This presentation provides tips on the best way to film an interview

1. FILMING AN INTERVIEW

2. What to consider
Get consent/ permission
Informed consent
•Plan what you are going to film
Write an outline of your filming plan/ Script
Create an outline with a series of questions
Send question before or Go through the
question with your subject before filming the
interview:- Follow up questions.
2

3. What to consider
• Choosing space/ scenes/ environment (support your
theme, issue, source of light, avoiding disruptions like
noise
• Mind your background
Compose your main shot/ properly set up your
camera
Ensure proper lighting
Choosing the right mic
3

4. What to consider
Do a sound and picture test
Have your subject look straight or the side of the camera
(left or right)
Know your subject, make them comfortable & relaxed
Request your subject to answer in full sentences.
Leave some dead space between the
questions and answers
4

5. Eye Witness Account – get the people that saw the thing your film is about, ask
them “what did they see / hear / experience?’ tell me about what happened
that day.

6. Emotion
• Get people to express their happiness / sadness / anger, ask “how do
you feel about xxx?” How do you feel about finally getting a scholarship?

7. Opinion
• Get the view of your interviewee (but do not put your opinion into the film unless
it is an authored piece!), ask them “what do you think about it?”
Humour -get humour if possible through personal stories, but always consider if
• you are laughing at your subject or laughing with them.

8. Set Up for Filming an Interview –
• the position of the person you
are interviewing.
• Look at your Framing –
Remember rule of thirds, Check
the Eye Line – They should be
looking into the frame not out
of it - Double Check your Sound

9. • Always be aware of background noise – fridges, TV, traffic, workmen
outside – that might seem low level but on camera the audio can ruin
your interview
• - Be confident! Don’t be afraid to direct / change the Subject ‘s
position – as well as everything that is going on around the filming. –
Ensure that your subject is directly facing the camera.