Re: Shooting Interviews

Very often the interview is something new and strange to your subject, so you need to be working to put them at ease and give them confidence, from the minute you arrive.

Short, easy-to-understand explanations for things you're doing, as you do them, de-mystify the process. Also, actively engaging them by asking opinions and advice, or just sharing trivial things in common, while you work, gets them warmed-up and feeling you are "on their side", so that by the time they hit the chair, they are giving you their best effort.

You want to move and talk in a relaxed and friendly manner with the crew, no matter the pressure, because disharmony and angst in the crew is something the guest will pick up on, and you lose credibility as the all-knowing director.

Absolutely turn off tally lights on cameras and adjust monitors so guests can't see them, and start recording even as you're first attaching and "testing" the mic. Often, your best and ONLY good candid responses happen here, before your talent realizes the thing is underway and adopts some fake personality you don't want and can't use. I get some of my best quotes while pretending we're fiddling with lights or audio.