What to Expect When Filming a Patient Story Video

If you’ve been invited to take part in a patient story video, it’s natural to have questions about what the filming day will involve. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and how we work to make the experience comfortable and respectful.

At Dream Engine, we’ve produced patient story videos for hospitals, healthcare providers, medical researchers and pharmaceutical organisations across Australia. Whether filming takes place at your home, in a hospital or at another location, we’ll guide you through the process from beginning to end.

As part of our healthcare video production services, we regularly film patient story videos that help others understand the impact of treatments, procedures and personal health journeys through genuine, first-hand experiences.

Before the Filming Day

Your project contact should explain where the finished video may appear, how it may be used and whether the approval process includes participant review. If anything is unclear, ask before filming begins.

A few practical checks can make the day easier:

• Confirm the expected arrival and finishing time.
• Let your project contact know about access, parking or mobility requirements.
• Tell them if you need an interpreter, a support person or regular breaks.
• Have a second clothing option available if possible.
• If filming at home, identify a reasonably quiet area, but do not rearrange anything for us.
• Let your contact know if your circumstances change before filming day.

What Happens During a Patient Story Video?

Be Yourself

What we’re most interested in is your story, in your own words. The interview won’t feel like a formal question-and-answer session. It’s more of a relaxed conversation. We’ll ask open-ended questions to guide the discussion, but we won’t give you a script or ask you to memorise anything. It’s perfectly fine to think about your experience beforehand, but there’s no need to prepare detailed answers.

You don’t need to worry about saying everything perfectly. If you lose your train of thought or would like to answer a question again, that’s completely normal. We regularly record multiple takes and edit the interview afterwards to create a natural conversation.

Just speak from your own experience. That’s all you need to do.

If We’re Filming at Your Home

If we’re visiting your home to film, we want to make the process smooth and unobtrusive.

We’ll always ask your permission before filming in any area, and we’ll work with you to find a space that feels comfortable. The crew is usually just one or two people, and we’ll be respectful of your time, space and privacy. We’ll avoid moving things around unnecessarily and will leave everything exactly as we found it.

If you have pets, children or other things happening around the house, that’s completely fine. We’ll work around whatever you need.

Your Privacy and Comfort Come First

Your comfort is always our priority. We’ll only film what you’re happy to share, and you’re welcome to pause, skip a question or take a break at any point.

Your video will only be used with the appropriate permissions agreed between you and the organisation you’re working with. If something doesn’t feel right, simply let us know. You’re always in control of what you choose to share.

What to Wear

There’s no need to dress up unless you’d like to. The best approach is to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and like yourself.

If you’re unsure, solid colours generally look better on camera than busy patterns or clothing with large logos. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and confident.

What Happens on the Day of Filming?

Here’s how a typical filming day works:

• We’ll arrive and introduce ourselves.
• We’ll have a quick look around to choose the best place to film.
• While we set up the cameras and lighting, you can relax.
• We’ll record a friendly, conversational interview.
• We’ll film some supporting footage of you in your everyday environment to help illustrate your story.
• Once everything is complete, we’ll pack up and leave everything exactly as we found it.

Although we may be on-site for a couple of hours to allow time for setup, filming and packing down, your actual interview is often much shorter. Throughout the day we’ll explain what we’re doing and make sure you’re comfortable before moving on to the next stage.

Can I Have Someone With Me?

Absolutely. If you’d like a partner, family member or friend to be there for support, you’re very welcome to have them nearby. Some people find this reassuring, and we’re happy to accommodate whatever helps you feel most comfortable.

Final Thoughts

We’re grateful to everyone who chooses to share their story. Patient story videos often help other people feel informed, reassured and less alone as they go through similar experiences.

If you’re taking part in a patient story
For questions about consent, approval or how the finished video will be used, contact the organisation that invited you. For filming-day questions, you can also contact Dream Engine.

If you’re planning a patient story video
See our healthcare video production work and patient story examples.

The showreel below gives a sense of how we approach healthcare interviews and sensitive subject matter.

For more practical interview advice, see feeling comfortable during an on-camera interview.

Ryan Spanger

Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne video production company established in 2002. Over the past two decades, he’s produced hundreds of videos for businesses, government departments, universities and healthcare organisations across Australia. Ryan specialises in helping organisations explain complex ideas through clear, engaging video content, with particular experience in corporate communications, training and education.