Every Interview Style Explained (A documentary masterclass) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This video explains different interview styles in documentary filmmaking, including standard, enterotron, conversational, host plus standard, host plus conversation, in the moment, and standard voiceover.

Key Insights

• 🎥 Standard interview: The most traditional and safe approach to documentary filmmaking, with the interviewer positioned just off-camera for a direct connection with the subject.
• 🗨️ Enterotron: A more intimate style coined by Errol Morris, where the subject looks directly into the camera lens, creating a deep connection with the audience.
• 💬 Conversational: Involves two people engaging in a natural conversation, adding authenticity to the documentary. This style requires cross shooting or capturing the "counter shot" to capture reactions.
• 👥 Host plus standard: In this style, the standard interview is combined with shots of the host, creating a more engaging viewing experience. Often used in news journalism or documentaries where the filmmaker is in the film.
• 🗣️ Host plus conversation: Similar to the previous style, but the host actively prompts the subject with questions, creating a more casual and dynamic conversation.
• ♂️ In the moment: Two people are engaged in an activity or task while having a conversation, creating a natural and organic interaction.
• 🎙️ Standard voiceover: The subject's voice is used as narration for the documentary, with only occasional cuts to footage of the interviewee. Can be combined with engaging b-roll and scenes to enhance storytelling.
• 🎬 Filmmaker's role: Documentary filmmaking is not just capturing content, but being a storyteller. The emphasis is on showing rather than telling, using engaging b-roll and scenes to enhance the narrative.

Transcript

we're talking interview styles this is gonna be a classic educational video we're going through all the interview styles in documentary filmmaking so let's get into it the first style i'm just to call standard this is when you have someone sitting looking just off to the side of camera this is where you put your interviewer as close to the lens as ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the pros and cons of the standard interview style?

The pros of the standard interview style are its safety and traditional nature, making it easy to approach. However, it can sometimes feel distant and lacks creativity compared to other styles.

Q: How does the enterotron style create a better connection with the audience?

The enterotron style, where the subject looks directly into the camera lens, creates a more intimate connection with the audience as it feels like a direct conversation. It allows for a deeper connection and engagement.

Q: What is the conversational interview style, and why is it powerful?

The conversational interview style involves two people talking about a topic, creating a natural and authentic feel. When executed well, it can be one of the most powerful interview styles in a documentary, as it captures genuine conversations and prompts the subjects to make the topic their own.

Q: What is the host plus standard interview style, and when is it commonly used?

The host plus standard interview style involves the standard interview setup where the subject looks off camera, but the host's angle is also shown, allowing the audience to see what the subject is looking at. This style is often used in news journalism or when the filmmaker wants to include themselves in the movie.

Q: How does the in the moment interview style differ from other styles?

The in the moment interview style captures two people engaged in an activity while having a conversation, making it feel more organic and less like a traditional interview. It adds authenticity and a natural feel to the documentary.

Q: Why is shooting voiceover scenes important, even if they are not frequently used in the final film?

Shooting interviews for voiceover scenes allows flexibility during the editing process. Even if the interviews are not shown frequently, they can be cut to at crucial moments and add visual variety to a film that relies heavily on voiceover. It is a chance to show engaging b-roll or scenes that connect with the storytelling.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the standard interview style, where the subject looks just off camera, creating a safe and traditional approach.

• The enterotron style, coined by documentary filmmaker Errol Morris, involves the subject looking directly into the camera lens, creating an intimate connection with the audience.

• The conversational style involves two people talking about a topic, often requiring two cameras or cross-shooting techniques.