Codes and conventions of interviews

 Codes and conventions of interviews



Researching typical codes and conventions of interviews will aid in the pre-production of my documentary, as I will know how to set up my interviews and what will be expected. Having knowledge of what can typically be expected of interviews, will allow communication to be more effective, as there are familiar patterns and characteristics.

 

  

 Interviewees are typically placed either left or right of the frame, in close up, medium close up or mid shot.




It is known that documentaries have a definitive beginning, middle and end. The beginning outlines the main point and sets the feel of the whole documentary with appropriate footage. The main points are focused on more thoroughly in the middle body of the documentary, where differing opinions through interviews are typically found. The end is a conclusion of all the points raised and no questions are left unanswered for the audience. This means that the interviews are typically spread out through the middle body.


We can expect to see mise-en-scene in traditional documentary interviews also. Mise-en-scene is the setting and arrangements surrounding an event, which can set the scene. This can be through the use of props, clothing, hair and makeup and sound and lighting. When used appropriately and correctly, it can elevate scenes to evoke emotion and atmosphere. 


Cutaways are also typically used in documentaries. This is where the shot cuts away to include additional information, as long as suitable and relevant, then return to the main action. Cutaways are a visual aid in explaining more that may not be able to be captured through audio.


Diving deeper into what is typical and expected from interviews definitely has helped me in finding a layout for my product. Through this research I can decide which codes and conventions I like as the audience, and can then use these in my own. Additionally, it has allowed me to see which of those I may want to stray from and not use. 


For example, I am intrigued by using appropriate mise-en-scene, which may include having North East theatres in the background, using interviewees performances as background music or wearing t-shirts that include local theatre company logos.


Information from: https://www.studiobinder.com/

 

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