Style and Approach

Kanye West Interview – With Zane Lowe (2014)

For the documentary, we can use close-ups of the interviewees as this can keep the audience interested in watching. I feel that we should have two cameras, one for the wide shots and one for close-ups. In the editing process, we can cut to different cameras to give the interview pacing and engagement.

First image (above) continued with different shot

I like how this is a medium-long shot, with the background behind Kanye West. The background is out of focus but it is appealing to look at. I also like that there is an over the shoulder (OTS) shot of Zane Lowe as it looks like he is having a conversation with the interviewee. The over the shoulder shot will not feature in our documentary but it is a good camera technique.

The Imposter (2012)

The shot here is from the film documentary The Imposter, directed by Bart Layton. The subject is talking directly into the camera. This is known as being a ‘talking head’.  The style of this interview tries to grab the attention of the audience by the subject staring into your TV or laptop screen. The technique makes you feel that the person is actually talking to you. The shot is a medium shot as it’s framed only to see his head and shoulders. There is enough room to add Astons (text on screen) in the right hand side of the shot.

Bowling for Columbine (2002)

This shot is a two shot as it contains two subjects in the frame. This documentary feature is directed by Michael Moore.  I like the framing of this shot as it shows two people interacting with each other and this gives the audience a sense of involvement in the discussion on screen.  As we are not looking to have a presenter in our documentary, I have getting the idea of how to construct a two shot perfectly.