Do you include interviews in your preparation to write a screenplay or book of any genre? I do but not all interviews are easy or easy to get. But I’m a big believer that one little stated tidbit, significant or not, just might change your perspective in a split second of how you’ll approach writing your topic. And that’s exciting!
I love interviewing. I ask a lot of questions. To anyone. Anywhere. All the time. My dad told me long ago I should have been a lawyer. He still tells me but I digress.
The easy part of interviewing when researching your topic is simply contacting a writer of an article you read or another kind of source and dig a little deeper into what the writer already stated. After all, the that writer has done the research. And these kinds of writers always want to talk about their published work. Or in the case of my thriller script, I simply picked up the phone and had a 5 minute conversation with a police detective to verify proper procedure for a unique situation regarding a restraining order. For my project, ORBS, I’ll get interviews and firsthand experience with the flying lights when I visit locations renowned for their constant presence. I can’t wait. You can’t write more effectively than first-hand experience.
But what if your topic is someone else’s true story? Here’s the thing…when it comes to interviewing for a true story, it’s not that easy, especially when it’s a sensitive topic as suicide or attempted suicide, broken relationships, murder, medical neglect, abuse, etc.
People don’t like to be questioned…there are secrets, discomfort, exposure and these days, danger in what may be revealed. But there is also joy in being able to open up about buried feelings, to be credited for revealing facts about someone you love that will help him or her.
But there is always…fear. The stomach of the interviewee tightening, the brain wondering if the true story will be accurately portrayed or if too much is being said, the heart palpitating that this is just too personal or painful and will my loved one be angry with me? Let them process these feelings, give them time and don’t push them to respond to you. They will eventually.
I’m currently interviewing key players for my next project – a true event. It’s an inspirational story. You’ll tear up. It’s a very personal story and it’s not mine. So far, my interviews are fabulous, honest, emotional, factual, detailed. But it took longer than I wanted to finally get 2 of 3 key people to consent to an interview. I admit I was nervous they would decline, that maybe it’s too difficult a topic for them to talk about and fear they may be perceived negatively. But, after I explained they are very important people in the life of their loved one, that the story must be told accurately, and sharing a couple of questions I would ask, they felt comfortable and agreed. Patience IS the key.
I share with you below the most effective steps to get, conduct and conclude an interview:
1. Introduce yourself, preferably in person. This starts a relationship. Give them your card.( I made it a point to attend an event specifically to meet the family of the individual
whose story I optioned). Phone is the next choice.
2. On your initial or follow up call, explain what you are doing and what you would like to ask them.
3. Inform them they will be videotaped so that there will be no discrepancies in what is said thus avoiding the “I didn’t say that” declaration. This is why it’s always best to
interview in person more than writing/recording phone conversations.
4. Set the date, time and location where they will feel most comfortable
5. Let them know they will need to sign a release form (there are many sample forms to choose from online) that allows you to use their words, likeness (i.e., as character) and that
you have the right to alter dialogue or actions to fit what’s best to tell the story. I call it creative license but I explain to the interviewee that sometimes reality doesn’t
always translate well on screen. I have never had a problem with anyone signing.
6. Write out all your questions you want answered and don’t forget to take them with you.
7. When taping, just have a conversation. Let them speak. They will tell you more than they planned. Your questions are just a guide. Don’t overdo it.
8. At interview’s end, thank them and ask permission to contact them for a follow up or clarification. Make sure they have your contact info. Then leave.
9. They may request a transcript and/or copy of the video. Get it to them ASAP.
Have patience during the interview process. They’ll talk. You’ll get what you need and you’ll have far better story to tell than what you originally thought.
