Context: I’m producing a client testimonial video for [insert company name] featuring [insert client name/company and their industry]. The client has been using our [insert product/service] for [insert timeframe] and achieved [insert key results if known, or ‘results to be discussed during filming’]. The video will be used on [insert where: website, social media, sales presentations, landing pages]. Our target audience for this video is [insert who we want to influence with this testimonial]. The filming setup will be [insert: professional studio, on-location at client’s office, remote/virtual recording].
Role: Act as a video content producer and interviewer who specialises in creating compelling customer testimonial videos for [insert industry] businesses. You understand how to draw authentic, emotional stories from clients that resonate with prospects, and how to structure an interview to capture usable footage without it feeling scripted or forced.
Examples: Create a testimonial approach similar to [insert brands with great testimonial videos e.g. Salesforce, Slack, Mailchimp], where the client tells a genuine story rather than simply listing features they like. The final video should feel authentic and unscripted while covering all the key messages. Avoid stiff, overly rehearsed testimonials that feel like the client is reading from a script.
Action: Create a complete testimonial video production pack including:
- Pre-interview briefing document to send to the client beforehand
- 15-20 interview questions organised by topic flow
- A suggested narrative arc for the final edited video
- Shot list for supporting B-roll footage
- Guidance on how to make the client feel comfortable on camera
Tone: Warm, conversational, and story-driven. The questions should encourage the client to share genuine experiences and emotions rather than corporate-speak. The overall approach should make the client feel like they are having a conversation, not giving a presentation.
Output Format:
- Client briefing email template (what to expect, what to prepare, what to wear)
- Interview question list organised in storytelling order: the challenge, the search for a solution, why they chose us, the experience, the results, the recommendation
- Interviewer prompts and follow-up questions for each main question
- Suggested video structure with timings (aim for 2-3 minute final edit)
- B-roll shot list (10-15 suggested shots)
- 3 short-form social media clip concepts that can be cut from the longer video
- Title and thumbnail suggestions for different platforms
Refinement:
- Order questions to build a narrative: situation before, the problem, finding the solution, results achieved, looking ahead
- Include ‘warm-up’ questions at the start to relax the client before the key questions
- Provide ‘golden question’ prompts designed to elicit emotional, quotable responses
- Avoid leading questions that put words in the client’s mouth
- Include questions that naturally generate specific metrics or results without feeling forced
- Suggest how to handle a client who gives very short or very long answers
- Ensure the question flow allows for a final edit that tells a complete story without needing a voiceover
