In this blog we are going to discuss some of the key differences between Netflix’s documentary style and a corporate video interview setup. Highlighting the benefits of each and why you might choose a Netflix cinematic style for your next corporate video.
Stand out from the crowd
Documentary interviews tend to be a lot more creative with regards to composition. This style trends towards a more cinematic look that can really help your corporate video stand out from the crowd. Corporate video can often run the risk of feeling a bit clinical, a Netflix style interview focuses on authenticity by placing the individual into an environment relevant to the topic of discussion.
Cinematic vs Corporate Look
Below are 2 examples of different interviews looks. On the left you’ll see the bright corporate video style. It’s more of a traditional formal style and something you would expect from the typical corporate testimonial video. On the right is a documentary style ‘down the barrel’ style interview. Visually there are some differences. Corporate video interviews tends to be bright and evenly lit with the eye line to an interviewer, whilst the Netflix style interview has a lot more depth and mood with the interviewee in the centre of the frame for a more dramatic impactful effect.
Off Camera vs Down The Barrel
Pieces to camera typically have the subject in the centre of the frame, with a relevant background to give the interview context. In this example the focus is on the message/ story with the person in the centre of the frame to keep the viewers attention.
Looking off camera will make your subject feel more at ease as they are talking to a person. It creates more of a conversational approach and helps produce more authentic answers. With a corporate interview it’s always to keep the background to the business of topic that you are discussing.
For the best ‘final look’ it is useful to use elements from both styles, although the type of video tends to guide which option you go with.
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Here’s an example of a corporate interview we’ve made.