INTERVIEWING

Interviewing is key to all multimedia storytelling, its what brings the footage or the photos to life. It is really important thus to try to get the best Recording you can get. Always monitor the recording device with headphones in the beginning of the interview so that you are sure you are getting a good audio signal.

It is really important to get a few things right so as not to have issues later in the editing. It requires being persistent because some of your interviewees will forget and will be needed to reminded often.

1. Ask your subject to repeat the question in their answer.
So if you are asking them how old they are, their answer should be: "I am 34 years old" and not "34". If you ask them where they had lunch today? their answer should be "I had lunch at McDonalds today" and not "at McDonalds".

2. Dont forget to get the release forms signed by your interviewee. In the worst case scenario if you do not have it you can have them say it on camera. Have them look into the caera and say that they allow you to use the video however you see fit.

3. Ask the person to introduce them selves int he begging of the interview on camera. They should look directly into the lens and say my name is Lynda Smith, I am 34, and I am a graphic designer.

4. Ask your subject what they were doing right before the interview or even when you are interviewing them. For example “ What are you doing here in Parnitha?” “I am here to paint a wall with graffiti. “What are you doing on Stadiou Street?” “ I am burning a sign that says that this is the parliament”. “I am demonstrating because I lost my job. I was fired yesterday”.

5. If you are doing on camera interviews (some of you are) do not center your object in your frame. Always chose a dark plain background, nothing busy or flashy. If you decide to do a close up interview check out the interviews at the documentary Restrepo, great close up framing, sometimes even extreme, they cut both the edge of the head and the chin: (never cut the chin and leave the head!!!)

http://restrepothemovie.com/video/

If you prefer a medium shot, frame your subject above the waste. Make sure nothing is sticking out of their head. Best on camera interviews are always outdoors, unless there is true meaning in contacting them indoors, (e.g. on a wooden horse that the author rides to be inspired or next to the death bed of his mother, if he is talking about his dead mother. Otherwise you chose a scenery that has meaning for the doc, for example if you are shooting an environmental story film your interview in front of the mountain of coal, or in front of the power plant.

Here is a great link with 13 tips of how to conduct a good interview