Behind the Scenes with a Healthcare Videographer

The job of a videographer is an integral component to the success of a video shoot. Their role goes beyond being well-versed technically. It involves an aspect of creativity that evokes a feeling or emotion to make video content relatable and actionable. This skill is especially important when capturing footage in healthcare. Health and wellness are a personal mission for an individual. A consumer has so many aspects to consider when making decisions around their health. It's why when we work with a videographer, they have to be able to understand that it is not just about setting up a camera and shooting. We ask ourselves, "How are we connecting with the people we film, and how is the end product going to communicate with a health system's audience?"  

Our team has many talented videographers, and this month we are showcasing Frazer to get his perspective on healthcare videos. He has worked with Point Across Media for over four years. From operating rooms to interviewing hundreds of physicians to spending time in the homes of patients who face some of the biggest health challenges in their life, Frazer has encountered many different aspects of shooting healthcare videos. We had the chance to ask him some questions about the world of videography as it pertains to healthcare.

1.  What do you love about being a videographer in the healthcare industry?

I have worked in other industries that are more product-based. The footage I capture in healthcare is much more personal because you are sharing someone's story. I like telling stories visually, and each story speaks to a different message.

Not to mention, I have learned an immense amount of medical information! It is fascinating to see how the health world is changing from a technology perspective and how it is influencing patients and their expectations. 

2.  What is the number one detail about videography you believe is essential?

I appreciate the way shots are composed. The way a line or a camera angle can change the feeling or emotion for the viewer. A powerful video compels someone to take action or gives them the feeling that they are understood.

3.  What have you learned as a videographer working in healthcare?

Every story comes with complexities, challenges and an inspiring result. As a videographer, I work to get the right footage to tell an authentic story. Filming in an operating room for service line videos requires a different approach then filming physician profile videos. It's essential to understand the message a health system wants to convey to their patients. Ultimately you want an end product that evokes a patient to take the next action.

For example – every physician profile video needs to convey the personality of that particular doctor. They each have a personal story about how they chose in a career of caring for people. The way I shoot physician profiles captures their passion and love for what they do and for their patients. I have learned this is an important first impression and gives potential patients comfort in knowing they are selecting the right physician for their needs.  Learn 5 tips to getting great physician interviews.

4.  Any technical advice you have from your perspective?

Sound is essential. Bad sound ruins an entire video, no matter how high quality the picture itself may be. Especially when filming within healthcare, you want to make sure you can hear every emotion in the voice of a patient or a physician.

I also look for anything that takes the focus away from someone's eyes. For example, the reflection of an earring.

 Lastly, good interviews are about more than asking questions. The producers I work with are also good listeners – they let people tell their stories and ask questions based on something they may say to create a comfortable environment. My best footage comes from letting the conversation play out. 

5.  Is there a story you've done that stands out for you?

We recently did a testimonial with a patient living with stage 4 lung cancer. His diagnosis was terminal. The initial focus of our interview was on preventing cancer, but it became more than that. He also firmly believed that he needed to make the most of the time he had left. It wasn't about big bucket list items; it came down to spending time with his family, especially his wife. Living every day focused on just that. Plain and simple. He was fighting the odds, but his message was you can live with cancer.

The original version of this page was published at:  https://www.pointacrossmedia.com/post/behind-the-scenes-with-a-healthcare-videographer