21.06.

2022

Week 7
Non – Fiction Filmmaking

Documentary
Interview Techniques

Interviews are a staple in most documentary films.

Give an opportunity to your protagonists to tell their story in their own words.

CONSIDER YOUR FILM

What or who is the subject?

Who`s the audience?
Which style or mode is your film?
What`s the general tone of the film?
Where & when will you shoot?
For how long? – Number of cameras?

Do your research. Ensure subjects are reliable sources and have counterpoints.

Explain why your documentary is worthwhile making and why their contribution is needed.

Ensure the interviewee is comfortable. Build a rapport. Consider small talk to warm up.

INTERVIEW

Formal – Sitting down, inside, lights set up, and talk

Informal – Outside

Crew numbers? Why is this important?

The Putin Interviews (Oliver Stone, 2017)

Tone – Dramatic
Archive
Quit relax
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INTERVIEW DO`s

DO build a rapport and have an empathetic approach.

DO prepare your questions. What kind of information are you hoping for? 5- 10 questions.
DO always ask open questions. What do you think about…?
DO listen to the answers, there may be other lines of investigation or golden moments.
DO take notes.
DO ask clarifying or follow-up questions.
DO ask the same/similar questions to all subjects: theme and perspective.
DO allow for Pauses.
DO organise your questions. Refer to your script. / Question list.
DO ask them to repeat the questions (especially if cutting yourself out or no narration).
DO remain silent. Nodding or facial expressions.
DO push for answers you want but remain ethical.
DO direct the interview and stop digressing, keep bringing it back to the point.
DO always ask for final comments – consistent questions

Interview DON’T`s

DON`T ask closed questions (yes/no) how do you feel about…?

DON`T ask questions that are too wide. For example, if the question is too broad or vague it
may not elicit the desired response.
DON`T ask leading questions.
DON`T give out your specific questions but be honest prior.
DON`T stop shooting after the interview is over. Allow time for the interview to breathe.
Respondents will likely relax.
DON`T INTERRUPT.

ALTERNATIVES
Face-to-face interviews.
FaceTime
Skype / Zoom

Unrest (Jennifer Brea, 2017)

Dramatic Lighting
Butterfly Split Silhouette
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MULTI-CAM

Are utilised to film an event, programme, or TV show and documentary.

To be more creative; adopt numerous camera angles and allow for varying perspectives.
Smooth transitions will generally take place during the editing process.
Amplify the emotions and reactions.

When shooting multi-cam there will generally ALWAYS be a MASTER SHOT (MS).
It will allow the audience to obtain full coverage of the event.
The Master Shot will generally be static,