How I discovered the remarkable truth about human connection
September 10th 2023
September 10th 2023
Behind the lens of a news camera operator:
2004 to 2005: I worked for a local news station in my hometown, filming stories for the nightly news show.
2006 to 2017: I worked for national network news stations, covering several news shows.
During these years I discovered something very valuable.
Day after day after day, we interviewed an enormous range of people:
Members of the public
Small business owners
Company owners & directors
Health professionals
Educational professionals
Lawyers
Accountants
Emergency service workers
Police
Politicians
Transport drivers and operators
Homeowners
Renters
Entrepreneurs
Children
Teens
Elderly
War veterans
Grieving parents
Sportspeople and athletes
Musicians
Artists
Famous actors
Charity volunteers
I’ve had the camera on my shoulder or on a tripod, framing up a shot, moving lights around, and checking audio levels on nearly every type of person in every type of career.
One constant stood out through all the interviews.
No matter how nervous someone was, when the journalist asked them great off-the-cuff and in-the-moment questions, people would temporarily forget the lens was there.
They seemed to relax and become themselves for a second. Their answers were less rehearsed. They gave unscripted replies that stole the spotlight. Often, those ones made the cut.
It’s the humanity that shines through – that really connects to people and keeps them watching.
That’s why, when I now conduct interviews with people as an independent filmmaker and video producer, I try to abandon the questions and get off script as much as possible.
Off-the-cuff questions in news captured the essence of a diverse range of individuals and kept audiences engaged.
For me, the essence of storytelling and human connection comes down to two vital elements:
Conversation and curiosity.
2004 to 2005: I worked for a local news station in my hometown, filming stories for the nightly news show.
2006 to 2017: I worked for national network news stations, covering several news shows.
During these years I discovered something very valuable.
Day after day after day, we interviewed an enormous range of people:
Members of the public
Small business owners
Company owners & directors
Health professionals
Educational professionals
Lawyers
Accountants
Emergency service workers
Police
Politicians
Transport drivers and operators
Homeowners
Renters
Entrepreneurs
Children
Teens
Elderly
War veterans
Grieving parents
Sportspeople and athletes
Musicians
Artists
Famous actors
Charity volunteers
I’ve had the camera on my shoulder or on a tripod, framing up a shot, moving lights around, and checking audio levels on nearly every type of person in every type of career.
One constant stood out through all the interviews.
No matter how nervous someone was, when the journalist asked them great off-the-cuff and in-the-moment questions, people would temporarily forget the lens was there.
They seemed to relax and become themselves for a second. Their answers were less rehearsed. They gave unscripted replies that stole the spotlight. Often, those ones made the cut.
It’s the humanity that shines through – that really connects to people and keeps them watching.
That’s why, when I now conduct interviews with people as an independent filmmaker and video producer, I try to abandon the questions and get off script as much as possible.
Off-the-cuff questions in news captured the essence of a diverse range of individuals and kept audiences engaged.
For me, the essence of storytelling and human connection comes down to two vital elements:
Conversation and curiosity.
Taking the "Taraua S-K" documentary to the world.
6 September 2023
6 September 2023
The film "Taraua S-K: 60 Years in the making" has been rolling around different venues, clubs and festivals in New Zealand collecting some wonderful reviews, and is now being taken to the world.
I was very privileged to work on this film as editor with director Andy Curruthers earlier this year. A 2023 highlight for Hans Weston Films!
The film has been entered the film into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, this is one of the largest and most prestigious in the world.
It has also been entered the Kendal Mountain Festival in the UK and Andy is looking for festivals in the US.
Cross your fingers, we will hear back at the end of September on Banff.
The film is now streaming on Vimeo, buy a copy from the link below.
Andy also recently appeared on the podcast "Dirt Church radio" talking about the conception and evolution of the film.
I was very privileged to work on this film as editor with director Andy Curruthers earlier this year. A 2023 highlight for Hans Weston Films!
The film has been entered the film into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, this is one of the largest and most prestigious in the world.
It has also been entered the Kendal Mountain Festival in the UK and Andy is looking for festivals in the US.
Cross your fingers, we will hear back at the end of September on Banff.
The film is now streaming on Vimeo, buy a copy from the link below.
Andy also recently appeared on the podcast "Dirt Church radio" talking about the conception and evolution of the film.
DIY video. Is it worth it? What is it really saving you?
30th August 2023
30th August 2023
I've noticed a lot of DIY video the last few years. All with varying results.
I'm not talking about recording yourself speaking to your phone. Anyone can do that. I'm talking about :
- video production
- filmmaking
- storytelling.
...anything where you need to compose shots, edit and craft something.
I totally understand the appeal of DIY. Filmmaking and video production is a fun fascinating thing to learn.
It can't be that hard.
We all carry cameras around and access to editing software is easy as walking to the dairy to buy an ice cream.
In fact it's better and easier than that, edit software is free.
Why hire someone when you can do it yourself? Why waste money? A smart business knows where to cut costs right?
Also, there's some truely incredible AI tools out there too. Heck, even filmmakers are using them to expedite many processes. (and they also have a solid knowledge behind it)
The possibilities and potential are all there for amazing DIY video, however in my experience and observations it ain't happening.
Maybe you work for an amazing company, or have created a trusted brand, perhaps built a solid business that you've poured your heart and soul into and then you commit the most heinous sin...
...you make crappy videos that look like a 1 day school video project.
...and these videos represent you and your brand.
...and you post them online, for all to see.
Because, it's not that hard, right?
I've been hired by companies that had dreams of DIY video, and then gave up.
Some of reasons were:
-The editing was painful.
-The audio didn't sound right.
-They couldn't find the camera battery charger.
-The in-house video expert was too busy with their actual job.
-The computer with the only copy of the footage died.
-The camera seems broken, can't figure it out.
-The video didn't get any views online.
-The ring light we were recommend by a friend makes eyes look weird.
-It took too long to work out what gear to buy.
-It just took too long / never got around to doing it.
A lot of companies have a full or part time video superstar on staff.
You get a big tick for doing that. ✅
If you're an organisation that knows the value and importance of professional video and can afford to hire a pro, then you are doing the right thing.
What if you can't afford to create that role and you need professional video now and then?
You either take a chance on an enthusiastic person already on staff to complete a legit filmmaking course (you can ask my recommendation) and give them X number of hours a week towards the role, pay them more, support them, and then you get out of their way and let them do their job.
OR
hire a pro so you can quickly move on to the next thing.
That was today's top tip..
I'm not talking about recording yourself speaking to your phone. Anyone can do that. I'm talking about :
- video production
- filmmaking
- storytelling.
...anything where you need to compose shots, edit and craft something.
I totally understand the appeal of DIY. Filmmaking and video production is a fun fascinating thing to learn.
It can't be that hard.
We all carry cameras around and access to editing software is easy as walking to the dairy to buy an ice cream.
In fact it's better and easier than that, edit software is free.
Why hire someone when you can do it yourself? Why waste money? A smart business knows where to cut costs right?
Also, there's some truely incredible AI tools out there too. Heck, even filmmakers are using them to expedite many processes. (and they also have a solid knowledge behind it)
The possibilities and potential are all there for amazing DIY video, however in my experience and observations it ain't happening.
Maybe you work for an amazing company, or have created a trusted brand, perhaps built a solid business that you've poured your heart and soul into and then you commit the most heinous sin...
...you make crappy videos that look like a 1 day school video project.
...and these videos represent you and your brand.
...and you post them online, for all to see.
Because, it's not that hard, right?
I've been hired by companies that had dreams of DIY video, and then gave up.
Some of reasons were:
-The editing was painful.
-The audio didn't sound right.
-They couldn't find the camera battery charger.
-The in-house video expert was too busy with their actual job.
-The computer with the only copy of the footage died.
-The camera seems broken, can't figure it out.
-The video didn't get any views online.
-The ring light we were recommend by a friend makes eyes look weird.
-It took too long to work out what gear to buy.
-It just took too long / never got around to doing it.
A lot of companies have a full or part time video superstar on staff.
You get a big tick for doing that. ✅
If you're an organisation that knows the value and importance of professional video and can afford to hire a pro, then you are doing the right thing.
What if you can't afford to create that role and you need professional video now and then?
You either take a chance on an enthusiastic person already on staff to complete a legit filmmaking course (you can ask my recommendation) and give them X number of hours a week towards the role, pay them more, support them, and then you get out of their way and let them do their job.
OR
hire a pro so you can quickly move on to the next thing.
That was today's top tip..
Show not tell, insights from 40 interviews.
11th March 2023
11th March 2023
I’ve carried out around 40 on camera interviews over the last two years and I’ve learnt this about people.
People need to share their stories
People need to talk.
People need to be heard.
When people could see I was genuinely interested and listening, they ended up telling great stories.
These stories touched people, and other people couldn’t wait to share them.
My interviewees needed less prompts or questions, because they simply felt comfortable to talk.
The funny thing is, the best sound bites popped out the vacuum of silence.
I think this is amazing.
Creating space. Having patience. Waiting.
But also having curiosity.
I’ve never been afraid to dig deeper, to pry, to be curious, to understand, and show that I can empathize.
This creates trust and places someone in a position of safety and comfort to be themselves.
Sometimes during interviews there would be total and absolute silence.
Nothing.
Should I change the topic? Or go further into the same subject?
I often asked a further question.
I went deeper.
I’m not afraid to examine feelings and emotions
That’s where the gold is.
It’s no secret that feelings and emotions guide storytelling
Great stories move people to take action.
There are 3 ways we can talk on camera to achieve this -
1. Telling people what they want to hear
2. Telling people what we think they need to hear
3. Be ourselves and being honest
I watched number 3 work over and over. .
I make it part of my job to guide people to be expressive
Show and not tell.
I’d like to invite you to have a conversation with me.
I want to hear your story
Your story has more value to other people than you realize.
How it works:
1. You pick a time.
2. We connect for a casual chat - no obligations,
3. Based on our amazing first chat, we plan an on-camera chat and create a video together.
4. I work with a superstar copywriter and social media champion to create an incredible marketing strategy for your videos.
5. Boom.
There honestly has never been a better time than right now.
People need to share their stories
People need to talk.
People need to be heard.
When people could see I was genuinely interested and listening, they ended up telling great stories.
These stories touched people, and other people couldn’t wait to share them.
My interviewees needed less prompts or questions, because they simply felt comfortable to talk.
The funny thing is, the best sound bites popped out the vacuum of silence.
I think this is amazing.
Creating space. Having patience. Waiting.
But also having curiosity.
I’ve never been afraid to dig deeper, to pry, to be curious, to understand, and show that I can empathize.
This creates trust and places someone in a position of safety and comfort to be themselves.
Sometimes during interviews there would be total and absolute silence.
Nothing.
Should I change the topic? Or go further into the same subject?
I often asked a further question.
I went deeper.
I’m not afraid to examine feelings and emotions
That’s where the gold is.
It’s no secret that feelings and emotions guide storytelling
Great stories move people to take action.
There are 3 ways we can talk on camera to achieve this -
1. Telling people what they want to hear
2. Telling people what we think they need to hear
3. Be ourselves and being honest
I watched number 3 work over and over. .
I make it part of my job to guide people to be expressive
Show and not tell.
I’d like to invite you to have a conversation with me.
I want to hear your story
Your story has more value to other people than you realize.
How it works:
1. You pick a time.
2. We connect for a casual chat - no obligations,
3. Based on our amazing first chat, we plan an on-camera chat and create a video together.
4. I work with a superstar copywriter and social media champion to create an incredible marketing strategy for your videos.
5. Boom.
There honestly has never been a better time than right now.
Don't underestimate the power of collaboration!
25th February 2023
I am filmmaker who frequently works with interview subjects and I understand that being on camera is often a nerve-wracking experience.
Especially for the shy or introverted. ( like me )
Everyone has a unique story, and it's my job to help them share this in a way that feels comfortable and authentic.
If you feel nervous about speaking on camera, there is one thing you can do.
Take your time and find a filmmaker who is willing to work with you in a way that makes you feel at ease.
By building a relationship of trust and understanding, you'll feel more confident in sharing your story and connecting with your audience in a powerful way.
Your voice deserves to be heard.
There is power in vulnerability.
Don't let fear hold you back from sharing your truth with the world.
Get in touch to chat about what we can do together.
Road tripping on a cloudy day is difficult for Julian Ward.
20th February 2023
20th February 2023
A sky full of clouds creates less shadows and flat lighting.
For Julian’s bush photography, this is the perfect.
Forget about the time or the destination.
Expect to stop.
However, walking in the street couldn’t be more different.
The human landscape doesn’t wait for cloud cover.
It’s always buzzing and moving.
Sun, cloud, rain…whatever...
Julian chases the people, the shapes, the shadows and the passing moments.
But
During the making of this film, I discovered something fascinating about Julian’s photographic practice..
He also sees these ‘human landscapes’ in the bush.
He uncovers the similar shapes, patterns and spaces he finds on bustling streets.
This film was originally titled ‘Human Landscapes’.
I decided on ‘GIFTS FROM THE GODS’ as quoted directly from Julian in the film.
‘Gifts’ refer to photographs generously given to him over the 40 years of practicing his art.
It’s been a true privilege getting to know Julian Ward and having the opportunity to make this film.
View the film here
Businesses need to embrace the value of storytelling.
NOVEMBER 2022
NOVEMBER 2022
I became aware that businesses go for cheaper quick turn- around video “content", and by-pass the powerful storytelling opportunities that already exist.
There is a well proven science to good storytelling.
We are taught from an early age to respond to a story. It's instinctual. It's also in our DNA.
Without being consciously aware of it, we know good story is something like:
📍Hook
📍Conflict
📍Initiation
📍Journey
📍Resolution
📍Epilogue
In 2021, I flipped the switch and insisted working with people at the inception point, pre brief.
It worked.
By brainstorming and squeezing in hard facts about how and why storytelling works, I have been able to create the work I am proud of.
It works. I have successful case studies.
How does a 5000% increase in ORGANIC social media reach sound?
When you give people an opportunity to tell their own stories, they can create a big impact.
I’ve started turning those early brainstorming sessions into workshops.
People love learning about the finer details of storytelling, how they can apply this to a video project and why it works.
I love this quote from "The Storytelling Edge" by Joe Lazauskas and Shane Snow,
“Good stories surprise us. They make us think and feel. They stick in our minds and help us remember ideas and concepts in a way that a PowerPoint crammed with bar graphs never can.”
There is a well proven science to good storytelling.
We are taught from an early age to respond to a story. It's instinctual. It's also in our DNA.
Without being consciously aware of it, we know good story is something like:
📍Hook
📍Conflict
📍Initiation
📍Journey
📍Resolution
📍Epilogue
In 2021, I flipped the switch and insisted working with people at the inception point, pre brief.
It worked.
By brainstorming and squeezing in hard facts about how and why storytelling works, I have been able to create the work I am proud of.
It works. I have successful case studies.
How does a 5000% increase in ORGANIC social media reach sound?
When you give people an opportunity to tell their own stories, they can create a big impact.
I’ve started turning those early brainstorming sessions into workshops.
People love learning about the finer details of storytelling, how they can apply this to a video project and why it works.
I love this quote from "The Storytelling Edge" by Joe Lazauskas and Shane Snow,
“Good stories surprise us. They make us think and feel. They stick in our minds and help us remember ideas and concepts in a way that a PowerPoint crammed with bar graphs never can.”
People are truly remarkable. They really are
September 2022
September 2022
Everyday, ordinary people have great stories to tell. Everyone has something to say.
Interviewing people is hard. That’s why journalists are journalists. They’re bloody good at it. I should know, I stood behind them with a camera for 12 years. They’re highly skilled, experienced and tough when they need to be.
I’m not a journalist. I am a filmmaker and to make the kind of videos I want to make, I need to interview people. I don’t have a choice.
Lucky for me, I don’t mind doing it. If I hated it, I’d hire someone. In fact, I really love interviewing (I prefer to call them conversations)
At parties, I was the guy doing all the listening and asking questions. I was probably the introverted, super boring one.
I learned one thing - if I was genuinely interested in someone, they’d tell me nearly anything.
Many years later, I’ve managed to successfully add in a light, camera, lens and microphone. (not at parties )
I’ve learnt something interesting over the last 18 years working in media and running a small video production business.
Everyone has something fascinating to say if allowed the opportunity. People are more articulate than they give themselves credit for.
Real people can be expressive and say great things on camera.
They can inspire. They can motivate. They can connect.
Everyone has stories. Everyone has experiences. Everyone has dreams.
Magic happens when you get someone to tell their story. When they see their video posted online and shared around friends, family and a wider audience - a change can occur.
When they see their thoughts presented in a respectful way, a mental shift happens.
When they see the impact their story can have on another human, there’s a change in confidence and self belief. It’s not a one way impact either.
God knows, the world needs more people who believe in themselves and have confidence?
It’s hard to not feel a little emotional writing this, because I know there are so many people whose deeper insights, thoughts and stories will never get out of their heads, because no one is really interested or cares enough.
Yet…everyone has something to say. Neighbours, friends, children, family, small business owners, people who run big companies managing 1000’s of employees, employees of those companies, sports coaches, teachers…anyone….
People are inherently afraid of being vulnerable and putting themselves in front of a lens to be themselves. I get that, me too.
In the 5 years I’ve been running a video production business, the videos that have made the biggest impact have utilised natural interviews.
Documentary filmmakers and media have been doing this forever, but when it comes to everyday video production for businesses and organisations it’s rarely considered as a first option. When it is, the process can be forced and rushed, and somewhat staged.
For me it shows. I see through it.
Inquiring into someone’s life is a hard thing to do. It involves personal investment, time and being genuinely curious. You need to do your homework. You need to ask plenty of thoughtful and challenging questions, you need to know when to shut up and listen and you need to know when to cut-in (seriously). Most importantly, you need to create an environment where people can speak freely and honestly.
Just like a normal conversation?
The organic documentary approach is a hard sell to a client wanting quick and easy video.
They simply expect to make what they’ve seen already done. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a client to write a script and set a budget before they’ve even talked to a filmmaker or videographer.
In video marketing and advertising, the most common thing is to use scripts, storyboards, actors and media trained spokespeople.
These are tried and true methods and done well they work. They might sell a product, get a complex message across or inspire a specific audience to act on something. (Think under 60 seconds, think short attention spans...)
It’s important to consider - how far are they really going to truly connect with another individual and motivate someone to take action?
Do we really believe that this or that thing changed someone’s life for the better?
Is advertising spend doing most of the heavy lifting?
Giving people what’s expected could mean missing an opportunity. The way I feel about it, the emotional resonance and connection someone can gain from seeing a bit of themselves in someone else, can make all the difference.
Thankfully, there have been filmmaking, video production and storytelling agencies all over the world incorporating this approach among their output, and doing it really well.
Two such exceptional examples, are The Beards (N.Z) and Route 3 Films (U.S)
There are more and more organisations seeing the tremendous value in this approach.
To do this successfully it comes down to a bunch of things
1. Building relationships with people.
2. Researching and being curious.
3. Understanding story.
4. Editing.
There’s no hiding it. If you are telling a story you are editing. Great soundbites are sorted from the “good enough” ones. Flaws and fluffs may be removed.
But sometimes it can be vital to leave the “flaws” in. They show character and expression. Flaws are real. They connect.
Experienced video editors and storytellers have the power to present people in their best light and allow them to shine. They should be doing this.
It’s taken me over five years, but I’ve managed to build a successful video production business focused on this approach.
I’m humbled that there are organisations that see this value and place their trust and faith in this style of filmmaking.
Let’s keep telling stories and caring about people. We learn more about ourselves that way.
Who do you know who has a great story that could impact others? You?
If you are reading this sentence, thank you for reading all of the above.
Hans Weston
Interviewing people is hard. That’s why journalists are journalists. They’re bloody good at it. I should know, I stood behind them with a camera for 12 years. They’re highly skilled, experienced and tough when they need to be.
I’m not a journalist. I am a filmmaker and to make the kind of videos I want to make, I need to interview people. I don’t have a choice.
Lucky for me, I don’t mind doing it. If I hated it, I’d hire someone. In fact, I really love interviewing (I prefer to call them conversations)
At parties, I was the guy doing all the listening and asking questions. I was probably the introverted, super boring one.
I learned one thing - if I was genuinely interested in someone, they’d tell me nearly anything.
Many years later, I’ve managed to successfully add in a light, camera, lens and microphone. (not at parties )
I’ve learnt something interesting over the last 18 years working in media and running a small video production business.
Everyone has something fascinating to say if allowed the opportunity. People are more articulate than they give themselves credit for.
Real people can be expressive and say great things on camera.
They can inspire. They can motivate. They can connect.
Everyone has stories. Everyone has experiences. Everyone has dreams.
Magic happens when you get someone to tell their story. When they see their video posted online and shared around friends, family and a wider audience - a change can occur.
When they see their thoughts presented in a respectful way, a mental shift happens.
When they see the impact their story can have on another human, there’s a change in confidence and self belief. It’s not a one way impact either.
God knows, the world needs more people who believe in themselves and have confidence?
It’s hard to not feel a little emotional writing this, because I know there are so many people whose deeper insights, thoughts and stories will never get out of their heads, because no one is really interested or cares enough.
Yet…everyone has something to say. Neighbours, friends, children, family, small business owners, people who run big companies managing 1000’s of employees, employees of those companies, sports coaches, teachers…anyone….
People are inherently afraid of being vulnerable and putting themselves in front of a lens to be themselves. I get that, me too.
In the 5 years I’ve been running a video production business, the videos that have made the biggest impact have utilised natural interviews.
Documentary filmmakers and media have been doing this forever, but when it comes to everyday video production for businesses and organisations it’s rarely considered as a first option. When it is, the process can be forced and rushed, and somewhat staged.
For me it shows. I see through it.
Inquiring into someone’s life is a hard thing to do. It involves personal investment, time and being genuinely curious. You need to do your homework. You need to ask plenty of thoughtful and challenging questions, you need to know when to shut up and listen and you need to know when to cut-in (seriously). Most importantly, you need to create an environment where people can speak freely and honestly.
Just like a normal conversation?
The organic documentary approach is a hard sell to a client wanting quick and easy video.
They simply expect to make what they’ve seen already done. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a client to write a script and set a budget before they’ve even talked to a filmmaker or videographer.
In video marketing and advertising, the most common thing is to use scripts, storyboards, actors and media trained spokespeople.
These are tried and true methods and done well they work. They might sell a product, get a complex message across or inspire a specific audience to act on something. (Think under 60 seconds, think short attention spans...)
It’s important to consider - how far are they really going to truly connect with another individual and motivate someone to take action?
Do we really believe that this or that thing changed someone’s life for the better?
Is advertising spend doing most of the heavy lifting?
Giving people what’s expected could mean missing an opportunity. The way I feel about it, the emotional resonance and connection someone can gain from seeing a bit of themselves in someone else, can make all the difference.
Thankfully, there have been filmmaking, video production and storytelling agencies all over the world incorporating this approach among their output, and doing it really well.
Two such exceptional examples, are The Beards (N.Z) and Route 3 Films (U.S)
There are more and more organisations seeing the tremendous value in this approach.
To do this successfully it comes down to a bunch of things
1. Building relationships with people.
2. Researching and being curious.
3. Understanding story.
4. Editing.
There’s no hiding it. If you are telling a story you are editing. Great soundbites are sorted from the “good enough” ones. Flaws and fluffs may be removed.
But sometimes it can be vital to leave the “flaws” in. They show character and expression. Flaws are real. They connect.
Experienced video editors and storytellers have the power to present people in their best light and allow them to shine. They should be doing this.
It’s taken me over five years, but I’ve managed to build a successful video production business focused on this approach.
I’m humbled that there are organisations that see this value and place their trust and faith in this style of filmmaking.
Let’s keep telling stories and caring about people. We learn more about ourselves that way.
Who do you know who has a great story that could impact others? You?
If you are reading this sentence, thank you for reading all of the above.
Hans Weston