Long-form interviews for documentaries require strategic planning and skillful execution. By mastering effective questioning techniques and creating a comfortable environment, interviewers can elicit authentic, in-depth responses from their subjects.

Crafting a narrative arc and managing time effectively are crucial for structuring compelling documentary interviews. These strategies help interviewers balance breadth and depth, ensuring they capture the most meaningful and impactful content for their films.

Interview Techniques

Asking Effective Questions

• Ask open-ended questions encourage subjects to provide detailed, thoughtful responses and elaborate on their experiences (What led you to pursue this career path?)
• Use follow-up questions to clarify points, explore deeper meanings, and uncover additional information based on the subject's initial response
  • Probe for specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate the subject's points
  • Ask for elaboration on interesting or unexpected responses to gain a more comprehensive understanding
• Employ active listening techniques to demonstrate genuine interest, build rapport, and encourage the subject to open up
  • Maintain eye contact, nod, and use verbal affirmations (mmm-hmm, I see) to show engagement
  • Paraphrase or summarize the subject's responses to confirm understanding and encourage further discussion

Establishing a Comfortable Environment

• Build rapport with the subject before and during the interview to create a sense of trust and ease
  • Engage in casual conversation, find common ground, and express genuine interest in their experiences
  • Use body language (open posture, leaning in) and tone of voice to convey empathy and understanding
• Prioritize the subject's comfort throughout the interview process to elicit more authentic and revealing responses
  • Choose a location that is familiar, quiet, and free from distractions
  • Allow the subject to take breaks as needed and respect their emotional boundaries
  • Offer reassurance and support when discussing sensitive or emotional topics

Interview Structure

Crafting a Narrative Arc

• Structure the interview to follow a narrative arc, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, to create a compelling and coherent story
  • Begin with background information and context to establish the subject's journey or the topic at hand
  • Build tension and explore conflicts, challenges, and turning points in the middle of the interview
  • Conclude with reflections, lessons learned, or a resolution to provide a satisfying ending
• Use the narrative arc to guide the flow of questions and ensure a logical progression of ideas throughout the interview

Managing Time and Depth

• Effectively manage time during the interview to ensure all relevant topics are covered while allowing for depth and exploration
  • Prioritize questions based on their importance to the overall narrative and the documentary's themes
  • Allow flexibility in the interview structure to pursue unexpected or promising lines of inquiry
  • Balance the need for breadth and depth by allocating time for both overview questions and targeted follow-ups
• Explore topics in depth to uncover rich details, emotional resonance, and unique insights
  • Ask the subject to walk through specific experiences step-by-step, describing their thoughts, feelings, and actions
  • Encourage the subject to reflect on the significance or meaning of events, relationships, or decisions in their life
  • Probe for sensory details (sights, sounds, smells) to create a vivid and immersive narrative