HOW TO INTERVIEW FILMMAKERS
10 Soonercasts wrapped!
A year ago I started a new role as copy writer at EYZ Media, running the Indie-VoD-Platform Sooner. After a couple of weeks my boss suggested I would take over hosting our podcast.
The challenge terrified me - my voice on the internet? Me having to ask experienced filmmakers smart questions?
But I was intrigued as well. And now it’s my favorite part of the job!
After feeling thrown in the water a bit, I have created a routine of preparation (that works for all art forms - not film exclusively).
This is what I learned:
1) Watch their films
NEVER interview without watching their films. Trust me, it shows.
Put a fair share of time in familiarizing yourself with their work, art, books, music, films (I have to admit, I usually watch films on double speed...).
2) Make a script
Have a draft of how to structure the conversation. Create content blocks, talking points and example questions. Also prepare transitions.
Be ready to throw all of them out of the window, because most probably you’ll need to rearrange in the moment. It will still help to guide you and you can use the script for creating promotional copy afterwards.
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Extra tip: Have a good opening question. That’s the part I struggle with the most. But it is crucial! Your first question sets the tone for the rest of the conversation.
3) Warm up your voice
Learn techniques (for example from acting) on how to make your voice sound smooth.
It will give you confidence and you will be perceived as more professional.
4) Be present
You can prepare as much as you want but you need to be able to truly listen to the answers and come up with a suitable follow-up question at the same time.
That’s the hard part, and to mange it you need to be focused and fully present. Make sure all potential distractions are eliminated and be well rested for the conversation.
5) Be your most curious self!
Do not hide your personality and ask with genuine curiosity, be brave to bring up what YOU really want to know. If you feel that way, probably your audience does too!
What did I miss? How do you prep for interviewing??
PS: My favorite conversation in the Soonercast so far was our interview with Pola Beck about why we love short films. A true pleasure to record!
director, producer, author, DoP, editor, distributor: APEIRON FILMS | Festival director of KinoBerlino
2 个月Number 1 is really the key. Most interviewers that tried to learn from me had not even seen my best 30 or 50 films, although I had provided them with the direct access. So we had no real base for the conversations and I kept beginning from zero in their minds and perceptions. // Secondly, any person that talks to filmmakers should familiarize him- or herself with the basic aspects of the filmmaking process in all phases from ideation via screenwriting, pitch, production to distribution. To make it super easy to study my oevre, I now collected all portfolios and texts into one central hub: https://linktr.ee/apeiron
I help my clients create powerful thought leadership content — efficiently and inexpensively — without sacrificing quality.
3 个月LOVE this!
Diplomat at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3 个月Hosting a podcast is no small feat, and it’s inspiring to see how you turned initial fear into a favorite part of your role. Your journey shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth and unexpected rewards. Looking forward to hearing more about your learnings and the stories you bring to life through the podcast! ?????
Lifestyle-First Book Coach & Editor | Guiding entrepreneurs from Bucket List to Bookshelf?? | Transform your expertise into a nonfiction book that amplifies your influence — without sacrificing your sanity.
3 个月As someone who does a lot of interviewing to dig into my clients' messages, audience, and communication styles, it's always so reassuring to see these types of tips work across industries! At the core of it all is coming into every conversation with a curious mindset.