the art of the on-camera interview

The Art of the ON-CAMERA

Interview

Media Lab 2014Friday, August 22

10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. with

Ashley Archer TindallDirector/Producer

Why am I up here?

• From MPP (UCLA) to MFA (Stanford-Doc Film)• Translate Research• 10 years in documentary television

(NatGeo, HBO, PBS & independent films)Educational and non-profit clients

• Mediamakers and Policymakers are natural siblings:There is a need for timely, accurate & relevant information appropriate for your audience

• Don’t despair: Use the current media landscape to your advantage!

Takeaway: Good Communication is Good Strategy

WHAT ARE WE GETTING OUT OF THIS?

1. Understand the uses of interview (TV, radio, print, academic, fundraising)

2. Get a feel for a good interview through experts (Bates/Odgers, video clips)

3. Get tips on how to set up & conduct a good interview & how to deliver a good interview

4. Practice with your peers & make mistakes with a small audience

5. Practice what you’ve learned in the Hot Seat

Interviewee 101

Reasons to do an interview1. Reach your audience – the right audience2. Establish legitimacy – pick the right platform3. Start a conversation4. Control the rhetoric5. Build an audience6. Shift the outcome

Interviewer 101

Learn information1. What do you need for your mission?2. What is the conversation you want to start?3. Who has that information?4. Who lends legitimacy?5. How do you get the information?6. How do you translate it?

BAD INTERVIEW

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/ca8e174a54/between-two-ferns-with-zach-galifianakis-justin-bieber?playlist=135161

BAD light

BAD AUDIO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI0UUSo3Pqo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVjhwzxG1SI#t=20

GOOD INTERVIEW

Example from Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality

MOOChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKieVKTzbl0&feature=em-upload_owner

Demonstration 15 minutes

• Karl Bates Director of Research Communications, Office of News & Communications

• Candice OdgersAssociate Professor of Public Policy, Psychology & NeuroscienceAssociate Director of the Center for Child and Family Policy

• Goal of the interview• Set up with Sanford equipment

Observations?

BATES• His agenda?• His strategy? • How did he ask his questions?

ODGERS• Her agenda?• Her strategy? • Her talking points?

CHOICE #1: CAMERA

1. Think about: editing workflow, ease of distribution, budget & timing, fancy may not be better

2. Advantage of multi-camera3. Synchronizing sound (synching)

CHOICE #2: FRAMING

1. Distance to subject – auto focus and framing issues

2. Traditional “talking head” - prioritize the face and hands

3. Other styles (observational, action interviews, conversational, 180 degree rule)

Goals = Keep it simple, Minimize distraction, Content is King

CHOICE #3: LIGHTING

Goal = get a professional look with the resources at hand to attract the greatest audience

LIGHTING1. Key – illuminate eyes,

strong light always in front

2. Fill – create human dimensionthink about a light gradient/fall off

3. Hairlight/Backlight - separation from background, focuses our attention on the subject

Choice #4: Audio

Goals = control noise & prioritize voice

Individual vs. Ambient soundWhat kind of microphone?1. Lavalier (a.k.a lav, lapel) microphones2. Boom mics3. Other mics (e.g. Zoom, DATs, iPhone)

TIP 1: Always do a record test and listen back before proceeding!TIP 2: Make sure you’ve checked your audio levels in the camera!

ELEMENTS OF A STRONG INTERVIEW

• Minimize distraction (noise, movement, wardrobe, fatigue, eating, etc.)

• Know your audience (what do they already know, what do they need to know? – recall Stanford MOOC clip)

• Control your message (talking points, tone, body language, rhetoric)

• Know your interlocutor’s agenda and style (pre-interview, edited or uncut or live)

• Think before you talk (less is more, clarity)

• Don’t be afraid of repeating/rephrasing

Practice ROUND #1

• Divide into pairs/teams • Half outside, Half inside – 5 minute set up• Interview each other, switch

interviewee/interviewer after 5 minutes• Record about 2 minutes of footage only• Don’t forget to do a record test!Q: Why do you want to pursue a career in this field?

Q: What are the problems you want to solve?

QUESTIONS ON PRACTICE?

• Set up• Delivery• Let’s watch a few!• Tips

Practice ROUND #2

• 4 volunteers• 1-on-1 interview #1• Audience response and observations• 1-on-1 interview #2• Audience response and observations

QUESTIONS?

• Delivery of information• Camera/Lens/Framing• Lighting• Audio• Distribution• When you might need professional help• Other (permissions, releases, etc.)

Contact me:Ashley Tindall

ashley@filmarcher.com