How I Film Documentary Interviews

[@FrischesG]

- I don't know if you've experienced this before that when you interview someone while standing and you say "... so please don't move." the last word they hear is "move" so they often start shifting their weight from one foot to another during the interview or sometimes even step closer towards you during the interview. But when I said "... so please stand still." it didn't happen. - A very well know technique is also to repeat the last part of their answer and then saying nothing so most people start reflecting on what they just said and go back into it to give you an in-depth answer. - It sounds super simple and you also kinda mentioned it in the video but actually listening to the interview partner is crucial. Looking at them instead of clinging to your questions but rather just having a natural chat until you feel like you should shift to the next question gives you a lot of options for post-production. - If you feel like you're not receiving the answer that you wanted I'd always ask that question a second time later in the interview and just use different words. - I also like to think about interviews in three steps. Step 1: What happened? Step 2: What is happening now? Step 3: What will happen in the future? Let's just say you interview a regional rugby club so you'd try to find out how everything started, what have been the biggest obstacles in the past, and have there been special things that they're proud to talk about? Then we could talk about where the club is at right now. They started with just 20 members and now they're at 200 members and other interesting information like that so we can put things into perspective. And then - like Seb said - finish off with something positive, happy, or motivating. What's the next thing they're working on as a club? What's the next big goal in rugby itself? What should possible new members know about this club and why should they join? How can people join and what's special about this club? Is it maybe more than just the trainings and the sport itself? That together with personal stories and maybe portraits within that fictional rugby club could make a really nice structure where you dive into more personal things but always have the chance to go back to that main storyline and you also have the option to ask those kinds of questions to anyone of the club because they all might give you similar answers that can paint a bigger picture. I hope this helps someone out there.

[@hugobonner]

Thanks! Very helpful

[@icupsy]

it does! 🤍

[@davidkreutzer736]

Another handy tip: if you unplug the noisy refrigerator, put your car keys in it. That way you can't leave without remembering to plug it back in.

[@documentaryfilmacademy]

It was great to be a part of this video! Really enjoyed our chat :) Thanks Simon!

[@calebmccool]

Fantastic advice!

[@documentaryfilmacademy]

@@calebmccool Thanks Caleb

[@imranh5395]

Thank you for yet another valuable tutorial, Simon. Though much younger than many of your audience, you are like an experienced pro whom we turn to for advice. The value of your honest, down-to-earth videos is immense!

[@shqipdonsalijaj]

That difference from a direct face light to a room bouncing light was so good and the back light from the door made it even better, thanks for the tips Simon

[@mikal]

When interviewing for docs, I like to direct the questions/conversation in a manner that makes the subject feel good. Get them happy to begin with, then get to the questions that are not so happy, then lead back to happiness.

[@awsomo007]

When I’m working with folks who don’t have a lot of on camera experience I think a compliment goes a long way. Let them know that they’re doing a good job! “That’s a great answer” “I wasn’t expecting that, very interesting” “You’re smashing this!” Easy ways to get them on side.

[@osvaldo5123]

So glad seeing you expand your range from shorts to documentaries, I also admire your dedicated and nonstop work, you’re a person I look up to honestly.

[@onehappydawg]

Perfect timing on this video. In the coming weeks I have several interviews I’m shooting for a personal project I’m working on. This helps a lot thanks. 👍

[@bertimunro]

i think one of my biggest issues I have when shooting the docs or interviews is getting the subject at ease, I think that is something all doc filmers have. I agree with Seb on the approach of starting the conversation getting them at ease and then start introducing the questions casually. I tend to interact with the answers this also puts the subject at ease rather than just nodding your head. Once again Simon great video!

[@imnaugle]

There's nothing more delightful than starting quietly and getting a comfortable, human conversation going and then they ask when we're going to "start" but then you've been rolling for 10 minutes. This shows then that there's nothing to get uptight about.

[@jeremyude]

This is such a great video which came just at the right time. I'll start filming interviews with refugees here in Germany in December but I've never done it before so this was very helpful! Love from Stuttgart.

[@personalchannel2340]

As some ones whos filmed lots of interviews this is spot on. Really like the softly softly approach you take in you videos.

[@delibirdrules]

Thank you so much, I started interviewing my relatives last summer and this is such a precious lesson.

[@letusplant]

Cades I saw your video after 6 years..... I was impressed by your old videos. Keep going Bro. Take Care. Lots of Love and Respect from Hyderabad India.

[@bimmovieproductions6352]

You are one og my favourite youtubers, so informational, so interesting.

[@noahmartinez5002]

I recently filmed my first ever interview with Gavin J Konop, the writer/director of Spider-Man Lotus(on this channel if you're interested) I found it really interesting how I did decent at the interviewing part and am honestly quite proud of myself, but there was so much I learned from this, most of all on the videography/cinematography side of things. Thank you Simon. From being 12 years old or so to going to University you've continued to help me do the stuff I love doing.

[@Carboxylated]

I love these videos man. Keep up the hard work.

[@elijahhatcher-kay3695]

4:14 Simon interviews the interviewer. Seriously, though, great video as always. I got started as a filmmaker with a couple short documentaries, and this both resonates with my experience and clued me in to some other ideas, especially the technical stuff. More than anything, my advice for interviews is to be prepared (just like you discussed) with pre-written, edited, and prioritized questions and clear goals for what you want out of the conversation.

[@NurChrisi]

I have just started on my bachelor project for which I plan to do short documentary portaits as well, so this video really just showed up at the right time. Thank you!

[@acopernic]

Informative and always good to see you in action. 🙏

[@julienm2764]

Thanks for yours great advices as usual and for sharing your xp! I am going to film several interview on monday and this video helps me to prepare this, thanks

[@Sheba_316]

oh my goodness, just watched your libec tripod review and you look so different now 😃

[@onlyrjCG]

Could you talk about how you setup up the audio? I find it to be the most important part of documentary filmmaking when doing an interview.

[@itsjantore]

Best way is a shotgun on a stand. If thats not possible for some reason, mic the subject with a lavalier, and hide it somewhere clever. Buying proper lav mounts for hiding will help. Alex Knickerbocker has videos on that.

[@maxhernie8053]

he used sennheiser avx lav mics plugged into an xlr and probably some zoom audio recorder for reference and a backup

[@srikanakadurgaartscreation3724]

Excellent

[@calebmccool]

Really good advice, thank you!

[@louisschofield5695]

I always make sure to get to know them a bit first, share a couple of jokes and generally get them in a relaxed mood. Also for the first 5 minutes of the interview I just like to chat, at this point I'll be talking a bit more, cracking jokes and such (obviously gauge the tone here). By the time my actual interview questions roll around the subject is normally nice and relaxed and ready to talk.

[@karuneshmaan]

I always struggle taking interviews sometime it went pretty awkward too.

[@brianmoreau8016]

I think introducing the camera as soon as possible and shoot b role, have them pose for pictures etc, (have fun!). make yourself look like the artist you are, your artistic production will always be good and will improve doing things your own way. Be unique! get down and dirty with dad jokes, puns, have them change expressions to relax a Fake smile. get to know your client! You will notice they become more comfortable with you and preform more naturally while recording the interview. I think watching people talking is boring, I add as much B- role as possible for the interview type. Have them send you the script prior to meeting them so you can record B-Role of key words they use in their script. Keep it simple - Don’t be basic. 💁‍♂️ Enjoying your channel dude, I’m brain storming ideas for my first KZbin channel video I’m shooting tomorrow. Thanks for the tips. ✌️

[@GauravDhwajKhadka]

Awesome

[@FilmmakingconDaniel]

Good stuff. Great content

[@michaelruebusch2275]

thought this would be more about the camera and lighting setup

[@lakshmisaienterprise9002]

Nice video

[@mayaneyman2897]

Amazing video! What lenses did you use on your cameras? Thanks!

[@iamcrisanto]

If possible I immerse myself with the person and their environment for 1-2 days before I even consider bringing a interview camera in. It helps a lot in making your interviewee very comfortable in front of the camera. It takes time but in documentary filmmaking God is the director hehe.

[@DisneysWire]

With all due respect I swear your head is getting gradually wider.

[@manalilistreet]

LMFAOOOO STOP

[@aarieffawwaz7984]

oh yeah youre right

[@amiterez2115]

many thanks for an interesting contribution. I have a question though. When planning the interview do you recommend the person you are interviewing anything about what type of clothes (colors, style) they should put on? and also - suppose you see that the clothes are really not fitting the environment, are you recommending them to change them?

[@nakkulrangari]

Dude can u make a video on how to dub a short Film please, in budget ofc!

[@thelifeofryan8683]

Simon, are you filming in RAW or 10 bit? I just got the RAW upgrade and was curious if you did or not.

[@Stephanie_Michelle_Johnstone]

Do you have any tips on how to film documentary interviews without a crew?

[@rakeshdharan1571]

Hi Simon, is there a perfect way to place the wide and close cameras in a 2 camera interview set up. I mean where should i place the wide camera...is it near to the person asking the question ?

[@sohamy2480]

Plzz give iPhone se 2020 filmmaking tips

[@siddhantmotani1406]

Love the videos❤️❤️. Your eyes look a little sunken, Get some Sleep!!! :) Stay Healthy 💓

[@youngnope4664]

what mic did you use?

[@arshankhan4809]

Gh❤️

[@tunikfilms]

Hmm... I think that that the guy you are taking an interview have to be more evident. Just look at the yellowness in the scene - 7:13 Over saturated for me. And so the light and color focus must be naturally on the guy... Sorry for my ENG. I know it sucks :P

[@RoundHell-lm9bb]

Wahh

[@OlegKorzun]

I would dim the light in the other room and also remove the door and photos to the right of the subject, they are distracting

[@samanthdp]

First

[@chucks6041]

The chest hair is starting to get distracting.

[@DontHateMeCuzImHIGH]

Great video lots of value thanks!