Documentary filmmaking: interviews

What is the course about?

When using interviews as the driving force of your documentary you need to maximise your chances of getting both a good take (camera/mic) and also good material ( interview content). A further consideration is B-roll, the material you cut to add further dimension to the story.
Join this class to pick up a few tricks you may not know about yet.

What will we cover?

1. preparing for an interview – things you never thought about
2. choice of camera/mic – equipment and where to place it for maximum effect.
3. shooting the interview – preparing for the worst
4. strategies for framing your subject – sub-text in action.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

1. Identify the most important elements in preparing for an interview
2. Recognise favourable positions for camera and mic
3. Differentiate between at some of the different camera and mic options
4. Prepare different strategies for framing your subject.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This class is open to students with or without prior experience. It covers both basic and more advanced elements of the planning and execution of interviews with subjects. No experience is necessary but it is an advantage if you have some prior experience with shooting moving image footage and are comfortable using a computer.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

In each session there will be demonstrations, discussions and practical work, including group and individual exercises, allowing for some individual guidance and tutorial support. Periodically there will be forum sessions where we will look at each other’s work to discuss different aspects of the process in general and your own work in particular. Asking questions and commenting is encouraged at all times. Handbooks, manuals and worksheets are available. This class strongly encourages homework and additional, independent engagement between sessions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You may want to purchase removable storage to collect and keep your data safe, though you will have your own account in class where you can accumulate your work from week to week.
You might also want to consider purchasing other books related to the subject of film making and editing. We will also provide you with a range of hand-outs free of charge and you can make use of books in the library.
Please note that a portable hard drive/USB stick if PC formatted can be read by Apple mac computers, but not written to. CDs/DVDs are available.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can enhance your documentary skills through courses in Documentary film shorts: techniques for high impact film making and Documentary film shorts: improving your film with B-roll. You can also further develop your skills and interest in Film and Video through a range of courses at the City Lit in digital film making, including experimental, narrative and DSLR film making, editing on a range of platforms to cater for different levels, digital and traditional animation, animated SFX using Adobe After Effects and sound.