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