Interview Do’s and Don’t

Interview Techniques

•    Have interview subjects state their name and that they agree to do the interview on camera
•    Set the tone with professionalism and respect (make the subject feel comfortable)
•    Don’t just act interested - be interested (Make eye contact)
•    Avoid yes or no questions
•    Listen to the responses and be prepared to follow up if necessary
•    Make your questions specific and not too general
•    Do not allow the subject to take the microphone from you
•    Find interesting people with a diversity of perspectives

Composition

•    Set up the shot and take control of the scene
•    Make sure the light source is directed at the subject’s face
•    Get close to the subject and hold camera steady
•    Use the rule of thirds and proper lead room (medium or head shots)

Sound

•    Always use headphones and an external microphone
•    Remember the two second rule
•    Make every effort to avoid loud background noises (els, loud buses)

Approaching People

Shooting B-Roll
Your video will be much more interesting if you shoot cutaways or B-roll. You can overlay these images on top of the audio of the interviews to illustrate what the person is saying. Or you can create short music montage sequences in between questions. You should shoot footage of yourselves doing the projects, footage and stills that show people in Chicago, give evidence to class differences, inequality, segregation and the opposite of these things as well.