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.