview aren't actors. They're experts, leaders, and team members who know their work inside out. But being good at your job doesn't automatically make you comfortable on camera.
Here's how to prepare so you show up as your best self, not a nervous version reading from a script.
Corporate interview setup
The thing that trips people up isn't the camera
It's the script.
A script turns your interview into a memory test. You start chasing the perfect sentence instead of sharing what you actually know. You sound stiff. You lose your natural rhythm.
The best interviews sound like you. Calm, clear, human. That's what we help people achieve at Antworks Studio.
What makes a good corporate video interview?
A good corporate video interview feels like a conversation, not a presentation. The person on camera sounds natural, the message is clear, and viewers understand why it matters. At Antworks, we use documentary-style filming techniques to bring out authentic responses, whether we're filming CEOs, team members, or customers for case studies and campaigns.
The best prep isn't a script, it's three solid points
Forget paragraphs. Forget memorizing lines.
Instead, identify three points you can return to:
- What you do
- Why it matters
- What you want people to understand after watching
That's your safety net. If you get nervous or lose your train of thought, you can come back to those points and keep going.
Practice once by talking out loud, not rehearsing
A quick practice helps. Ten minutes. Out loud.
Use prompts that sound like real interview questions:
- How would you explain what you do to someone outside the business?
- What does good work look like in your role?
- What's a common misunderstanding people have about what you do?
- What do you want customers or staff to feel after watching this?
- What's one detail that shows quality in your work?
- What's something you're proud of that you'd like people to notice?
- What would you want a potential client to know about how we work?
Say the answer. Then say it again in a shorter version. That second one is usually the best take.
Short and sharp always beats long and careful.
Pro tip: include the question in your answer
Most corporate video interviews are edited without the interviewer's voice. If you answer with "yes" or "totally," the viewer won't know what you mean.
Make your answer complete on its own.
Instead of: "Yes, it does."
Say: "Yes, safety is our top priority on every project."
A simple pattern works well: restate the question, then answer in one sentence, then add one supporting detail.
Bring one support person
If you can, have one person from your team there. Someone you trust who knows the context.
They can keep you on message if you drift. They can help you swap jargon for plain English. They can confirm details if you're unsure.
One steady person helps. Too many voices can make you second-guess yourself.
What to wear
Wear something that feels like you at work. Comfort helps you speak naturally.
Solid colors usually film well. Tiny patterns can look strange on camera. Big logos pull focus.
Bring a second option. Sometimes a color can blend too much with the backdrop, or clash in unexpected ways under studio lighting.
The day before
Keep it light. You want to arrive steady, not over-rehearsed.
Confirm the time and location. Check your name and title are correct. Read your three points once. Get sleep. Drink water.
Comfortable on-set environment
On set, remember this
It's not live.
You can pause. You can restart. You can say "Can I answer that again?" and do a cleaner version.
If you get a question that wasn't on the brief, that's often a good sign. It usually pulls you out of performance mode and back into real conversation.
If you blank mid-answer
Pause. Take a breath. Then choose one move:
- Ask them to repeat the question
- Start again with a simpler first sentence
- Answer in one line, then add detail
The edit will handle pauses. Your job is just to speak like yourself.
At Antworks, we don't mind doing many takes. We're used to it, and we'll encourage you to try again if we think you have a better answer in you. What will never happen is seeing our crew frustrated, stressed, or in a rush. We work with you to make you feel comfortable and confident.
The most common thing we hear after a shoot is "That was easier than I thought. You made me feel at ease."
In my years filming news, I worked with TV presenters who needed several takes to deliver lines they'd been saying for years. If professionals need multiple attempts, it's completely expected that you will too. We're okay with that.
Pro tip: When answering any question, think about what was the highlight of this project. That's usually where the energy and authenticity come through strongest.
Working with Antworks Studio
If you're planning a corporate video production in Auckland or across New Zealand and want your team to feel comfortable on camera, we can help. We work with organizations of all sizes, from internal training videos to customer-facing case studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a corporate video interview usually take?
Most interviews take 30-45 minutes for filming, plus one hour for setup. We typically schedule 2 hours total to avoid rushing. If you're nervous or need more takes, we build in extra time.
What should I wear on camera?
Wear what you'd wear to an important meeting. Avoid busy patterns, pure white, or very bright colors. Solid colors work best. If you're unsure, bring two options and we'll help you choose on the day.
Will I get to see the questions before filming?
Yes. We share questions at least 2-3 days before filming. You don't need to memorize answers or write scripts. Just think about the key points you want to make for each question.
What if I mess up or need to start over?
Completely normal. Just pause, take a breath, and start the answer again. We edit out all the false starts. Most people need 2-3 takes per question, and that's expected.
Do I need to look at the camera?
No. You'll be looking at the interviewer, not the camera. This creates a more natural, conversational feel. The only time you look at the camera is if we're filming a direct-to-camera piece, which we'll discuss beforehand.
What if I get nervous on the day?
We work with nervous people all the time. We'll start with easier warm-up questions, take breaks when needed, and give you as many takes as you want. Our crew is calm and supportive. The most common feedback we get is "That was easier than I thought."
See Our Interview Approach in Action
These case studies demonstrate how we help people share their stories on camera with warmth and authenticity:
About the Author
Diego Opatowski is a documentary filmmaker, Director of Photography and visual journalist based in Auckland, New Zealand. He has filmed hundreds of interviews across news, documentary, and corporate video production.
His experience includes work for Māori Television, NZ Herald, and organizations like the Mental Health Foundation. Diego specializes in making people feel comfortable on camera, particularly those who haven't been filmed before.
Diego founded Antworks Studio with a focus on documentary-style corporate video that prioritizes authenticity and puts people at ease.