Codes and Conventions of an Expert Interview

Shot

Unfortunately there was not enough equipment for us to take two shots at once, so we used one camera, filming the interviewee answering the questions first, then the

interviewer asking them after. We did it in the same location immediately after so that the lighting, setting

and sound would be the same so we could put each take together.

We ensured that the shots were useable and

correct by having someone behind the camera at all time,

making sure that the positioning of the shot

was right.

We also ensured someone always wore headphones so that we knew

the microphones were working correctly.

For our expert interviews, we used clip-microphones rather than shotgun microphones so that the sound would be even throughout.

Clip-on Mic

‘Do’s’ of an expert interview

Ensure the subjects are looking at one another rather than the

camera. Their line of sight should be just slightly off camera.

Position tripods behind each subject’s shoulder so ensure line of sight is

correct.

Use clip mics to pick up sound

evenly throughout dialogue.

Shotgun mics are more liable to

move and cause sound quality to

differ.

Clip-on Mic

Shotgun Mic

‘Don’ts’ of an expert interview shot

Don’t set up the tripods so that they are in sight of the opposite camera.

This may not be heeded in a participatory or performative documentary as these modes

both acknowledge the way that the documentary is made, not trying to make the

editing ‘invisible’

Don’t look directly at the camera

The interviewer and interviewee should be clearly looking at each other rather than into

the camera.

Correct

Incorrect