
Episode 43 | Interviewing Q&A | 7 Interviewing Tips for Documentary Videos and Films
The Art Of The InterviewShow Notes
Documentary is my favorite type of interview. Getting the opportunity to sit across from someone and dig into their life or subject of choice is like drinking a cup of coffee in the early hours watching the sunrise - no matter how many times you do it, it gets better every time.
In this episode, I talk about my seven tips on doing the best documentary video interviews that you can do:
If possible, meet up or talk to the subject before the interview
Be on time
Plan for setup time
Come prepared with questions and research
If you can, hire a camera op
Shoot in 4k or with 2 cameras
Plan a little longer than you think
This episode is certainly not exhaustive, but it's some great tips that I've learned from years of doing documentary-style interviews and loving doing it.
More from The Art Of The Interview
Like a photograph, the quality of the frame will make an interview better or worse. In this week's episode, I talk about the many ways I frame interviews before, during, and after the interview is complete, and how that makes for a better interview.
Ever gone on a date with someone who only talks about themselves? Me neither. But that would be obnoxious, on a date or while being interviewed.
Your mindset will influence how your interview. In this week's episode, I talk about three essential mindsets to practice to get better interviews.
Everyone knows the experience of sitting across from someone who you disagree with and feel animosity towards. In this week's episode, I talk about five steps to help you step out of antipathy and into empathy so you can have better interviews and conversations with people who you just don't see eye to eye.
The Art of the Interview is back! Starting in February 2024, I'll be hosting a weekly episode and releasing it every Tuesday.