17 Videographer Interview Questions and Answers

A videographer is someone who records video footage for a living. They may work for a production company, creating marketing or advertising videos, or they may work for a news organization, recording news events as they happen. Videographers may also work for corporations, creating videos to promote their products or services.

No matter what type of videography job you are interviewing for, you can expect to be asked video production questions. These questions may range from your experience shooting video to your knowledge of different types of video cameras to the software you use to edit your videos.

In order to make sure you are fully prepared for your interview, Climbtheladder has put together a list of the most common video production interview questions. We have also included sample answers to help you develop your own responses.

Are you comfortable working on your own or as part of a team?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you interact with others. When answering, consider what type of videographer the company is looking for and describe your experience working in that role.

Example: “I have worked as a solo videographer for most of my career, but I also enjoy collaborating with other professionals on projects. For example, when filming weddings, I work alongside a photographer and sometimes a DJ or musician. In these situations, we communicate well and help each other out if one person needs assistance. I am comfortable working alone, but I prefer to collaborate with others.”

What are some of the most important skills for a successful videographer?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for a successful videographer. They want someone who is creative, organized and able to work well with others. When answering this question, think about what skills helped you succeed in your previous roles as a videographer.

Example: “Some of the most important skills for a successful videographer are creativity, organization and teamwork. As a videographer, I am often working with other people on set. It’s important that we all communicate effectively and efficiently so we can get our job done. Another skill that is essential is adaptability. No matter how prepared I am, something always goes wrong during filming. Being flexible enough to handle these situations is key.”

How do you plan and organize your shoots to ensure you capture the footage you need?

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you plan your shoots and organize the footage you capture. This can help them determine if you have a system for planning shoots, which can be an important part of the job. Use your answer to explain what methods you use to plan shoots and keep track of the footage you capture.

Example: “I always create a shot list before each shoot so I know exactly what shots I need to capture. I also make sure to take notes during the shoot so that I remember any additional shots I want to get. After every shoot, I go through all of my footage and edit it according to the notes I took while shooting.”

What is your experience with using different types of video equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with the tools you’ll use on a daily basis. Use your answer to highlight any specific types of equipment you’ve used in the past and how comfortable you are using them.

Example: “I have extensive experience using all kinds of video equipment, including DSLR cameras, camcorders, drones and even selfie sticks. I’m very comfortable using these different tools because I worked as a freelance videographer for several years. During that time, I had to be able to use whatever type of equipment my clients needed me to use. I also learned how to operate many of these tools so I could teach other people how to use them.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your plans on the fly during a shoot.

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to unexpected situations and whether you’re able to adapt your plans. In your answer, try to explain what caused the change in plans and how you handled it.

Example: “In my last position as a videographer for an event company, I was hired to film at a wedding where the bride’s father passed away suddenly two weeks before the ceremony. The family decided to go ahead with the wedding because they didn’t want to disappoint their guests, but we had to make some changes to accommodate the situation. We rescheduled the filming so that we could capture the most important moments of the day without missing any key events.”

If a subject or client was unhappy with the footage you captured, how would you handle it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and criticism. It can also show them your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “If a subject or client was unhappy with the footage I captured, I would first ask what specifically they didn’t like about it. Then, I would try my best to fix the issue by reshooting the scene or editing out the part of the video that they were unhappy with. If there’s nothing I could do to make the situation better, I would apologize for their dissatisfaction and offer to give them a discount on their next shoot.”

What would you do if you were given a tight deadline and needed to shoot multiple subjects on the same day?

This question can help interviewers understand how you plan your work and manage time. Use examples from previous projects to explain how you prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and complete assignments on time.

Example: “I would first make sure I had all the necessary equipment for each shoot location. Then, I would create a schedule that allowed me enough time to set up my camera and lighting before each subject arrived. If multiple subjects were arriving at different times, I would try to have them arrive within an hour of each other so I could capture their best moments without having to rush between shoots.”

How well do you know the local area and its unique characteristics?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working in the area where they’re hiring. They want to know that you can adapt to their location and work with its unique challenges. In your answer, explain how you researched the area before starting your job search. Explain what you learned about the area’s culture, people or other factors that make it different from others.

Example: “I’m originally from California, but I moved to Florida for college. After graduating, I decided to stay here because of the warm weather. I love living here, so I’ve been exploring the area ever since. I’ve found some great places to visit during my free time, including a few hidden beaches and restaurants that locals don’t know about yet. I think I understand the local area well enough to capture it accurately on camera.”

Do you have any experience editing videos?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with editing videos. If you have editing experience, share a specific example of how you used it to improve a video’s quality or production value. If you don’t have any editing experience, you can talk about other skills that are similar to editing and how they helped you in previous roles.

Example: “I’ve had some experience editing videos for my current employer. I usually edit our social media content before uploading them to our accounts. This helps me ensure that all of the important information is included in each post and that the length of the video is appropriate for the platform we’re posting on. It also allows me to make sure the color grading and audio levels are consistent across all of our videos.”

When planning a shoot, how do you determine the best location(s) and setup(s) for capturing the footage you need?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your organizational skills and how you plan out shoots. Use your answer to highlight your attention to detail, ability to work independently and communication skills.

Example: “I first determine what the client wants to capture on camera. Then I look at the location options that best fit their needs. For example, if they want a lot of movement in their footage, then I would choose an area with lots of action. If they need more static shots, then I would find a place where I can get those angles without having to move my equipment too much. After choosing the locations, I set up my equipment based on the type of shot I’m going for.”

We want to be able to quickly upload our videos to our website and social media channels. How would you handle the upload process for a shoot?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan your workflow and what steps you take to ensure that videos are uploaded in a timely manner. Use examples from previous projects or describe how you would handle this process if it’s something you haven’t done before.

Example: “I always use an external hard drive for my shoots, which allows me to quickly upload all of the footage at once. I also make sure to label each video with the corresponding social media channel so I can easily upload them later. This saves time when uploading because I don’t have to tag each video individually.”

Describe your process for lighting a subject or location to make them look their best in video footage.

Lighting is an important part of videography, and the interviewer may want to know how you plan your shots. Use examples from past projects to describe how you considered lighting when setting up a shot.

Example: “I always start by assessing the natural light in the location or room where I’m filming. If there’s enough light, then I don’t need to use additional equipment. However, if it’s too dark, I’ll bring along portable lights that are easy to set up and take down. For interviews, I like to have two soft boxes on either side of the subject so they’re evenly lit. This helps me create flattering shadows and highlights their facial features.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this videographer position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities while also mentioning any transferable skills you have.

Example: “I am passionate about videography and I believe my creativity and problem-solving skills will help me succeed in this position. In my previous role as a freelance videographer, I worked with many different clients and learned how to adapt to various situations. This experience has taught me how to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines. My communication skills are strong, which is why I think I would be a great fit for this role.”

Which video editing software programs are you most comfortable using?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your comfort level with the software they use in their company. If you have experience using a specific editing program, share that information and explain why it’s your favorite. If you haven’t used any of the programs before, mention which ones you’re most interested in learning about.

Example: “I’m most comfortable using Adobe Premiere Pro because I’ve had so much practice with it over the years. However, I also enjoy learning new things, so if you use Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer, I’d be happy to learn how to use those programs as well.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of video production?

This question is a great way to see how the interviewer will evaluate your skills and experience. It’s important that you show them that you understand what makes video production successful, but also that you have the ability to prioritize tasks and work well with others.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of video production is communication. When working on a project, it’s essential that everyone involved understands their role and communicates any changes or questions they may have. This helps ensure that we’re all on the same page and can produce high-quality content.”

How often do you update your equipment and skills to stay relevant in this field?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much you value your own professional development. It can also show them what steps you take to stay up-to-date with new technology and trends in the industry. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific instance where you took initiative to learn something new or update your skills.

Example: “I am constantly researching new equipment and software that I think would benefit my videography work. For example, last year I was looking for a more efficient way to edit videos because I was working on longer projects. I found an online course about video editing that helped me learn some new techniques. This led me to purchase a new editing program that has made my workflow much easier.”

There is a lot of competition in this industry. How will you set yourself apart from other videographers?

Employers want to know that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in their company. They may ask this question to see if you can provide them with a reason why they should hire you over other candidates. In your answer, try to highlight some of your unique talents or experiences.

Example: “I believe my creativity sets me apart from others in this industry. I am always looking for new ways to tell stories visually. For example, when filming a wedding, I noticed that there was a lot of color present. So, I decided to use filters on the camera to make everything look like it was hand-painted. The couple loved it, and it became one of their favorite memories.”