RECORDING PLACE | w1, p2.1
ROHAN’s INTERVIEW TIPS
Rohan spent a good portion of class discussion how to approach a recorded interview. His advice is immeasurably invaluable, especially given we are soon to approach our subjects (perfect strangers) for our own films and we are mostly novices when it comes to documentary filmmaking.
First tip was to survey the area for good, flat lighting for the interviewee. Also taking into account composition and ‘art direction’ for the shot. Second tip was to have a series of questions prepared (no more than ten) and to demonstrate to the subject how they should answer the questions (including the question). The questions should begin with open phrasing, such as:
- Tell me about….?
- Tell me how…?
- When did you…?
- Can you tell me about?
HOT TIPS
- Start with Hope or Aspiration…. And idea of the “DESTINATION” and shape the interview questions around this.
- No more than TEN questions
- Capture images that best serve your interview
- NEVER Interview someone with STRIPE SHIRT/DRESS
ARRIVAL ON SET:
FIND SOFT LIGHTING… STUDY FACE… LOOK FOR SHADOWS on face, EVEN LIGHTING, ITEMS IN THE ROOM THAT TELL THE AUDIENCE WHERE THEY ARE SET UP (allude to character background)… DETAILS OF DEPTH… BUILDING A SHOT WHERE PARTICIPANT IS FLATLY LIT, ITEMS THAT TELL US WHERE WE ARE + APPLYING RULE OF THIRDS…. RECORD ROOM NOISE… with every MIC. SHOW EMPATHY FOR CHARACTER and STORY, and KNOW THEIR BACKGROUND.
DEMONSTRATE to SUBJECT to START TO TALK IN PARAGRAPHS… allowing them to delve into their story. To REHASH and RE-ITERATE their answer if it is CONFUSED or MISSING INFO YOU NEED, pretend to readjust the sound (fake and error) THEN INTRODUCE THE QUESTION AND HOW TO ANSWER IT AGAIN.
TELL THE SUBJECT THEY CAN PASS ON A QUESTION… “but I dont think theres anything here…/but I’m sure you won’t need to…”/ MAKING THE SUBJECT FEEL THEY SHOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE.
PUT QUESTIONS ON IPHONE! LISTEN WITH YOUR FACE, DO NOT RESPOND!
“IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT…?” (to finish, and allow them to roll out a bunch of experiences of emotions).