interviews
BackgroundVideo interviews are a common aspect of documentaries and are typically unscripted.
Creating a Story LineVisualize what the outcomes of the interview will be. What is the story or the message? Consider what you want the audience to feel:
Consider the limitations of the shoot. Draft "dream script" - what you would like to get out of the subjects - this helps craft the interview questions. Consider the ideal sound-bites that will work. Let multiple people tell the same story. Cutting back and forth between different people adds plausibility and credibility to the story. Memorize questions but be willing to roll with the flow of the conversation (looking down at questions breaks eye line). Preinterview
Minimize narration - you want the voice of the subjects. SuggestionsHere are some helpful suggestions for doing a good interview (Harrington & DeLouise, 2013):
try to future proof the interview Young ChildrenKids tend to answer with "yes" or "no". Early questions are often throw aways. Ask them "how" type questions. Do preinterview with parents and kids and let parents know they will have to stand outside the eye line of the child so the child is not distracted.
Couples & GroupsCouples and groups can be a challenge - because they might talk over each other or take over- so have some subtle cues that indicates who's turn it is to talk.
30 minutes of interview results in 5 minutes of usable footage. |
PurposeInterviews are a way of telling stories with the voice of the people who care about it.
LocationScout the location first; figure out the venue before arriving there for the interview. Consider the light sources. You want a good backdrop, lighting and sound.
Consider getting permission or booking the area before the interview. Consider power sources. The Street View with Google maps may help you find a useful location outdoors. Consider the ambient sound - can you turn off fans or AC. If there is ambient noise then capture some of that for background editing. Release forms Have subjects sign release forms - get parents of minors to sign the forms. Consider the release on significant background art work or architecture. There are apps for this: ASMP Releases - captures electronic signature. Interview SetupCameras
Positioning Subject
Positioning the Interviewer
Audio Obtaining quality audio is crucial to a good interview, see the section below for more information on how to do this: The following video will discuss taking video of a conversation or interview (also discusses sound):
Lower Thirds InfoLower Thirds are the captions that appear on the lower third of the video, so it will be important that the information is accurate:
Cue the interviewee for keywords that will be used in the lower third through the wording of the questions. Determining response StyleThere are ways of determining the kinds of questions to ask. Try the following:
Asking the interviewee a few recall questions like: What color is your mohair's eyes, think of your favorite music , is the red or green light at the top of a traffic light? Then note their reaction and the types of questions that might work for that person:
|
References
Harrington, Richard. and DeLouise, Amy. (2013). The art of video interviews. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Video-Shooting-Video-tutorials/Art-Video-Interviews/