What Are the Different Interview Styles in Documentaries?

TL;DR

There are several key interview styles in documentary filmmaking: standard interviews for safe, traditional approaches; enterotron for intimate connections; conversational for natural dialogue; host plus standard for engaging viewer experiences; host plus conversation for dynamic interactions; in the moment for natural engagement during activities; and standard voiceover for narration without on-screen interviews. Each style serves its unique purpose in storytelling.

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

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.

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.