Documentary Interview Technique
Over the years, I’ve worked as a cameraman, editor, and producer and for the past fifteen years as a director. As a cameraman and editor, I was privileged to work with many of the best network correspondents, in both the U.S. and England. I can’t imagine learning interview technique any other way. All too often I meet directors who don’t have this experience and therefore stumble through their interviews.
There are two criteria for directing interviews:
-
Good research
-
Good listening skills
There is a scene in the dramatic film, “The Passenger”, starring Jack Nicholson. He is a journalist interviewing an African leader. The leader comments that Jack's questions are more revealing about himself than anything else. This is often the case with our everyday questions in life. They help define who we are.
I’ve also worked for documentary directors who were so prepared in terms of their research that they could dance circles around the expert being interviewed. These directors were so busy demonstrating their knowledge that the real expert wasn’t heard.
The opposite is also true. Some directors become so jaded over the years that they discount the value of preparation. They attempt to be good listeners and usually fail at that.
You can never do enough research but keep it under check. There is no need to try to impress your interviewee. Most often, as a director, I tell the politician, soldier or whoever I’m interviewing the general story we’re trying to capture. At that point I let them start talking. If they are hesitant to talk, then I’ll ask them a few introductory questions. I won’t reveal that I know the answers they are giving me. I’ll then find something they are truly interested in talking about, even if doesn’t have to do with the story I’m trying to tell. They enjoy the conversation, which is revealed by body language and tone of voice. Usually they will direct their conversation back to what I had originally conveyed. The more genuine my listening skill, the more I capture the heart of the story. If I’m not genuinely listening, their answers will be superficial.