Here's how you can identify exceptional qualities in Video Production candidates.

Video content production is a dynamic work stream. There are 2 prerequisites - 1. Driven by Curiosity You can ask the candidates about the latest industry trends. Ask them to showcase samples wherein they may have used a new technology/ trend. 2. Creative Problem Solver If you’re looking at hiring an editor, animator, illustrator - you could give a problem statement and ask them to create a sample. For videographer/ cinematographer - you could give a hypothetical situation to solve. You also need to look at the past samples of work again. To conclude, if you’re driven by curiosity, you’ll know about AI trends that can help streamline production cost and time. And, creative problem solving will help in all stages of production.

I'm always blown away by creators who come to the table with their own set of technical skills! This applies from knowing something special in your field. Whether it's a little bit of after effects as a video editor, how to light a set as a videographer or how to command a set and keep the production on time as a director. These are great technical skills to have but even better if you show up with these tricks up your sleeve!

The way I look at the individuals on the team and evaluate their skills and talents is based on how they solve problems and compose themselves during trials. Are they proactive and solve things before they become bigger problems? Are they asking questions that lead solution? Do they give me options for solutions instead of just reiterating a problem? Best of all, do they just solve the problem and tell me about it later. These are the kind of people I want on my team.

The drive for continuous learning is a great indicator that this person would be an "evergreen" employee as they would continue to improve as years go by target than staying stagnant and not moving with the times.

Beyond continuous learning, I very much prefer video producers that are coachable and are open to new ideas! I understand having extensive amounts of experience is great but if you're using redundant practices that actually hurt the final product or bottom line, then you need to be able to adapt. Being stuck in your ways hurts the whole team!