Why Being a Good Film Interviewer Matters
In film and video production, every detail matters, especially the art of interviewing. A few years ago, a major streaming platform released a documentary on a controversial topic. Despite the high production value, both viewers and critics highlighted one glaring issue, the interviewer. Many felt they were more an antagonist than a facilitator, pushing their own narrative rather than allowing interviewees to share their experiences. The documentary faced criticism for this oversight, despite its potential. This highlighted the often underestimated role of the interviewer.
I've experienced both exceptional and not-so-great interviewers. It's always surprised me how, in the midst of meticulous planning, the choice of interviewer sometimes doesn't receive the attention it undeniably deserves.
Lighting, sound, and visuals all play their part. Yet, the interviewer can make or break the authenticity and impact of your production. Regardless of the project, whether it's a corporate endeavour, a small funded documentary, or a major film production, it's crucial to get this role right.
The Importance of the Interviewer's Role
When starting a video project that relies on video production interviewing to shape its story, the selection of the interviewer is crucial. An interview that is poorly handled can harm reputations, waste time. Even disrupt the project. On the hand, selecting an experienced interviewer can improve the content by extracting authentic and captivating stories that deeply connect with the audience.
Many brands, especially those working with tight budgets, might feel tempted to assign the interviewer role to someone internally. But being known or liked within an organization doesn't necessarily translate to expertise in interviewing.
Attributes of a Stellar Film Interviewer
In the realm of video production interviewing, certain characteristics stand out as essential. While some might be innate, others can be cultivated over time. Together, these attributes ensure that an interview is not just a routine exchange but a meaningful conversation:
Authenticity: Genuine curiosity fosters trust, encouraging interviewees to open up.
Active Listening: A skilled interviewer is present in the conversation, responding and adapting based on the interviewee's input.
Empathy: By tapping into the emotions behind the words, interviewers can create a conducive environment for genuine stories.
Time Management: Professionalism is reflected in respecting boundaries and schedules.
Research Skills: Coming prepared demonstrates respect for the interviewee's time and craft.
Research corroborates the importance of these attributes. For instance, individuals with high emotional intelligence often exhibit these qualities, connecting and communicating effectively while navigating their own and others' emotions, ensuring a productive interview experience (Riggio & Reichard, 2008).
The Pitfalls of Choosing the Wrong Interviewer
Not every interview will unfold as envisioned. When the interviewer lacks the appropriate skills or mindset, the repercussions can be swift and extensive. Here are the pitfalls that can emerge when the unsuitable individual takes on this pivotal role:
Time Overrun:
Description: An unprepared interviewer can lead to interviews that drag on, causing inconvenience to the interviewee and potentially increasing production costs.
Example: Consider an instance where a celebrity, with a tight schedule, agrees to a 30-minute interview. Due to lack of preparation, the interviewer extends it to an hour, causing the celebrity to miss another commitment. Such scenarios can harm relationships and reputations.
Reputation Loss:
Description: A poorly conducted interview can tarnish the image of not just the interviewer but also the production house or brand associated with the content.
Example: A renowned journalist once faced backlash for continually interrupting a prominent activist during an interview. The channel broadcasting the interview faced boycott calls and a decline in viewership.
Forced Responses:
Description: Pressuring interviewees or leading them with biased questions can result in inauthentic or rehearsed answers.
Example: A movie actor, when cornered with personal questions during a promotional interview, gave evasive answers that were later criticized as insincere.
Bias and Controversy:
Description: An interviewer's evident biases can steer the conversation, misrepresenting the interviewee and creating potential controversies.
Example: A political reporter, known for strong views, interviewed a politician from an opposing camp. The reporter's evident bias drew significant criticism on social media, with many questioning their commitment to journalistic integrity.
Sharpening Your Interviewing Skills
No one becomes an expert interviewer overnight. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your skills, here are some areas to focus on to become more adept in the art of interviewing:
Mastering the Art of Flow: Prioritize fluidity over a strict question list.
Body Language Awareness: Understand non-verbal cues to gauge comfort levels.
Active Listening: Engage fully, showing genuine interest.
Educate Yourself: Beyond reading, learn from observing other interviews.
Neutrality and Open-mindedness: Welcome diverse perspectives, setting aside personal beliefs.
Practice: Hone your craft through repeated practice and feedback.
Neutrality — The Gold Standard in Interviewing
In an era where opinions are aplenty and biases can easily creep into dialogues, the ability to maintain neutrality becomes an interviewer's most prized asset. Rosenberg (2003) underscores the importance of this quality, especially when touching upon sensitive subjects. As an interviewer, you serve as a mediator in the conversation. The interviewer is responsible for forging a connection between the interviewee and the listeners. This position of influence carries with it a responsibility to ensure that the narrative remains untainted by personal beliefs or inclinations.
When interviewers allow their biases to influence the direction or tone of the conversation, they risk misrepresenting the interviewee and alienating their audience. Such interviews can quickly lose credibility, and the trust of both the subject and the viewers can be eroded. On the other hand, an interviewer who approaches topics with an open mind, devoid of preconceived notions, creates a platform where genuine stories can unfold.
In essence, neutrality isn't about suppressing one's beliefs but rather setting them aside for the duration of the interview to ensure that the spotlight remains firmly on the interviewee's experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
Final Thoughts
The aftereffects of an interview extend beyond the immediate shoot. The final output's resonance with its audience and the content's depth can all hinge on the quality of the interview. When interviews are done right, they produce genuine stories that truly resonate with viewers.
References
Riggio, R. E., & Reichard, R. J. (2008). The emotional and social intelligences of effective leadership: An emotional and social skill approach. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 23(2), 169-185.
Rosenberg, M. B. (2003). Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. PuddleDancer Press.
Further Reading and Recommended Books
"The Art of the Interview: Lessons from a Master of the Craft" by Lawrence Grobel
Grobel gives us a backstage pass to his interviews with big celebs. It's less of a textbook and more like storytelling over a cup of coffee.
"Talk to Me: How to Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, and Interview Anyone Like a Pro" by Dean Nelson
Nelson's book is like having a heart-to-heart with a friend who just so happens to be an interviewing pro. He keeps it real and relatable.
"Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" by Daniel Goleman
While not strictly about interviewing, Goleman's insights on understanding emotions can be a game-changer. Think of it as decoding the unsaid during conversations.
"Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds" by Wendy Sullivan and Judy Rees
Sullivan and Rees have this cool approach to really 'get' what someone's saying. It's all about making sure nothing gets lost in translation.
"You Can't Make This Stuff Up " by Lee Gutkind
Gutkind's like that professor who makes everything sound fascinating. This book is all about turning real stories into captivating reads.
