At Dream Engine, we regularly create videos in the healthcare and pharmaceutical space. A key part of this work involves filming patient stories, which are personal accounts that help others understand the impact of treatments, procedures, or health journeys.
If you’ve been invited to appear in a patient story video, this post will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare, so you feel comfortable and clear on the process.
Be Yourself
What we’re most interested in is your story, in your own words. The authenticity of a patient story video is what makes it meaningful.
The interview won’t feel like a formal Q&A. 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. We also encourage you not to prepare too much in advance. The most compelling videos come from people speaking naturally, without trying to get it “just right”.
You don’t need to worry about saying the perfect thing. Just speak from your experience. That’s what matters most.
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 small, 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 we’ll clean up, leaving everything exactly as we found it.
If you have pets, kids, or other things going on in the household, that’s totally fine. We’ll work around whatever you need.
Your Privacy and Comfort Come First
We’ll only use your video with your full permission. There’s absolutely no pressure to talk about anything you’re not comfortable with.
This should be a positive experience. If at any time something doesn’t feel right, or you’d prefer to skip a question, just let us know. You are always in control.
What to Wear
There’s no need to dress up unless you want to. Just wear whatever makes you feel like yourself and helps you feel comfortable on camera.
If you’re unsure, solid colours usually look better than busy patterns or logos. The main thing is that you feel comfortable and happy with how you look and come across.
What Happens on the Day of Filming?
Here’s a quick rundown of how things usually go:
- We’ll arrive and introduce ourselves
- You can give us a quick look around to help decide the best place to film
- While we set up, you can relax or get on with other things
- We’ll have a relaxed, friendly interview conversation
- We may film a few extra shots of you in your everyday environment to help tell your story visually
- We’ll pack down and leave everything as we found it
Although we may be on-site for a couple of hours, your actual involvement is often much shorter.
Can I Have Someone With Me?
Yes. If you’d like a partner, friend, or family member there for support, that’s completely fine. Some people feel more comfortable having someone nearby, and we want you to feel at ease throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
We’re grateful to people like you who are willing to share their stories. Your experience can help others feel informed, reassured, and hopeful.
If you have any questions ahead of the filming day, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make the process as smooth and respectful as possible.
Patient Story Video – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare answers before the interview?
No. We’ll guide you with open-ended questions and keep it conversational. A little reflection is fine, but you don’t need to write or memorise anything.
Can I review or approve the video before it is published?
Yes. If your organisation’s process includes approvals, we’ll work through that with your contact person. Your story will only be used with permission.
What if there are topics I do not want to discuss?
That’s completely okay. You can skip any question, pause at any time, and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
How long will the filming take?
We’re often on-site for a couple of hours to allow for setup and filming, but your on-camera interview time is usually much shorter.
Can someone be with me during filming?
Yes. You’re welcome to have a partner, friend, or family member there for support.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
