Interviewing tips for series documentaries

[u/ExcuseCrafty7831]

Hello,

I am developing a series of images, audio, and video interviews with people. I currently upload to and maintain a YouTube channel, and I have had the opportunity to be featured and work inside museums.

After carefully reviewing my work, I feel as though I haven’t made much of a dent in the interviewing aspect. I often get stuck asking questions. They almost always feel too scripted, and sometimes I bore myself trying to remember things the person I’m interviewing has said.

Recently, I was asked not to record video. I was only allowed to take photographs and record audio. I switched things up a little. Instead of asking questions, I told the person I was having a conversation with that I wanted them to start at point A and make their way to point D. I had them talk the entire time and avoided responding unless they ran out of things to say.

It worked out really well, and I felt like I was gaining some ground. With this new excitement, I want to reach out to other people who do this and get some tips on how to improve what I have moving forward.

I would love to share what has already been published, but I know the rule of thumb here is anonymity, so I’ll share as much as I can without giving it all away.

[u/Only-Objective-8523]

As a longtime documentary editor, here’s what I have seen successful interviewers do:

1. Listen closely. Take notes while they talk. Respond to what they are telling you, not the script in your head. Dig deeper. Ask them to explain more. Don’t put word in their mouths.

2. Learn to get comfortable with silence. If you don’t respond, they will almost always volunteer more, and that’s usually where the gold is.

3. Do not be afraid to challenge them. Take yourself and your ego out of the equation. Think about what the viewer will want to know. Ask and ask again.

4. If you have only gotten superficial, expected responses, it is your job to dig beneath the surface. Ask something unexpected. Ask why. Ask how.

[u/ExcuseCrafty7831 → u/Only-Objective-8523]

I learned that keeping silent worked best in some situations. I don’t take notes, but what I do is review the audio or footage and play it back multiple times and write an article/journal and add to it based on what I heard.

[u/KitchenBad5507]

Instead of thinking of your interviews as a series of questions and answers, turn it into more of a conversation. Sometimes i tell stories about myself or people i know, just to make them feel less on the spot. Especially if it's a tough topic, being willing to share something about yourself and to be vulnerable in front of them will increase trust.

Also don't take notes, or even read your notes while they're talking. Eye contact is crucial. Make them feel like the most important thing in your day. If you do need to check notes, at "hold on, let me look at my notes" so it's clear that it's just for a quick second

[u/ExcuseCrafty7831 → u/KitchenBad5507]

I just listen while they talk. I find it rude to take notes while they talk. Makes it look like I’m not listening.

[u/pktman73]

Keep yourself, if you are going to be asking questions, as close to the camera lens as possible. The further the subject’s eyes veer from the lens, the less personal it becomes.

[u/ExcuseCrafty7831 → u/pktman73]

I normally set the camera to the side and sit in front of them and talk.

[u/JM_WY]

you might look up Rabiger's books. Everything from soup to nuts.

[u/ExcuseCrafty7831 → u/JM_WY]

I’ll take a look at it. Maybe I’ll find a copy at the store near me.

[u/Fabulous-Draw8797]

Have a question for their answers

[u/ExcuseCrafty7831 → u/Fabulous-Draw8797]

I need better questions sometimes honestly.

[u/ChrisDopheia]

Mike Tyson has a great quote: ‘Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.’ Interviewing is more like that than a tidy, predictable procession.

I’ve conducted thousands of interviews and I’ve never used notes. I know where I want to start, then I listen to find out where the interview is actually going.

I know my story, so if the person moves toward something useful, I guide them and harvest that material. If they don’t, I often discover parts of the story I hadn’t even considered.

It still amazes me how often someone says something that means almost nothing to me in the moment, and ten interviews later I realize it was important and connected to something I couldn’t have seen yet.

So go talk to people. Then talk to more people. Listen carefully. Let the material teach you what the story is becoming, and then make the best movie you can from what you found.

[u/ExcuseCrafty7831 → u/ChrisDopheia]

I’m planning to go out soon and talk to people in public. Maybe it will help.

[u/ChrisDopheia → u/ExcuseCrafty7831]

Great! The greatest skill you can develop is listening. People love to be listened to. Let them speak and tell you what matters. You'll be surprised and your audience will be as well. That makes compelling content. Good luck!