🎥Filmmaking for Journalists Unit 5 – Interviewing for video

What's the Big Deal?

• Video interviews capture compelling stories and insights directly from the source
• Provides a personal connection between the subject and the audience
• Allows for the conveyance of emotion, body language, and tone that written interviews may lack
• Enhances the credibility of the story by featuring real people and their experiences
• Offers an opportunity to create engaging and shareable content across various platforms
• Helps to humanize complex issues and make them more relatable to viewers
• Can be used as a powerful tool for advocacy, raising awareness, and driving change

Types of Video Interviews

• Sit-down interviews: Conducted in a controlled environment, often with the subject seated and facing the camera
  • Allows for a more in-depth and focused conversation
  • Provides a stable and polished look to the final product
• Stand-up interviews: Conducted with the subject standing, often in a relevant location or setting
  • Adds visual interest and context to the story
  • Can be more dynamic and engaging than sit-down interviews
• Walking interviews: Conducted while the subject is moving, such as walking through a location relevant to the story
  • Creates a sense of journey and exploration
  • Helps to illustrate the subject's connection to the environment
• Remote interviews: Conducted via video conferencing tools (Zoom, Skype) when in-person interviews are not possible
  • Allows for interviews with subjects in different locations
  • Requires additional technical considerations to ensure quality audio and video
• Ambush interviews: Conducted without prior arrangement, often to confront a subject with tough questions
  • Should be used sparingly and with caution
  • Can be seen as aggressive and may damage journalist-subject relationships

Pre-Interview Prep

• Research the subject thoroughly to develop informed and relevant questions
  • Review their background, previous interviews, and published works
  • Identify key themes and angles to explore during the interview
• Develop a list of open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses
  • Avoid yes/no questions that can lead to short, uninformative answers
  • Structure questions to flow logically and build upon each other
• Communicate with the subject to establish rapport and set expectations
  • Explain the purpose and format of the interview
  • Discuss any sensitive topics or boundaries beforehand
• Choose an appropriate location for the interview
  • Consider factors such as lighting, background noise, and visual interest
  • Ensure the location is comfortable and conducive to a productive conversation
• Test and prepare all necessary equipment (cameras, microphones, lights) before the interview
  • Have backup equipment on hand in case of technical issues
  • Familiarize yourself with the equipment to avoid delays or disruptions

Setting Up the Shot

• Choose a camera angle that is appropriate for the tone and purpose of the interview
  • Eye-level shots create a sense of equality and engagement
  • High angles can make the subject appear vulnerable or submissive
  • Low angles can convey power or dominance
• Frame the subject using the rule of thirds for a visually appealing composition
  • Place the subject's eyes along the top horizontal line of the imaginary grid
  • Leave enough headroom to avoid a cramped or awkward look
• Ensure the background is not distracting and complements the subject
  • Avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds that can draw attention away from the subject
  • Use depth of field to blur the background and keep the focus on the subject
• Position the subject and interviewer for optimal eye contact and engagement
  • Have the subject look slightly off-camera towards the interviewer
  • Maintain a comfortable distance to ensure both parties feel at ease
• Set up lighting to enhance the subject's appearance and create the desired mood
  • Use a three-point lighting setup (key, fill, back) for a professional look
  • Avoid harsh shadows or overexposure that can be unflattering

Interview Techniques

• Begin with warm-up questions to help the subject feel comfortable and build rapport
  • Ask about their background, interests, or recent experiences
  • Use active listening and show genuine interest in their responses
• Ask open-ended questions that encourage detailed and thoughtful answers
  • Use "how" and "why" questions to probe deeper into the subject's experiences and opinions
  • Avoid leading questions that suggest a particular answer
• Follow up on interesting points and pursue unexpected angles that arise during the interview
  • Be flexible and willing to deviate from your prepared questions when necessary
  • Use follow-up questions to clarify or expand upon the subject's responses
• Allow for moments of silence to give the subject time to think and reflect
  • Resist the urge to jump in and fill every pause
  • Use nonverbal cues (nodding, smiling) to encourage the subject to continue
• Maintain a neutral and non-judgmental demeanor throughout the interview
  • Avoid expressing personal opinions or biases that could influence the subject's responses
  • Remain objective and let the subject's words speak for themselves

Handling Challenges

• Be prepared for subjects who are nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera
  • Take time to reassure them and explain the process
  • Offer breaks or pauses if needed to help them relax
• Handle evasive or uncooperative subjects with patience and persistence
  • Rephrase questions or approach the topic from a different angle
  • Remind them of the importance of their perspective and the value of transparency
• Navigate sensitive or emotional topics with empathy and respect
  • Acknowledge the subject's feelings and offer support if needed
  • Be prepared to pause or end the interview if the subject becomes too distressed
• Address technical issues (equipment failure, background noise) calmly and professionally
  • Have contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions
  • Communicate with the subject and crew to resolve issues efficiently
• Manage time constraints and keep the interview on track
  • Prioritize key questions and themes to ensure the most important topics are covered
  • Be willing to cut less essential questions if time runs short

Post-Interview Workflow

• Review the footage as soon as possible to assess the quality and content of the interview
  • Identify any technical issues or gaps in the conversation that may require follow-up
  • Make note of key quotes, themes, and moments that stand out
• Transcribe the interview to create a written record of the conversation
  • Use transcription software or services to speed up the process
  • Verify the accuracy of the transcription against the original footage
• Edit the footage to create a compelling and cohesive narrative
  • Select the most relevant and impactful clips to include in the final product
  • Use transitions, b-roll, and other visual elements to enhance the story
• Fact-check any claims or statements made by the subject to ensure accuracy
  • Verify information against reliable sources and data
  • Reach out to the subject or other experts for clarification if needed
• Obtain necessary releases and permissions from the subject and any other relevant parties
  • Ensure the subject has signed a release form granting permission to use their likeness and words
  • Secure any additional permissions (location releases, music rights) required for the final product

Ethical Considerations

• Obtain informed consent from the subject before conducting the interview
  • Clearly explain the purpose, format, and intended use of the interview
  • Disclose any potential risks or consequences of participation
• Respect the subject's right to privacy and confidentiality
  • Be transparent about how their information will be used and shared
  • Honor any requests for anonymity or off-the-record comments
• Avoid misrepresenting or sensationalizing the subject's words or experiences
  • Present their perspective accurately and in context
  • Resist the temptation to manipulate or distort their message for dramatic effect
• Be mindful of power dynamics and potential exploitation of vulnerable subjects
  • Consider the subject's age, mental state, and other factors that may impact their ability to give informed consent
  • Take steps to minimize any potential harm or trauma caused by the interview process
• Maintain journalistic integrity and independence throughout the process
  • Avoid conflicts of interest or undue influence from external parties
  • Disclose any relevant relationships or affiliations that may impact the credibility of the interview
• Provide the subject with an opportunity to review and respond to the final product before publication
  • Allow them to clarify any misunderstandings or inaccuracies
  • Consider their feedback and make appropriate revisions to ensure fairness and accuracy