Theater, Production, Acting, Practice Clip by Yuki Film

Documentary interviews are the single most important element in telling a story and providing insight into a topic or issue. They allow the audience to hear directly from the people involved, adding a personal and emotional element to the film. Interviews also provide a sense of authenticity and credibility to the documentary.

By featuring experts or individuals with firsthand experience, the audience can trust the information being presented.

Documentaries are a powerful medium for telling real-life stories and shedding light on important issues. And at the heart of every great documentary is a compelling interview with an expert or subject. But how do you find the right people to interview for your documentary?

Let’s dive into some things you need to know to cast for interviews for documentaries then we’ll give you some tips for picking the best subjects for your film.

7 Tips for Casting for Documentaries

When it comes to casting for interviews in documentaries, it’s important to find the right experts or subjects who can provide valuable insights and add depth to your film. Here are some tips for selecting the best people to interview for your documentary.

1. Define Your Documentary’s Focus

Before you start casting for interviews, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the focus and message of your documentary. This will help you identify the types of experts or subjects you need to interview.

If your documentary is about climate change, you may want to interview scientists, activists, and individuals who have been directly affected by the issue. Having a defined focus will also help you narrow down your search and find the most relevant and compelling interviewees.

2. Research Potential Interviewees

Once you have a clear focus for your documentary, it’s time to start researching potential interviewees. This can include reaching out to experts in the field, attending conferences or events related to your topic, and even using social media to find individuals who may be interested in being interviewed.

It’s important to thoroughly research potential interviewees to ensure they are knowledgeable and credible sources. You can also look for individuals who have been featured in other documentaries or media outlets, as this can add credibility to your film.

3. Consider Diversity and Representation

When casting for interviews, it’s important to consider diversity and representation. This not only adds depth and perspective to your film, but it also ensures that a variety of voices and experiences are represented.

Be intentional about seeking out individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This will not only make your documentary more inclusive, but it can also attract a wider audience.

4. Conduct Pre-Interviews

Before finalizing your interviewees, it’s a good idea to conduct pre-interviews. This can help you get a sense of the person’s personality, knowledge, and ability to articulate their thoughts and experiences.

Pre-interviews can also help you determine if the person is a good fit for your documentary and if they will be able to contribute valuable insights.

This can save you time and resources in the long run by avoiding interviews that may not be beneficial for your film.

5. Look for Compelling Personal Stories

Nonfiction films often focus on personal stories and experiences. When casting for these types of films, it’s important to look for individuals with compelling and relatable stories that will resonate with the audience.

These stories can be about overcoming challenges, achieving success, or simply living an interesting and unique life. By featuring personal stories, you can create a more emotional and engaging film.

6. Consider the Visual Element

Nonfiction films often rely heavily on visuals to tell a story. When casting for these types of films, it’s important to consider the visual element and how the subject will come across on camera.

Look for individuals who are comfortable in front of the camera and have a dynamic presence. This will help bring your film to life and keep the audience engaged.

7. Be Sensitive to Sensitive Topics

Nonfiction films often tackle sensitive and controversial topics. So, it’s important to be sensitive to the subject’s experiences and ensure they are comfortable sharing their story.

Be transparent about the topic and the purpose of the film, and give the subject the opportunity to ask questions and voice any concerns. It’s important to build trust and a good rapport with the subject to ensure a successful and respectful interview.

Pre-interview Process

Now that you have some tips for casting experts and subjects for your documentary, here are some best practices to keep in mind during the casting process.

1. Be Organized and Professional

When reaching out to potential interviewees, it’s important to be organized and professional. This includes having a clear and concise pitch for your film, providing all the necessary information, and being respectful of the person’s time.

Be sure to follow up promptly and keep all communication organized to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

2. Be Transparent About the Process

It’s important to be transparent about the casting process and what the interviewee can expect. This includes providing information about the film, the interview format, and any potential compensation or release forms.

Being transparent can help build trust and ensure that the interviewee is comfortable and prepared for the interview.

3. Be Respectful of Boundaries

During the interview, it’s important to be respectful of the subject’s boundaries. This includes avoiding sensitive or triggering topics, giving the subject breaks if needed, and being mindful of their comfort level. It’s also important to respect the subject’s privacy and only share information that has been agreed upon beforehand.

4. Prepare Questions in Advance

Before the interview, it’s important to prepare a list of questions to guide the conversation. These questions should be open-ended and allow the interviewee to share their thoughts and experiences in their own words.

It’s also a good idea to have a few follow-up questions prepared in case the conversation needs to be redirected or expanded upon.

5. Listen and Engage

During the interview, it’s important to actively listen to the interviewee and engage with them. This means paying attention to their responses, asking follow-up questions, and showing genuine interest in their story.

Active listening can also help the interviewee feel more comfortable and open up about their experiences.

6. Be Flexible

While it’s important to have a plan for the interview, it’s also important to be flexible and adapt to the conversation. This means being open to unexpected topics or stories and allowing the interviewee to lead the conversation if needed.

Being flexible can lead to more authentic and engaging interviews.

Are You Ready?

Casting for your documentary isn't just about filling interview slots – it's about showing the film's full potential. Remember, organization, transparency, and respect are your casting cornerstones.

Active listening and flexibility during interviews are the tools that will help you bring those golden nuggets to life. With this approach, you'll film a documentary that resonates deeply with viewers, leaving a lasting impact.

By following these key steps, you’ll connect together powerful narratives from the perfect documentary casting choices. You'll find those hidden gems – the experts and subjects who fuel your story and engage your audience.

Speaking of hidden gems, Are you looking for a place to shoot your vulnerable interviews professionally?

You’re in luck, look no further than Slate Studio in Providence, Rhode Island.

Our intimate, state-of-the-art space provides pristine acoustics, perfect for capturing crystal-clear interviews that provides a comfortable safe space for your experts and subjects. At Slate Studio PVD, our space is designed for smooth filming and comfort for everyone involved. Book a call now.

Casting for Documentary Interviews