Great info! The double barrelled question is brilliant and I can't wait to use that. One thing I learned on my last doc: some folks are uncomfortable being on camera (like me!) and one way to break the ice is to get them to talk about something they really love – even if it has nothing to do with what you're after. It will get them animated and excited and make them more at ease. This worked well with a subject who is really into alligator hunting. He had told me at length how to do it, prior to the interview (it's really gross!). When we finally sat down to shoot, I could tell he was nervous and unfocused and his replies weren't useful. After I had him explain how to catch a gator, I got just what I needed.
Great info! The double barrelled question is brilliant and I can't wait to use that. One thing I learned on my last doc: some folks are uncomfortable being on camera (like me!) and one way to break the ice is to get them to talk about something they really love – even if it has nothing to do with what you're after. It will get them animated and excited and make them more at ease. This worked well with a subject who is really into alligator hunting. He had told me at length how to do it, prior to the interview (it's really gross!). When we finally sat down to shoot, I could tell he was nervous and unfocused and his replies weren't useful. After I had him explain how to catch a gator, I got just what I needed.
Great suggestion!