Hello filmmakers! My name is Joe Salinas, I am a Director/Filmmaker. I have worked on many documentary projects from National Geographic to Vans Global and many more. Here are the five key tips on what I use to making sure a interview for a documentary goes smooth without any hiccups. I have learned from experience over the years on doing interviews all over the globe. Here we go:
Tip #1 - Make sure you get good audio
If working with a crew whether it’s just two or more always check your audio on the subject. I always (depending on the situation) have backup audio going. Not scratch from the camera (which is sometimes not bad but also not great) but a good lav mic wireless or xlr direct into the recorder or camera is the route I usually go. For backup, it’s a boom mic if you have the personnel for it. If no boom person then put it on a c-stand above the subject. A backup, backup would be if possible to put your smart phone on (pocket of shirt) the person or near them. You can adjust accordingly in post.
Tip #2 - Be Prepared..... just in case
Bring a power strip/extension chord because you’ll never know what you’re getting into with a location if you don’t scout it before. You’ll want to make sure all of your gear is good to go. If you show up to a place chances are you might only have one outlet or none. Sometimes the person or people you’re interviewing might be skittish about coming to them for the shoot so asking about their power source might be a deal breaker and they will either cancel or want you to find a last minute location which could be difficult especially if you are on a crunch schedule. Always have a two prong or three prong grounded power strip for your gear to re charge batteries, keep computer charged for dumping footage, everything else...lights, camera action!
Tip #3 - Don't wait, press record
Start recording the minute you get setup. Don’t wait to let the subject know you are recording. You might miss some good content for the interview. Sometimes when they’re relaxed with you outside of shooting when you get them in front of the camera people sometimes tend to get a little intimidated and if you don’t have guideline questions you might end up with a bunk interview. Just roll with it and don’t even mention “cameras rolling etc”.
Tip #4 - Be a good listener
Let them do all the talking and don’t interrupt unless you absolutely have to. A good interviewer guides and steers the ship. Keep the person on path but try not to talk too much other than the initial questions and if so maybe keep a response at a minimum.
Tip #5 - Keep it professional
Get there early. Always show up early and keep the professionalism at the highest standard no matter if it’s just you or with a crew. Make an impression and if you can do it, ask the subject if they need anything while en route to the shoot. Doing this could be an ice breaker especially if you don’t know the person or persons.
And there you have it. Hope these tips help out on your journey into documentary filmmaking. These are just a few of many tricks of the trade that are helpful when out on a shoot. Happy filming!