1. Preparation is Key:
* Research, Research, Research: Know your subject inside and out. Understand their background, their work, the events they were involved in, and any potential controversies. The more you know, the better you can tailor your questions and react to their answers.
* Define Your Narrative Arc: What story are you trying to tell? Keep this in mind when crafting questions. How does this person fit into that narrative?
* Develop a Question Outline, Not a Rigid Script: Have a structured list of topics and potential questions, but be flexible enough to deviate based on the conversation. Don't be afraid to abandon a planned question if a more interesting path emerges.
* Know Your Audience: Consider who will be watching the documentary. Tailor your language and approach to suit their level of understanding and interests.
2. Crafting Effective Questions:
* Open-Ended Questions are Essential: Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Instead, use phrases like:
* "Tell me about..."
* "Describe..."
* "What was it like to..."
* "Walk me through..."
* "How did you feel when..."
* "Why do you think..."
* Focus on Experiences and Emotions: Facts are important, but emotions are what connect with viewers. Ask questions that encourage them to share their feelings and personal experiences.
* "How did that experience change you?"
* "What were you thinking at that moment?"
* "What was the most difficult part of that experience?"
* "What did you learn from that?"
* Use "The Five Ws and H": Who, what, when, where, why, and how are fundamental for getting a complete picture. Don't assume anything; even if you think you know the answer, ask them to tell it in their own words.
* Be Specific, But Not Leading: Avoid leading questions that suggest a desired answer. Instead of "Wasn't that a terrible experience?" ask "How did you feel about that experience?" Instead of "Did you agree with the decision?" ask "What were your thoughts on the decision?"
* Don't Be Afraid of Silence: Sometimes, the most powerful moments come after a long pause. Give your subject time to think and formulate their answers. Silence can be uncomfortable, but it can also be incredibly revealing.
* Use Follow-Up Questions (Probing): The real gold is often found in the follow-up. Listen carefully to their answers and ask clarifying questions. Examples:
* "Can you elaborate on that?"
* "What do you mean by that?"
* "Tell me more about..."
* "How did that affect you?"
* "Why do you think that happened?"
* "What was the turning point?"
* "Can you give me an example?"
* "Hypothetical" Questions (Use Sparingly): These can be useful for exploring deeper meanings or perspectives.
* "If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?"
* "How do you think this event will be remembered in 50 years?"
* "What do you hope people will learn from your story?"
* "Devil's Advocate" Questions (Use With Sensitivity): These can be valuable for exploring different perspectives and challenging assumptions, but be sure to phrase them respectfully and avoid being confrontational.
* "Some people might argue that..."
* "A common criticism of this is..."
* "What would you say to someone who disagrees with you?"
* Consider Visuals: Think about how their answers might translate visually. Ask them to describe places, objects, or events in detail so that you can recreate them visually for the documentary.
* End on a Strong Note: The final question is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. Consider asking a reflective question that summarizes their experience or offers a final thought.
* "What's the biggest takeaway from this experience?"
* "What advice would you give to someone facing a similar situation?"
* "What do you hope the future holds?"
3. Interview Techniques:
* Build Rapport: Start with some friendly conversation to put your subject at ease. Show genuine interest in them and their story.
* Listen Actively: Pay close attention to their answers, both verbal and nonverbal. Listen not just to what they are saying, but also to how they are saying it.
* Be Empathetic: Show that you understand their perspective, even if you don't agree with it. Empathy helps to build trust and encourages them to open up.
* Be Flexible and Adaptable: The best interviews are often those that go in unexpected directions. Be prepared to deviate from your planned questions if the conversation takes a more interesting turn.
* Be Respectful: Always treat your subject with respect, even if you disagree with them. Be mindful of their time and their emotional well-being.
* Be Authentic: Be yourself! Your genuine curiosity and enthusiasm will make the interview more engaging for both you and your subject.
* Avoid Interrupting: Let them finish their thoughts before jumping in with another question. Interrupting can disrupt their train of thought and prevent them from fully expressing themselves.
* Be Mindful of Body Language: Maintain eye contact, nod to show that you are listening, and use open and welcoming body language.
4. Ethical Considerations:
* Informed Consent: Make sure your subject fully understands the purpose of the documentary, how their interview will be used, and their rights (including the right to review and edit their interview). Get written consent.
* Transparency: Be honest about your intentions and your perspective. Don't mislead your subject about the purpose of the interview.
* Respect Privacy: Be careful not to ask questions that are too personal or that could violate their privacy. If they are uncomfortable with a question, respect their decision not to answer it.
* Protect Vulnerable Subjects: Be especially careful when interviewing children, trauma survivors, or other vulnerable subjects. Take extra precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
* Fact-Checking: Verify the information you gather in the interview with other sources.
Example Question Starters (General):
* "Can you describe the scene when..."
* "Take me back to that day. What were your initial thoughts..."
* "What was the impact of that event on you personally?"
* "Looking back, what's your biggest regret/achievement?"
* "How has this event changed your perspective on life/the world?"
* "What do you think the legacy of this event will be?"
* "What would you like people to understand about your experience?"
By following these guidelines, you can ask documentary interview questions that will elicit compelling stories, insightful perspectives, and emotionally resonant moments that will captivate your audience. Good luck!