📽️Documentary Production Unit 6 – Documentary Interviewing Techniques

Key Concepts in Documentary Interviewing

• Documentary interviews aim to capture authentic, unscripted responses from subjects
• Interviews serve as a primary source of information and personal perspective in documentaries
• Effective interviewing requires a balance of preparation, adaptability, and active listening
• Interviews can be conducted in various styles (conversational, direct questioning, observational)
• The interviewer's role is to guide the conversation while allowing the subject's voice to shine through
• Establishing trust and rapport with subjects is crucial for eliciting genuine responses
• Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and protecting vulnerable subjects, are paramount in documentary interviewing
• Technical aspects, including camera placement, lighting, and sound recording, impact the quality and authenticity of the interview

Pre-Interview Preparation

• Conduct thorough research on the subject matter and interviewees to inform questioning
• Develop a list of potential questions or topics to cover during the interview
  • Organize questions thematically or chronologically to create a logical flow
  • Include a mix of open-ended and specific questions to elicit diverse responses
• Familiarize yourself with the subject's background, accomplishments, and challenges
• Anticipate potential sensitive topics or areas of resistance and plan appropriate approaches
• Communicate with interviewees beforehand to establish expectations and address concerns
• Prepare necessary equipment, such as cameras, microphones, and lighting, and ensure their functionality
• Scout potential interview locations and assess their suitability for filming and sound recording

Setting Up the Interview Space

• Choose a location that is comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions
  • Consider the subject's preferences and the documentary's themes when selecting a location
  • Ensure the space has adequate room for equipment setup and crew movement
• Arrange seating to facilitate a natural, conversational dynamic between the interviewer and subject
• Position the camera at eye level with the subject to create a sense of engagement and connection
• Adjust lighting to ensure the subject is well-lit and to create the desired mood or atmosphere
  • Use a three-point lighting setup (key light, fill light, and backlight) for optimal illumination
  • Avoid harsh shadows or overexposure that may distract from the subject's facial expressions
• Test audio equipment to ensure clear, high-quality sound recording
  • Place microphones close to the subject to capture clean, intelligible audio
  • Monitor audio levels throughout the interview to avoid distortion or background noise
• Minimize visual clutter or distracting elements in the background of the shot

Building Rapport with Subjects

• Begin with casual conversation to put the subject at ease and establish a friendly atmosphere
• Show genuine interest in the subject's experiences, thoughts, and feelings
• Use open body language, maintain eye contact, and employ active listening techniques to demonstrate engagement
• Avoid judgmental or confrontational language that may make the subject feel defensive
• Share relevant personal experiences or insights to foster a sense of connection and trust
• Be patient and allow the subject time to process questions and formulate responses
• Respect the subject's boundaries and be sensitive to their emotional state throughout the interview
• Express gratitude for the subject's participation and acknowledge the value of their contribution

Effective Questioning Techniques

• Use open-ended questions that encourage detailed, reflective responses
  • Begin questions with "how," "why," or "what" to prompt elaboration
  • Avoid yes/no questions that limit the subject's ability to expand on their thoughts
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or explore interesting points raised by the subject
• Employ active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing or summarizing, to ensure understanding and encourage further discussion
• Use silence strategically to give the subject space to contemplate and formulate thoughtful responses
• Avoid leading questions that may bias the subject's answers or steer the conversation in a predetermined direction
• Be prepared to deviate from planned questions when unexpected or compelling topics arise
• Use non-verbal cues, such as nodding or leaning in, to encourage the subject to continue speaking
• Maintain a neutral, non-judgmental tone throughout the questioning process

Active Listening and Follow-Up

• Give the subject your full attention, avoiding distractions or interruptions
• Observe the subject's non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions or body language, to gauge their emotional state and engagement
• Allow the subject to complete their thoughts before interjecting or asking follow-up questions
• Use verbal affirmations, such as "I understand" or "that must have been difficult," to validate the subject's experiences and emotions
• Paraphrase or summarize the subject's responses to ensure accurate understanding and to prompt further elaboration
• Ask clarifying questions when necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the subject's perspective
• Be attuned to the subject's energy levels and emotional state, adjusting the pace or intensity of questioning as needed
• Maintain a balance between guiding the conversation and allowing the subject space to express themselves freely

Technical Considerations

• Ensure cameras are properly framed, focused, and stable throughout the interview
  • Use a tripod or other stabilizing equipment to minimize camera movement
  • Adjust framing to accommodate the subject's movements or emotional expressions
• Monitor audio levels and quality during the interview to avoid technical issues
  • Use headphones to listen for any background noise, distortion, or interference
  • Adjust microphone placement or settings as necessary to maintain consistent audio quality
• Use multiple cameras or angles to capture a variety of shots and perspectives
  • Consider using a wide shot to establish context and a close-up shot to capture emotional detail
  • Ensure proper synchronization between camera angles for seamless editing
• Employ appropriate lighting techniques to create the desired mood and visual aesthetic
  • Adjust lighting as necessary to accommodate changes in the subject's position or the interview's emotional tone
  • Use reflectors or diffusers to soften harsh shadows or illuminate the subject's face
• Have backup equipment on hand in case of technical malfunctions or unexpected issues

Ethical Considerations in Documentary Interviews

• Obtain informed consent from subjects, clearly explaining the purpose, process, and potential consequences of their participation
• Be transparent about the documentary's goals, intended audience, and distribution plans
• Protect the privacy and anonymity of vulnerable or at-risk subjects, such as minors or whistleblowers
• Avoid exploiting subjects' emotions or experiences for sensationalism or dramatic effect
• Be sensitive to cultural differences and power dynamics that may influence the interview process
• Provide subjects with the opportunity to review and approve their contributions before publication or distribution
• Be prepared to offer support or resources to subjects who may experience emotional distress during or after the interview
• Maintain journalistic integrity by accurately representing subjects' perspectives and avoiding manipulation or misrepresentation

Post-Interview Processing

• Review and organize interview footage, noting key themes, quotes, and emotional moments
• Transcribe interviews to facilitate analysis and incorporation into the documentary's narrative structure
• Evaluate the interview's content in relation to the documentary's overall goals and themes
• Identify any gaps in information or perspectives that may require additional interviews or research
• Consider the ethical implications of editing and presenting interview content, ensuring fair and accurate representation
• Obtain necessary permissions or releases for the use of interview footage in the final documentary
• Maintain open communication with subjects, providing updates on the documentary's progress and addressing any concerns that may arise
• Reflect on the interview process and identify areas for improvement or refinement in future interviews