Recording Interviews Remotely
Documentary filmmakers have been interviewing subjects for their films since the advent of synchronized audio (meaning the audio is aligned with video and “synced up”). Most often, filmmakers will meet with their subject in-person, set up a camera, lighting, and mics, but that’s not always possible if they’re on the other side of the country (or there’s a pandemic). Luckily, with the power of the internet, some very easy-to-use software, and following some basic tips, it’s still completely feasible to capture an amazing interview that’s worthy of making the cut!
There are a couple of great options for recording a video-chat interview with a subject remotely. Most video chat software these days like Zoom, Skype, Google Video, etc. actually even has a built-in “record” button that makes it easy to tap, and be off to the races. You also could easily hop onto any platform and even just record your screen (we have another great article on this).
AYFF Intern Ana interviewing Dave Holestein at AYFF 2020
Something to keep in mind though is it’s always smart to test your tool prior to the interview so that you aren’t being disrespectful of your interviewee’s time as you fumble around with the technology. You also need to be sure you’re capturing exactly what you want. For example: on Zoom if you tap “record” the recording that is converted at the conclusion of your chat is in whatever view YOU have. So, if you pinned your interviewee, you may not have much footage of yourself to cut back and forth to (if you wanted that), or if you enjoy gallery view, but in your end film you want to make the interviewee take up the whole screen, you may have some resolution lost when you blow up the image. In these cases, you have to almost think of yourself as a live tv editor as you’re recording and what’s on your screen is what you’re going to get. Internet speeds can also effect your image quality! So, if you have a spot in your house that your connection is best, use that to your advantage, if possible! Additionally, if you are conducting the interview from your phone, be sure it’s shot horizontally if you plan on showing the film on the big screen in 16:9! So, whatever software you choose to shoot with, always try to think two steps ahead to be sure what it’s going to kick-out is exactly what you want to work within the edit! Practice makes perfect.
It’s also always key to prep your questions before the interview. While shooting an interview over a video chat can feel a little looser than in-person, there is no reason you shouldn’t approach it the exact same way. Write out a few questions and be ready to listen to the answers to ask follow-ups. Be sure you’re asking open-ended questions. That is: questions that begin with Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? These are questions that can’t simply be answered with a “yes” or “no” which makes for incredibly boring footage, and they prompt the person you’re interviewing to share more information with your audience. Which, is exactly the goal of our documentary, right?
It is also a good idea to prep your subject. You could send them a few of the questions you have before-hand in case they want to pull any stats or prep themselves. This can also help them if they are feeling a little nervous about being on camera. Even experts in their field can get nervous about public speaking or being on camera!
Additionally, it’s a good idea to prep them in advance on anything you’d like to have on camera. Things like set dressing are often over-looked in a video-chat-style interview, but can really take your footage up a notch. You could ask that your subject find an interesting room in their home where they’ll be well-framed or have photos or artwork behind them. It’s often a good idea to not have your subject sit too close to an open window where they might end up over-exposed or a high-traffic area where noise might be an issue.
Always remember you can totally edit things in post. So, if your subject stumbles on their words, feel free to ask them if they’d like to try again. You also will be able to trim longer answers down into soundbites if you need. Plus, if your footage is a little cropped or you want to change the framing slightly, most editing software will allow you to scale and reposition things in the frame. Don’t forget to use b-roll and cut to other footage with the voiceover continuing just like you would any other documentary interview if the pacing is feeling slow, but you still want all that amazing answer they gave!
Demane Davis in a Zoom Q&A at Austin Youth Film Festival 2020. We love the way she is framed by artwork that helps to show her personality.
Lastly, do not forget to thank your subject for their time. Without them, you wouldn’t have that interview and your film wouldn’t be the same. They went out of their way to help you out on your film’s journey. Be sure to tell them you’re appreciative of that!
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Have more tips on shooting remote interviews? Shoot us an email at info@austinyouthfilmfestival.com! We’d love to hear about your experience and possibly even add your tips to this post! Do you have some amazing online resources that all filmmakers should know about?! Contact us! Maybe we’ll credit you and add it to a compilation of more recommendations on a future post!