Documentary Filmmaking Quiz: Mastering Interview Styles

Study Notes

The text discusses various interview styles used in documentary filmmaking.
The first interview style is called "standard," where the interviewee sits off-camera and the interviewer is close to the lens.
The suggestion is to place the interviewee with their eyes looking towards the light source to avoid deep shadows on their face.
Using a floating camera for a side angle adds depth and creates a more cinematic feel.
The pro of the standard interview style is that it's safe and straightforward, but it may not be the most creative or engaging approach.
The second interview style is called "enterotron," where the interviewer looks directly into the camera lens while interviewing the interviewee.
Using a two-way mirror system for this style allows the interviewer to make a direct connection with the audience.
This style can be more intimate and create a better connection between the audience and the interviewee.
The con of the enterotron style is that it requires technology, which may not be accessible to all filmmakers.
The third interview style is called "conversational," where two people are discussing a topic and the interviewer is present on camera.
The challenge with this style is that it requires the use of two cameras or careful editing to capture the conversation effectively.
The conversational style is natural and can feel like a real conversation, but if not executed well, it can feel awkward or distant.
The fourth interview style is called "host plus standard," where the host is on camera, and the interviewee is off camera.
This style adds context to the interview by showing what the host is looking at.
The fifth interview style is called "in the moment," where the interviewees are engaged in an activity while being interviewed.
This style allows the audience to see the interviewees in a more natural environment and can create a more engaging conversation.
The final interview style is called "standard voiceover," where the interviewee is not on camera, and their voice is narrated over b-roll footage.
Voiceover can be an effective way to tell a story without relying on interviews, but it's encouraged to shoot the interview for potential use.

Description

Learn about various interview styles used in documentary filmmaking, including standard, enterotron, conversational, host plus standard, in the moment, and standard voiceover. Understand the pros and cons of each style and how they can impact the audience's engagement and connection with the interviewees.