Continuing Education

Interviews are a critical component of documentary filmmaking. This course will introduce the uniqueness of a documentary interview and what sets it apart from journalistic or broadcast interviews. Designed to address the best approaches for a one- or two-person crew, we will focus on strategies for producing, conducting, lighting, recording sound and shooting documentary interviews. The first day will include interview case studies, screening of interview footage, and exercises that gives each student the opportunity to conduct an interview and be interviewed, as both are important experiences. On the second day, students will visit an off-site location to conduct interviews in a new space. We will screen the interviews and students will receive feedback from the instructors. Professional-level HD cameras and sound recording equipment will be used. Students will complete the workshop with improved documentary directing and film production skills that can be applied to their own films and future jobs. Instruction will be tailored to the students' level of experience.
Prerequisite: Some knowledge of video and audio recording equipment.
Note: This course is held on campus at SVA.