Codes and Conventions of Interviews outlines key techniques for filming and editing interviews. Cinematography focuses on framing the subject using the rule of thirds and mid shots from eye-level. Editing removes questions and uses cutaways of relevant footage to keep viewers engaged when the subject speaks. Mise-en-scene considers the subject's costume, lighting, makeup, props, and setting to relate to the documentary's topic. Graphics identify the subject and their relevance in two superimposed lines using easy-to-read font related to the documentary's theme.

1. Codes and Conventions
of Interviews
BY JOE HADFIELD

2. Cinematography
• Always use the rule of thirds, so that there is space for the interviewee to talk into.
• Usually it will be a mid shot or medium close up.
• Sat off centre.
• Are at eye level with the camera.
• Camera will be situated on a tripod.
• There is a shallow focus on the subject.
• No direct address.
• A close up is sometimes used to show the persons facial expression, sometimes there will be a slow
zoom on them.

3. Editing
• All of the questions which are asked to the interviewee are edited out.
• A cutaway is where footage of relevance or archive footage is shown, whilst the interviewee continues
to talk.
• Cutaways are used to keep the audience interested, can be used as an editing transition and also be
used to cover up a jump cut.
• Straight cut edits are mainly used, as they are not distracting.
• Image to the right is an example of footage which was shown for a cutaway.

4. Mise en scene
• C- Costume
• L- Lighting
• A- Actors (Movement and Expression)
• M- Make up
• P-Props
• S- Settings
• The mise en scene is either to do with the person or the
topic of the documentary.
• Interviews are often filmed in homes, places of work or
relevant settings.
• Most interviews the interviewee will be sitting in a chair.

5. Graphics
• The interviewee’s name and relevance to documentary only appears the first time we see that person.
• It is written on two lines and is super imposed over the top of interviews.
• The persons name is bigger and bolder than the relevancy.
• It is the same font on both lines and is easy to read.
• The font which is used will have some relevancy to the documentary.