How We Turned 27 Interviews Into One Impactful Message for Educators

When the Educational Service Center (ESC) approached us about a new video project, we knew it would be something special. The goal wasn’t just to film interviews, it was to capture the real voices of students and help teachers and educators better understand what school feels like from a student’s perspective.

The Goal: Hearing Students, Helping Teachers

The ESC wanted to give educators an inside look into how students experience school. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. We interviewed 27 students ranging from 1st grade to 12th grade, asking them about:

• What makes them feel stressed at school

• What makes a great teacher

• When and why they feel like they belong

The result was an 8-minute video that combined heartfelt honesty with uplifting moments, a reminder that every student’s story matters.

Our Approach: Fast, Flexible, and Thoughtful

We had limited time with each student, so preparation was key. Before filming, our team worked closely with the ESC to plan:

• Which students we’d interview

• What questions to ask

• Where each interview would take place

This level of pre-production made it possible to move efficiently once cameras rolled. Each student had a short window between classes or activities, so we had to make every minute count. All while helping them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

The Production: Simple Setup, Meaningful Stories

Using a clean, minimal setup, we focused on lighting, framing, and sound to create a calm and inviting interview space. From 1st graders to high school seniors, every student had something powerful to share.

After filming, our editing team brought all 27 interviews together into one cohesive 8 minute video

The Impact

The finished video was shown to educators across the ESC network, giving them real feedback straight from their students. Teachers walked away with a better understanding of what’s working and where they can grow.

This project was a reminder of why we love what we do: helping organizations share stories that create change, inspire growth, and strengthen communities.

Need help telling your organization’s story through video? 🎥 Reach out to our team at team@theclevelandvideocompany.com and we’ll help you bring your message to life.