Interviewer

Definition

An interviewer is a person who conducts interviews to gather information, opinions, or personal experiences from individuals, often in a structured or semi-structured format. This role is crucial when working with non-actors, as interviewers must be skilled at creating a comfortable environment that encourages genuine responses, helping to capture authentic storytelling and emotions during the filming process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interviews with non-actors often require interviewers to build rapport quickly to elicit genuine and emotive responses.
2. The interviewer must adapt their questioning style based on the subject's comfort level and familiarity with the interview process.
3. Active listening is a key skill for interviewers, allowing them to ask follow-up questions that deepen the conversation and draw out more insightful answers.
4. Creating a safe and non-judgmental environment is essential for interviewers to help subjects feel at ease, which can lead to more candid responses.
5. Preparation is important; interviewers should research their subjects beforehand to ask relevant questions that resonate with the interviewee's experiences.

Review Questions

• How does an interviewer build rapport with non-actors to elicit authentic responses?
  • An interviewer builds rapport with non-actors by establishing trust and creating a comfortable atmosphere during the interview. This involves using open body language, active listening, and showing empathy towards the interviewee's experiences. By being approachable and supportive, the interviewer encourages the subject to share their thoughts and feelings more freely, leading to more authentic storytelling.
• What are some effective interview techniques that can enhance the quality of responses from non-actors?
  • Effective interview techniques include using open-ended questions that encourage elaboration, practicing active listening to show genuine interest, and adapting the pace of the interview based on the subject's comfort. Additionally, using silence strategically can prompt deeper reflections from the interviewee. These techniques help create an engaging dialogue that results in richer and more detailed insights.
• Evaluate the impact of an interviewer’s approach on the overall success of documentary filmmaking involving non-actors.
  • The interviewer’s approach can significantly influence the success of documentary filmmaking involving non-actors by determining how well subjects convey their stories. A skilled interviewer who fosters trust and openness can elicit powerful narratives that resonate with audiences. Conversely, a poor approach may lead to superficial responses or discomfort, detracting from the authenticity and emotional depth crucial to compelling documentaries. Therefore, the interviewer plays a pivotal role in shaping both the content and impact of the film.

Related terms

Interview Technique: The methods and strategies employed by an interviewer to effectively engage with subjects and extract meaningful information.

Non-Actor: An individual who does not have formal acting training or experience but may be featured in a production for their authentic representation of a character or story.

Documentary Filmmaking: A filmmaking genre focused on documenting reality, often relying heavily on interviews and the perspectives of real people.