As a video producer, it's not uncommon to encounter individuals who feel camera shy or are hesitant to share their personal stories on screen. However, I've found that cultivating empathy plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and creating compelling video content. By developing a deeper understanding of the subjects I work with and their experiences, I'm able to create an environment that encourages them to be their authentic selves and share their stories in a way that is both powerful and genuine. Whether it's through active listening, empathetic responses, or a willingness to put oneself in the shoes of the person being interviewed, the ability to connect with others on a human level is essential for any video producer seeking to create great content. Ultimately, it is this connection that allows us to capture the heart of a story and share it with the world in a way that truly resonates.
How do I do this? First I like to think about what’s truly necessary for the shoot before I arrive, what kind of lights, how many? Will they be sitting or standing? Boom or lapel mic? We usually work small and nimble with a crew of 3-5 people max. I like to strip away the glitz and glamour of the production and create an atmosphere where the individual feels comfortable and at ease. If we have the ability to shoot in their environment that’s even better, so they can be surrounded by their things, their people, their smells, their sounds. It also allows us to catch a glimpse of some other aspect of their life which can enhance their story even more.
I want to share 2 very different stories with you.
In a recent video production for Split.fyi, a women-owned tech startup, we had the privilege of not only speaking with the founders, but also connecting with some of their end users on a personal level. Split.fyi is an online platform and community dedicated to supporting individuals through the challenges of the divorce process. The impact of their work was truly evident as we spoke with their clients about their personal divorce stories and how Split.fyi was truly life-changing for them. We took the idea show don’t just tell to a whole other level. This opportunity allowed us to empathize with our subjects and create a narrative that authentically captured their emotions and experiences. Take a look…
When my husband and I set out to tell the story of the unsung musicians of Rock 'N' Roll in our documentary, Music Driven, we knew that meeting them in their cities would be essential to capturing the essence of their experiences. So we embarked on a road trip in our old orange limo, immersing ourselves in the world of these musicians and experiencing their lives, their struggles and their wins firsthand. It also gave us the opportunity to speak with fans, promoters, and club owners who were fighting to keep the music scene alive.
As we journeyed, we discovered that experiencing the tour life firsthand was an unexpected benefit. We encountered many sleepless nights, grueling driving schedules, and clashes with personalities in confined spaces, just like the musicians we were documenting. And by going through these challenges ourselves, we gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience and passion required to make a career in the music industry.
Ultimately, our commitment to empathy has allowed us to see life through the lens of the people we work with and to capture their stories in a way that is authentic, relatable, and impactful. Whether we are creating content for a startup or producing a documentary, empathy is key to unlocking the human connection that lies at the heart of great storytelling. As a video producer, I believe that empathy is not just a tool, but a way of life that allows us to understand and connect with others in a deeper, more meaningful way. By cultivating empathy in our work, we have the power to create videos that not only entertain and inform, but also inspire and move people to action.
