One of the most important elements of a documentary or docuseries is the interview. Most documentary-style media will have interviews of either individuals or groups of people involved in your subject matter or those who are experts in the field that’s being recorded/covered.
Documentaries and other documentary-style media are meant to be informative and provide the audience with new information. As such, it’s important to have good interviews throughout the video. Let’s take a look at why interviews are important, how interviews should be conducted with tips on what to include, and where you can turn to for help with your docustyle interviews!
Why are interviews important to Documentaries and Docuseries?
Interviews provide audience members with the opportunity to connect and empathize with the people they’re watching, as well as provide insight into their subject matter on a more personal level. Interviews also create an opportunity for filmmakers to gather information from experts in the field who can help explain certain aspects of their subject matter that may be difficult to understand without the aid of an expert.
Interviews can also add a sense of drama or tension to a scene, as we watch how characters interact in real-time during their conversations. Finally, interviews allow us to connect with our subjects on an emotional level by delving into their personal stories which can offer viewers greater insight and understanding into their motivations and perspectives.
How should interviews be conducted?
Interviews should be conducted in such a way that allows the interviewee to speak freely and honestly about their experience, while also allowing the interviewer to ask open-ended questions that will lead to more information being revealed. It’s important to remember that interviews should strive for a balance between allowing the interviewee to express themselves, without putting words into their mouth or leading them in any particular direction.
When conducting interviews, consider the environment you are in and how your interviewee may be affected by it. Make sure that the space is comfortable and free from distractions so they can focus on the conversation. It’s also important to establish trust with your interviewees so they feel safe talking about their experiences.
Finally, be sure to listen to your interviewees and take note of the details they share with you. Documentary filmmaking is all about telling stories and collecting interviews is a key component in being able to do that effectively.
By following these tips on how to conduct effective interviews for documentary work, you’ll be able to capture the stories of your subjects in an engaging and meaningful way. This will ultimately help you create a powerful documentary or docuseries that will leave viewers with a greater understanding of your subject matter.
What are a few elements that every docustyle interview should include?
Every docustyle interview should include a few key elements.
Firstly, each interview should provide the audience with an insight into the story that’s being told and provide them with a more personal connection to the characters they’re seeing. It needs to be relevant to your subject matter, so bringing in someone who isn’t related to the subject at hand in some way isn’t the way to go. You should also make sure that your questions are relevant, too.
Secondly, interviews should provide context and further explanation of certain aspects of your subject matter that may be difficult to understand without the aid of an expert. Again, relevancy is important. It might be a great idea, depending on the subject of your documentary, that you bring in experts on the subject to provide external context and give the audience a well-rounded view of your story.
Thirdly, interviews should create a sense of drama or tension by exploring the interactions between characters in real-time. This can be done by getting an exclusive interview, revealing information in such a way that creates tension, or exploring how the characters interact with each other. It can be a great idea to leave in any moments of strong emotions rather than just
Finally, interviews should delve into the personal stories of your subjects to provide viewers with an emotional connection and a greater understanding of their motivations and perspectives.
By following these elements, you’ll be able to create memorable and powerful interviews that will help make your documentary or docuseries even more engaging.
Overall, interviews are an important aspect of any documentary or docuseries. They provide viewers with a personal connection to the characters they’re seeing, as well as greater insight into their subject matter. When conducting interviews, make sure to create a comfortable environment, establish trust with your interviewees, and listen closely to the details they share with you. Finally, be sure to include all of the key elements in each docustyle interview so viewers can gain a deeper understanding of your subject matter.
Where can I turn to for Help with Interviews?
If you need help conducting interviews for your documentary, you may consider working with a production studio like C&I Studios.
At C&I Studios we have a team of experienced interviewers, story editors, and filmmakers who can help you create powerful interviews that will enhance your documentary or docuseries. We understand the importance of creating an environment where your interviewees feel comfortable and can open up to tell their stories. Our team is also skilled in asking insightful questions that will draw out the details your viewers need to really understand your documentary.
Not only that, but we also have studios available for rent. Any kind of set can be built in our studios, from cozy living rooms to a basic backdrop, it’s possible! All of our studios are fully equipped, too, so you don’t have to worry about making sure that you have the right equipment for the job.
We also have a great filming crew, including camera operators, directors, and sound technicians. We even have make-up artists and wardrobe staff that can help your interviewees look and feel even more comfortable.
Our goal is to make sure that all of the interviews we conduct are seamless, engaging, and powerful – just like the projects they’re in. Our crew is experienced in working with documentaries, so you can feel confident knowing that your interviews will be captured perfectly.
Ready to create powerful interviews for your project? Contact us at C&I Studios today and let us help you bring your story to life!