5.1 Interview preparation

Preparing for video interviews is crucial in journalism. It involves thorough research, crafting insightful questions, and identifying key topics. This groundwork ensures compelling narratives and resonates with viewers, enhancing the overall quality of storytelling.

Technical preparation is equally important. It includes equipment checks, camera setup, and audio considerations. By addressing these aspects in advance, journalists can focus on content and building rapport during the interview, minimizing the risk of technical disruptions.

Research and planning

• Lays the foundation for successful video interviews in journalism by ensuring thorough preparation and understanding of the subject matter
• Enables journalists to craft compelling narratives and ask insightful questions that resonate with viewers
• Enhances the overall quality and depth of the interview, leading to more impactful storytelling

Background information gathering

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• Conduct comprehensive research on the interviewee's background, career, and relevant achievements
• Analyze recent news articles, press releases, and social media posts related to the subject
• Review previous interviews or public statements to identify potential talking points
• Consult expert sources or academic papers for in-depth understanding of complex topics
• Create a timeline of key events or milestones in the interviewee's life or career

Developing interview questions

• Craft open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses
• Prepare follow-up questions to probe deeper into specific topics
• Organize questions in a logical sequence to maintain flow and coherence
• Include a mix of factual, opinion-based, and hypothetical questions
• Tailor questions to the interviewee's expertise and experiences
• Anticipate potential responses and prepare additional questions accordingly

Identifying key topics

• Determine the main themes or issues to be addressed in the interview
• Prioritize topics based on their relevance to current events or public interest
• Identify unique angles or perspectives that set your interview apart
• Consider the target audience's interests and information needs
• Develop a flexible outline to guide the interview while allowing for spontaneity

Technical preparation

• Ensures smooth execution of video interviews by addressing equipment and setup requirements
• Minimizes the risk of technical issues that could disrupt the flow of the interview or compromise video quality
• Allows journalists to focus on content and rapport-building during the interview rather than troubleshooting

Equipment checklist

• Verify camera functionality, including battery life and storage capacity
• Test microphones for clear audio capture and minimal interference
• Ensure proper lighting equipment is available (softboxes, reflectors)
• Pack essential accessories (tripod, extra batteries, memory cards)
• Include backup equipment for critical components (secondary camera, spare microphone)

Camera setup considerations

• Choose appropriate lens based on interview setting and desired framing
• Adjust white balance to ensure accurate color representation
• Set proper exposure and aperture for optimal image quality
• Configure frame rate and resolution according to project requirements
• Test autofocus or manual focus capabilities for consistent sharpness

Audio recording essentials

• Select suitable microphone type (lavalier, shotgun, handheld) based on interview format
• Test audio levels and adjust gain to prevent distortion or low volume
• Use windscreens or pop filters to minimize unwanted noise
• Monitor audio through headphones during recording
• Consider recording backup audio on a separate device for redundancy

Location scouting

• Plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing and professional-looking video interviews
• Impacts the overall atmosphere and context of the interview, influencing viewer perception
• Allows journalists to anticipate and address potential challenges or distractions in advance

Indoor vs outdoor locations

• Assess noise levels and potential for interruptions in both settings
• Consider weather conditions and their impact on outdoor interviews
• Evaluate available space for equipment setup and crew movement
• Analyze natural light availability and consistency throughout the day
• Determine accessibility and convenience for both the interviewee and production team

Lighting considerations

• Identify natural light sources and their direction throughout the day
• Assess the need for additional artificial lighting to enhance or balance existing light
• Consider color temperature of available light and adjust accordingly
• Plan for potential changes in lighting conditions during longer interviews
• Evaluate shadows and contrast to ensure flattering illumination of the subject

Background selection

• Choose backgrounds that complement the interview topic or subject's profession
• Avoid cluttered or distracting elements that may draw attention away from the interviewee
• Consider depth and dimension to create visual interest
• Ensure sufficient contrast between the subject and the background
• Anticipate potential issues with reflective surfaces or patterns that may cause visual artifacts

Subject communication

• Establishes a foundation of trust and cooperation between the journalist and interviewee
• Helps create a comfortable environment that encourages open and honest responses
• Ensures clear expectations and smooth execution of the interview process

Pre-interview briefing

• Provide an overview of the interview topic and key areas of discussion
• Explain the intended use and distribution of the interview footage
• Discuss any sensitive topics or areas the interviewee may be uncomfortable addressing
• Clarify the expected duration of the interview and any time constraints
• Address any concerns or questions the interviewee may have about the process

Establishing rapport

• Begin with casual conversation to help the interviewee feel at ease
• Demonstrate active listening and genuine interest in the subject's responses
• Use appropriate body language and facial expressions to convey openness
• Find common ground or shared experiences to build a connection
• Maintain a professional yet friendly demeanor throughout the interaction

Explaining the process

• Outline the general structure and flow of the interview
• Describe the technical setup, including camera placement and microphone usage
• Inform the interviewee about any planned b-roll or cutaway shots
• Discuss any specific requirements (looking at the interviewer vs. camera)
• Provide guidance on what to do if they need a break or want to rephrase an answer

Interview structure

• Provides a framework for organizing and conducting effective video interviews
• Ensures comprehensive coverage of key topics while maintaining viewer engagement
• Allows for a natural progression of conversation and depth of discussion

Opening questions

• Begin with straightforward, easy-to-answer questions to build confidence
• Establish context by asking about the interviewee's background or current role
• Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses
• Incorporate a "warm-up" question related to a recent event or achievement
• Transition smoothly into the main topic of the interview

Main body of interview

• Follow a logical sequence of questions that builds upon previous responses
• Use transitional phrases to move between different topics or themes
• Incorporate follow-up questions to delve deeper into interesting points
• Balance prepared questions with spontaneous inquiries based on the conversation
• Allow for moments of silence to encourage further elaboration from the interviewee

Closing remarks

• Summarize key points or insights gained during the interview
• Ask the interviewee for any final thoughts or messages they'd like to share
• Inquire about future plans or upcoming projects relevant to the discussion
• Express gratitude for the interviewee's time and insights
• End on a positive note that leaves the door open for future interactions

Visual considerations

• Enhances the visual storytelling aspect of video interviews for journalism
• Impacts viewer engagement and perception of the interview subject
• Allows for creative expression while maintaining professional standards

Framing the subject

• Apply the rule of thirds to create visually balanced compositions
• Ensure appropriate headroom and lead room in the frame
• Consider the subject's eye line and its relationship to the camera
• Adjust framing for different shot sizes (wide, medium, close-up)
• Maintain consistent framing throughout the interview, accounting for subject movement

Camera angles

• Choose angles that flatter the subject and convey the desired mood
• Experiment with slightly offset angles to add visual interest
• Consider the impact of low or high angles on the subject's perceived authority
• Use multiple camera setups for interviews to provide editing options
• Maintain a natural eye level for most standard interview shots

B-roll opportunities

• Identify relevant visual elements that complement the interview content
• Capture establishing shots of the interview location or relevant environments
• Record the subject engaging in activities related to the interview topic
• Shoot close-ups of hands, facial expressions, or meaningful objects
• Plan for transitional shots that can be used to bridge different segments of the interview

Legal and ethical aspects

• Ensures compliance with journalistic standards and legal requirements in video interviews
• Protects both the journalist and the interviewee from potential legal or ethical issues
• Maintains the integrity and credibility of the journalistic process

Consent forms

• Prepare clear and comprehensive consent forms outlining usage rights
• Explain the purpose and scope of the consent form to the interviewee
• Include provisions for different types of media use (broadcast, online, archival)
• Address any restrictions or limitations requested by the interviewee
• Obtain signed consent before beginning the interview recording

Off-the-record requests

• Establish clear guidelines for what constitutes "off-the-record" information
• Discuss and agree upon off-the-record terms before the interview begins
• Respect the interviewee's wishes regarding sensitive or confidential information
• Develop strategies for addressing off-the-record information without violating trust
• Consider the ethical implications of using or not using off-the-record information

Fact-checking responsibilities

• Verify key facts and statements made during the interview
• Cross-reference information with reliable sources and documentation
• Follow up with the interviewee for clarification on ambiguous or conflicting information
• Maintain accurate records of sources used for fact-checking
• Be prepared to correct or address any inaccuracies discovered post-interview

Post-interview procedures

• Ensures a professional conclusion to the interview process and maintains positive relationships
• Facilitates the organization and preparation of interview footage for editing
• Allows for the collection of additional information or clarification if needed

Thanking the interviewee

• Express sincere gratitude for the interviewee's time and insights
• Provide information on when and where the interview will be published or broadcast
• Offer to share the final edited piece with the interviewee
• Exchange contact information for any necessary follow-ups
• Consider sending a formal thank-you note or email after the interview

Follow-up questions

• Review notes immediately after the interview to identify any gaps in information
• Prepare a list of additional questions or points requiring clarification
• Contact the interviewee promptly for any crucial follow-up information
• Consider scheduling a brief follow-up call or meeting if extensive clarification is needed
• Document all follow-up communications for reference during editing

Organizing interview footage

• Transfer and backup all recorded footage to secure storage
• Create a logical file naming system for easy identification of clips
• Log key moments, quotes, or timestamps for efficient editing
• Transcribe the interview if required for subtitling or content analysis
• Sort b-roll footage and associate it with relevant interview segments

Troubleshooting

• Prepares journalists to handle unexpected challenges during video interviews
• Minimizes disruptions and maintains the quality of the interview content
• Demonstrates professionalism and adaptability in various interview situations

Technical difficulties

• Develop a quick checklist for diagnosing common equipment issues
• Have backup batteries, memory cards, and cables readily available
• Know how to quickly adjust audio levels or camera settings if problems arise
• Prepare alternative recording methods (smartphone) in case of major equipment failure
• Practice resetting and reconfiguring equipment efficiently

Difficult subjects

• Recognize signs of discomfort or reluctance in interviewees
• Employ active listening techniques to build trust and encourage openness
• Use rephrasing or alternative approaches to address sensitive topics
• Maintain composure and professionalism when faced with hostile or uncooperative subjects
• Know when to redirect the conversation or conclude the interview if necessary

Time management

• Develop strategies for keeping the interview on track without appearing rushed
• Prioritize key questions in case time runs short
• Use non-verbal cues to indicate when it's time to move to the next topic
• Be prepared to politely interrupt or redirect overly talkative subjects
• Allow buffer time in scheduling to accommodate unexpected delays or extended responses

Self-evaluation

• Promotes continuous improvement in video interview skills for journalists
• Encourages reflection on personal performance and identification of growth areas
• Facilitates the development of a more polished and effective interviewing style

Reviewing interview performance

• Watch the full interview footage without interruption
• Analyze body language, tone of voice, and overall presence on camera
• Evaluate the effectiveness of questions in eliciting informative responses
• Assess the flow and structure of the interview
• Identify moments of strong connection or missed opportunities with the subject

Identifying areas for improvement

• Create a list of specific skills or techniques to focus on in future interviews
• Analyze any technical issues or equipment handling that could be refined
• Reflect on time management and pacing throughout the interview
• Consider alternative questions or approaches that could have yielded better results
• Develop a personal action plan for addressing identified weaknesses

Peer feedback

• Share interview footage with trusted colleagues for constructive criticism
• Participate in peer review sessions or workshops to gain diverse perspectives
• Seek specific feedback on areas of concern or uncertainty
• Be open to both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism
• Incorporate valuable peer insights into future interview preparation and execution