How to Film an Interview for a Documentary
Are you planning to make a documentary?
It certainly is a wonderful idea, as you can get popular, if you manage things properly. However, you will have to keep numerous things in mind, as it is not an easy task at all.
One of the most important features in a documentary is the interviews you conduct. You will have to choose the right subjects, who can contribute to your success. Even if a single thing goes wrong, people will criticise you and you will be discouraged not to film any more documentaries.
Proper planning can help you make your work successful, but make sure you have the right equipment with you.
Things Required:
– Video Camera
– Tripod
– Microphone
– List of questions
– Cameraman (optional)
Instructions
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1
Understand the topic
Before planning an interview for your documentary, you should understand the topic properly. If it has been assigned to you by someone, you need thorough analysis. Even if you have decided the subject matter on your own, you have to do proper research in order to gather relevant information. -
2
Choose the right candidates
When you conduct random interviews, you will come across different people with multiple thoughts about one particular subject. Make sure you interview the ones, who have proper understanding of the topic you have chosen. If your documentary is related to some complex matter, it is better to schedule interviews with some high profile people, who can help you accomplish your task. -
3
Prepare the questions before interview
Rather than asking random questions to the interviewees, you should prepare a relevant questionnaire. The questions should be open ended, so that you can get proper replies from everyone. It is important to make the questionnaire after deciding the candidates for interview, as you will be able to ask to the point things. -
4
Always use a microphone
In order to get better results, you should always use a microphone for an interview. Otherwise, the sound will not be clear and cause a lot of problems for you in the end. -
5
Request the interviewee to avoid looking into the camera
You should make sure that the interviewee doesn’t look directly into the camera. Keep an eye contact with him/her, so that the focus doesn’t shift towards the camera lens. -
6
Take your time
When asking the questions, you should take your time and also allow the interviewee to do the same when replying.
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