5 Tips For Running A Testimonial Film Shoot

Last Friday I had the absolute pleasure of attending opening night of our clients show, André and Dorine, and it was a hit! 

After the applause and standing ovation ended, the crowd poured down the stairs at St. Clements where the show is running through May 29th. I waited at the bottom with my film crew hoping to get 3-4 patrons to say a few words about the show on camera. Usually, it’s like pulling teeth to find a few people willing to jump in front of the camera and be interviewed by a total stranger, but not this time. 

When patrons saw the lights and camera, they lined up by the dozen to give a testimonial about their profound experience of this beautiful show by Spain’s Kulunka Teatro. 

There are a few keys to running a great testimonial shoot… 

The first is to be prepared in advance. Make sure you have a camera set up on a tripod, lights set, hand-held-mic ready, and ideally a backdrop that has your show poster in it. Also add spike tape on the ground where you’d like people to stand so that they’re in frame. 

The next, and most important tip, is to ask these 3 simple questions. 1. How would you describe the show to a friend. 2. Would you recommend the show to a friend and if so, why? 3. How would you describe the show in one word? These questions will get you a range of answers that you can edit together later into great punchy clips. 

Next is to be sure to ask patrons to restate the question in their answer. It makes it a lot easier to edit together a seamless :30-:60 video that makes sense. If you’re asking “how would you describe the show” they should answer “I’d describe the show as…”. 

People have very little patience post show. Some are rushing off to dinner or to release the babysitter…so be quick! Testimonials are largely about short bite size clips so you don’t need anyone for more than about 60 seconds each. 

Another key is to get feedback from A LOT of different people. You’re aiming for volume and diversity with the people you’re interviewing. Ideally you’d get a range of types of people, but be certain to get at least a few people who fit your audience avatar. If your show appeals to middle aged women, then make sure you get a few middle aged women on camera. 

Testimonial videos are worth their weight in gold, so don’t miss out on this opportunity for your show. And if you’re an entrepreneur you can still do, and should do, testimonial videos for any of your events, services, products, etc.