🎞️Documentary Forms Unit 9 – Documentary Interviewing Techniques

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on the art and technique of conducting interviews for documentary films and other non-fiction media
• Covers the entire process from pre-interview preparation to post-interview processing
• Emphasizes the importance of building rapport, asking the right questions, and active listening
• Explores different types of documentary interviews (informal, formal, on-location, in-studio)
• Discusses ethical considerations when interviewing subjects for documentaries
• Provides strategies for eliciting compelling and authentic responses from interviewees
• Highlights the role of the interviewer in shaping the narrative and emotional arc of the documentary

Key Concepts in Documentary Interviewing

• Building rapport: Establishing a connection and trust with the interviewee to encourage open and honest responses
• Open-ended questions: Asking questions that allow the interviewee to elaborate and share their experiences in their own words
• Active listening: Paying close attention to the interviewee's responses, body language, and emotional cues to guide follow-up questions
• Empathy: Demonstrating understanding and sensitivity towards the interviewee's experiences and emotions
• Objectivity: Maintaining a neutral stance and avoiding leading questions or personal biases that may influence the interviewee's responses
• Informed consent: Ensuring that the interviewee understands the purpose and potential consequences of participating in the documentary
• Narrative arc: Using the interview to help shape the overall story and emotional journey of the documentary

Types of Documentary Interviews

• Informal interviews: Casual conversations that capture spontaneous and authentic moments, often conducted in the subject's natural environment
• Formal interviews: Structured and planned interviews, typically conducted in a controlled setting (studio or designated location)
• On-location interviews: Interviews conducted in a relevant setting that provides context and visual interest to the subject's story
• In-studio interviews: Interviews conducted in a controlled environment, often using a neutral background to focus on the subject's words and emotions
• Expert interviews: Interviews with specialists or authorities who provide context, analysis, or commentary on the documentary's topic
• Eyewitness interviews: Interviews with individuals who have firsthand experience or knowledge of the events or issues covered in the documentary
• Character interviews: In-depth interviews that explore the personal stories, motivations, and experiences of the documentary's main subjects

Pre-Interview Prep

• Research the topic and the interviewee's background to develop informed and relevant questions
• Prepare a list of open-ended questions that encourage the interviewee to share their experiences and insights
• Anticipate potential challenges or sensitive topics and plan appropriate ways to approach them
• Communicate with the interviewee to establish expectations, discuss the interview process, and address any concerns
• Choose an appropriate location and time for the interview that ensures the interviewee's comfort and minimizes distractions
• Test and prepare necessary equipment (cameras, microphones, lighting) to ensure technical quality and minimize disruptions during the interview
• Review and practice active listening techniques to ensure effective communication and follow-up during the interview

Setting Up the Interview

• Choose a location that is comfortable, quiet, and visually interesting, while minimizing background noise and distractions
• Arrange seating to promote a conversational and engaging atmosphere, typically with the interviewer and interviewee facing each other
• Set up and test audio equipment (microphones, recorders) to ensure clear and high-quality sound recording
• Adjust lighting to create a visually appealing and evenly lit scene, using natural light or additional lighting equipment as needed
• Frame the shot to focus on the interviewee, while also including relevant background elements that provide context or visual interest
• Establish a relaxed and friendly rapport with the interviewee through casual conversation and active listening before starting the formal interview
• Explain the interview process, including the expected duration, any breaks, and how the footage will be used in the final documentary

Asking the Right Questions

• Begin with warm-up questions to help the interviewee feel comfortable and build rapport
• Use open-ended questions that encourage the interviewee to provide detailed and reflective responses
• Avoid leading questions that suggest a specific answer or bias the interviewee's response
• Ask follow-up questions that probe deeper into the interviewee's experiences, emotions, and motivations
• Use silence strategically to allow the interviewee time to think and elaborate on their answers
• Adapt questions based on the interviewee's responses, pursuing unexpected or compelling threads that emerge during the conversation
• Conclude with questions that provide closure and allow the interviewee to reflect on the overall experience or message they wish to convey

Active Listening and Follow-ups

• Maintain eye contact and use nonverbal cues (nodding, smiling) to demonstrate engagement and encouragement
• Allow the interviewee to finish their thoughts without interruption, using pauses and silence to encourage further reflection
• Rephrase or summarize the interviewee's responses to ensure understanding and invite clarification or elaboration
• Ask follow-up questions that build on the interviewee's answers, exploring deeper meanings, emotions, and connections
• Observe the interviewee's body language and emotional cues to guide the direction and tone of the interview
• Remain flexible and open to pursuing unexpected or compelling threads that emerge during the conversation
• Use active listening techniques to create a safe and supportive environment that encourages the interviewee to share their authentic experiences and perspectives

Ethical Considerations

• Obtain informed consent from the interviewee, clearly explaining the purpose, process, and potential consequences of participating in the documentary
• Protect the interviewee's privacy and confidentiality, particularly when dealing with sensitive or personal topics
• Avoid exploiting or sensationalizing the interviewee's experiences or emotions for the sake of dramatic effect
• Represent the interviewee's words and experiences accurately and fairly in the final documentary, avoiding selective editing that distorts their intended meaning
• Be transparent about the documentary's goals, intended audience, and distribution plans, allowing the interviewee to make an informed decision about their participation
• Respect the interviewee's boundaries and emotional well-being, providing support and resources as needed, particularly when discussing traumatic or sensitive topics
• Maintain a professional and objective stance, avoiding personal biases or agendas that may influence the interview or the final documentary's narrative

Post-Interview Processing

• Review and organize the interview footage, noting key themes, compelling quotes, and emotional highlights
• Transcribe the interview to create a written record of the conversation, which can be used for reference and analysis during the editing process
• Evaluate the interview's content and technical quality, identifying any gaps or weaknesses that may require additional interviews or research
• Integrate the interview footage into the larger narrative and emotional arc of the documentary, using the interviewee's words and experiences to support and enhance the overall story
• Obtain final approval and consent from the interviewee for the use of their interview in the documentary, allowing them to review and provide feedback on the edited footage
• Maintain ongoing communication with the interviewee, providing updates on the documentary's progress and any relevant developments or public responses
• Reflect on the interview process and outcomes, identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement to inform future documentary interviews and projects