Interviews are the backbone of narrative documentaries, providing crucial information and personal stories. From formal sit-downs to impromptu chats, different interview types serve unique purposes in capturing authentic content.

Understanding interview techniques is key for filmmakers. This includes crafting effective questions, active listening, building rapport, and navigating ethical considerations. Proper preparation and technical know-how ensure high-quality footage that brings stories to life.

Types of interviews

• Interviews are a fundamental tool in narrative documentary production for gathering information, insights, and personal stories from subjects
• Different types of interviews serve various purposes and require specific approaches to effectively capture the desired content
• Understanding the characteristics and techniques associated with each type of interview is crucial for documentary filmmakers to successfully navigate the interviewing process

Formal vs informal interviews

• Formal interviews are structured and planned, often taking place in a controlled setting (studio) with a predetermined set of questions
• Informal interviews are more casual and conversational, allowing for a natural flow of discussion and the opportunity to explore unexpected topics
• Formal interviews are suitable for capturing specific information or expert opinions, while informal interviews are effective for capturing authentic and relatable responses from subjects

Structured vs unstructured interviews

• Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions asked in a specific order, ensuring consistency across multiple interviews
• Unstructured interviews are more flexible, allowing the interviewer to adapt the conversation based on the subject's responses and explore new directions
• Structured interviews are useful for comparing responses across different subjects, while unstructured interviews can uncover unique insights and stories

One-on-one vs group interviews

• One-on-one interviews involve a single interviewer and one subject, allowing for a focused and intimate conversation
• Group interviews involve multiple subjects being interviewed simultaneously, often leading to dynamic interactions and diverse perspectives
• One-on-one interviews are effective for capturing personal stories and in-depth insights, while group interviews can reveal social dynamics and contrasting viewpoints

In-person vs remote interviews

• In-person interviews take place with the interviewer and subject in the same physical location, allowing for direct eye contact and nonverbal communication
• Remote interviews are conducted using video conferencing tools or phone calls, enabling interviews with subjects in different locations
• In-person interviews provide a more personal connection and can capture higher-quality audio and video, while remote interviews offer flexibility and access to a wider range of subjects

Scheduled vs impromptu interviews

• Scheduled interviews are planned in advance, allowing the interviewer and subject to prepare and allocate dedicated time for the conversation
• Impromptu interviews happen spontaneously, often in public spaces or during events, capturing raw and unfiltered responses
• Scheduled interviews ensure better control over the environment and technical aspects, while impromptu interviews can capture genuine reactions and unexpected insights

Pre-interview preparation

• Research the subject, topic, and background information to develop informed and relevant questions
• Prepare a list of key points and potential questions to guide the interview while remaining open to new directions
• Communicate with the subject beforehand to establish rapport, clarify expectations, and address any concerns

Crafting effective questions

• Develop open-ended questions that encourage subjects to provide detailed and reflective responses
• Avoid leading questions that suggest a particular answer or bias the subject's response
• Use follow-up questions and probes to delve deeper into interesting points or clarify ambiguous statements

Open-ended vs closed-ended questions

• Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and require the subject to elaborate on their thoughts and experiences
• Closed-ended questions elicit specific, short answers and are useful for confirming facts or obtaining precise information
• Open-ended questions are essential for gathering rich, narrative responses, while closed-ended questions help clarify details and keep the interview on track

Leading vs neutral questions

• Leading questions suggest a particular answer or contain assumptions, potentially influencing the subject's response and compromising the interview's integrity
• Neutral questions are phrased objectively, allowing the subject to express their own thoughts and opinions without being swayed by the interviewer's perspective
• Using neutral questions ensures that the subject's authentic voice and experiences are captured, while leading questions can distort the truth and undermine the documentary's credibility

Follow-up questions and probing

• Follow-up questions build upon the subject's initial response, encouraging them to provide more details, examples, or reflections
• Probing involves asking targeted questions to explore a specific aspect of the subject's answer or to clarify ambiguous statements
• Effective follow-up questions and probing help uncover deeper insights, emotions, and stories that might otherwise remain unexplored

Active listening during interviews

• Pay close attention to the subject's responses, both verbal and nonverbal, to identify opportunities for follow-up questions and probes
• Demonstrate genuine interest and empathy through eye contact, nodding, and verbal affirmations to encourage the subject to open up and share more
• Avoid interrupting the subject or rushing to the next question, allowing for moments of silence and reflection that can lead to powerful revelations

Building rapport with interviewees

• Establish a connection with the subject before and during the interview by engaging in small talk, showing interest in their experiences, and creating a comfortable atmosphere
• Be respectful, non-judgmental, and attentive to the subject's needs and concerns throughout the interview process
• Building rapport helps create a safe space for subjects to share their stories authentically and fosters trust between the interviewer and interviewee

Handling difficult or reluctant interviewees

• Approach reluctant subjects with patience, empathy, and understanding, acknowledging their reservations and concerns
• Be transparent about the purpose and intended use of the interview, addressing any misconceptions or fears the subject may have
• If a subject becomes emotionally distressed or uncooperative during the interview, remain calm, offer support, and consider taking a break or rescheduling if necessary

Capturing natural responses

• Create an environment that puts the subject at ease, minimizing distractions and external pressures that could influence their responses
• Encourage the subject to speak in their own words and at their own pace, avoiding the temptation to interrupt or rephrase their answers
• Capture the subject's natural language, emotions, and nonverbal cues to convey the authenticity and depth of their experiences

Ethical considerations in interviewing

• Obtain informed consent from subjects, clearly explaining the purpose, intended use, and potential risks of participating in the interview
• Respect the subject's privacy, dignity, and emotional well-being throughout the interview process, being sensitive to their boundaries and vulnerabilities
• Present the subject's story and perspectives accurately and fairly in the final documentary, avoiding manipulation or misrepresentation of their words and experiences

Legal aspects of interviews

• Understand and adhere to relevant laws and regulations regarding privacy, defamation, and intellectual property when conducting and using interviews
• Obtain necessary releases and permissions from subjects, clarifying the scope and limitations of how their interview content may be used
• Consult with legal experts or media lawyers to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect both the documentary team and the subjects

Obtaining consent and releases

• Provide subjects with clear, written consent forms that outline the purpose, intended use, and potential distribution of the interview content
• Allow subjects sufficient time to review and ask questions about the consent form before signing, ensuring they fully understand their rights and obligations
• Obtain signed releases from subjects granting permission to use their interview content in the documentary and any related promotional materials

Interview setting and environment

• Choose an interview location that is comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions, ensuring the subject feels at ease and can focus on the conversation
• Consider the visual and acoustic properties of the interview setting, selecting a space that complements the subject's story and allows for high-quality audio and video recording
• Be mindful of the interview environment's potential impact on the subject's responses and the overall tone of the conversation

Technical aspects of recording interviews

• Use high-quality audio recording equipment, such as external microphones, to capture clear and intelligible audio of the subject's responses
• Ensure proper lighting and framing of the subject during the interview, using techniques such as three-point lighting and the rule of thirds to create visually engaging compositions
• Test and monitor audio and video equipment throughout the interview to avoid technical issues that could disrupt the conversation or compromise the quality of the recorded content

Editing and using interview footage

• Review and transcribe interview footage to identify key themes, compelling stories, and relevant soundbites that support the documentary's narrative
• Edit interview segments thoughtfully, preserving the integrity and context of the subject's responses while crafting a cohesive and engaging story
• Use interview footage in conjunction with other visual and audio elements, such as b-roll, archival materials, and music, to create a rich and immersive documentary experience