Project interview evidence worksheet: prepare useful answers before filming

Use this worksheet

Use this worksheet to connect each proposed interview topic with a first-hand example, a fact to check and something the viewer could see. It is designed for construction teams preparing a project film, customer story or milestone update. Copy the fields into your own document and complete one story card for each main topic.

Still defining the overall production? Start with the construction project video brief, then use this worksheet to prepare each interview.

1. Decide what this interview needs to explain

Start with one audience and one useful takeaway. Avoid asking every speaker to cover the whole project.

• Project and filming date:
• Intended audience:
• What does that audience already know?
• What should they understand after hearing this person?
• Where is this interview expected to appear?
• Interviewee, role and connection to the work:

A project manager might explain a coordination decision, while a site supervisor could describe how the agreed sequence worked in practice. Choose the speaker for their direct knowledge, rather than job title alone.

2. Build a story card

Complete the following for each proposed topic. Short notes are enough at this stage.

• Situation: What was happening?
• Constraint: What made the work difficult or important?
• Decision: What did the team choose to do?
• Contribution: What did this speaker personally do or observe?
• Outcome: What changed, and what is still in progress?
• Evidence: Which approved record or person can confirm the detail?
• Visual: What could help explain the answer on screen?
• Boundary: What should not be discussed or shown?

Keep outcomes precise. If a result has not been measured, do not turn an impression into a numerical claim. If work is ongoing, describe the current stage rather than implying completion.

3. Turn notes into open questions

Questions should invite an account of what happened, without putting a favourable answer in the speaker's mouth.

Try:

• What did the team need to achieve at this stage?
• Which constraint influenced the approach?
• Can you describe one decision you were involved in?
• What did that decision change for the work that followed?
• What would help someone outside the project understand this detail?
• Is there anything in that answer we should verify before using it?

Share the topics in advance. Ask the speaker to bring examples and accurate details rather than memorise a paragraph. Any wording that must be exact should be identified separately and checked with the relevant approver.

4. Keep a fact-check list

For every date, quantity, technical term or outcome proposed for the interview, record:

• Proposed statement:
• Source or person responsible for checking it:
• Approved wording, if applicable:
• Status: confirmed / awaiting check / leave out:
• Check required by:

Also confirm the spelling of names, role titles, organisation names and project names intended for on-screen use. Keep confidential supporting material within your approved systems; the production notes may only need a reference and a contact.

5. Match the story to available pictures

A speaker may describe something that is no longer visible on site. Identify that gap before filming.

• Detail being described:
• Current location or available existing material:
• Person who can confirm access and permitted use:
• Restrictions or exclusions:
• Alternative if the picture is unavailable:

Do not assume an image, drawing or previous recording is cleared for publication because someone can access it. Record who will confirm its intended use.

Before you send the notes

Check that each topic has a suitable speaker, one concrete example, a fact-check owner and an achievable visual option. Flag open questions rather than filling the gaps with assumptions.

This is a planning worksheet, not a release form or approval to publish. Confirm the relevant participant, client and project permissions separately.