Great interviews are the backbone of compelling unscripted videos. Whether you’re filming a documentary or creating content for a client, mastering the art of the interview is essential to crafting a story that resonates.

Why Soundbites Matter

The best interviews don’t just inform—they connect. A great soundbite captures emotion, insight, and personality in a way that drives your story forward. But getting those moments requires preparation, intentionality, and active listening.

Steps to Mastering Your Interviews

1. Start with a Story Map. Before you sit down with your subject, know what story you want to tell. This will guide your questions and help you capture the moments that matter. Write down 5-7 key themes you want to explore during the interview.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions. Encourage your subject to share stories, not just facts. Replace “Do you like your job?” with “What inspired you to start this career?”
3. Listen and Dig Deeper. Don’t just stick to your list of questions—listen for opportunities to ask follow-ups that uncover deeper insights. After each answer, ask, “Can you tell me more about that?”
4. Balance Objective & Subjective Soundbites. Capture both the play-by-play of events (objective) and personal emotions or reflections (subjective). For every fact-based question, follow up with, “How did that make you feel?”
5. Focus on Details. Specifics make stories relatable and memorable. Look for moments where your subject describes something tangible or personal. Ask for vivid descriptions: “What did the room look like when it happened?”

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