In todays media 1 lecture we discussed a more in depth guide to interviewing from a professional and Brian introduced ideas of storytelling with an emphasis on narrative.
Louise Turley who works on the ABC team producing the series BackRoads, came to visit us today in order to give insight on interviewing through her perspective as a professional interviewer. She started her speech introducing the 5 w’s (who, what, when, where and why) saying that this is your guiding point when it comes to creating docos. When choosing your ‘talent’ (interviewee) make sure you know they have something to say and make sure they can deliver on camera. When it comes to the interview, make sure it is given at equal eye level, construct a research interview, record and take notes, ASK SHORT QUESTIONS (which are open-ended no closed-ended questions or leading questions should be asked), find the appropriate location and tried the ‘talent’ on clothing etc. Lastly she enforced to evaluate yourself at then end of the interview.
Brian described that in Narrative these are the key elements of storytelling:
- controlling idea (value and cause)
- character
- conflict (competing goals)
- structure (progression)
- character change/ growth
Shown through a video clip of what makes a film in Adaptation (2002) during the Robert McKee talk.
Character is a major aspect and can compel the drama through conflict.There can be an antagonist and a protagonist. However in film Mistaken for Strangers (2013) the director is featured as the anti-hero and his brother the protagonist and conflict is caused through their differences not necessarily that one is the antagonist.
When it comes to structure a film normally follows the three act narrative structure (4th optional):
- normality
- complications
- climax
- resolution
Through Brian’s discussion on story-telling it links to Louise’s ideas of interviewing. Showing that the process of story-telling can help aid the editing of the doco and the ideas behind constructing interview questions.
Nakita xx