When Making a Documentary Film: Shooting Interviews After B-Roll and Beyond

When creating a documentary film, the sequence and logistics of shooting can often pose challenges. One of these is deciding when to shoot interviews versus B-roll footage. Many professionals recommend gathering as much B-roll as possible, partly because you can never have too much video material to work with during the editing process.

However, the question's phrasing could suggest a deeper query about the sequence of shooting video or film. In that context, the answer is that you can shoot before and after, and even a few weeks later if necessary. The chronological order of shooting typically does not significantly impact the final product.

There are, however, scenarios where shooting in this exact order can be crucial. For instance, imagine you are planning to interview a high-ranking executive at a corporation focused on a controversial topic. If the PR representatives decide to give you a brief tour of the plant to shoot some B-roll, it is possible that their agreement to conduct the interview might be contingent upon this tour.

Strategic Order of Shooting

In such cases, it is important to align the shooting schedule with the PR representatives' preferences. This might mean shooting the B-roll during their tour, followed by the interview site. Once the interview is secured, it becomes much easier to request a return visit if more B-roll footage is needed later.

Pre- and Post-Interview B-Roll

A common practice in documentary filmmaking is to shoot b-roll of the interviewee before and after the interview. This footage can serve multiple purposes. For example, shots of the interviewee working at their desk, talking on the phone, or walking down a hallway can provide context and make the interview section more engaging when compiled with narration.

Moreover, this approach allows for the gathering of additional footage that might be more interesting or revealing. For instance, if the interviewee has a unique or intriguing decorative item in their office, it can add an element of relatability and personality to the interview. Simply having the person show this item can provide valuable b-roll that can be used later for narrative purposes or to highlight the interviewee's personality.

Using B-Roll for Narrative Purpose

B-roll footage also plays a critical role in reinforcing the narrative of the documentary. By including b-roll of the interviewee, you can return to that person later in the film to remind the audience of who they are and what they do. This can be particularly useful in a documentary where multiple individuals are the focus. Using a brief montage of b-roll footage can effectively refresh the viewer's memory, ensuring they are fully engaged throughout the film.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has clarified the process of shooting interviews after B-roll and the strategic approach to documentary filmmaking. Whether you are creating a documentary about a corporate leader or a community leader, the key is to be flexible, collaborative, and prepared with a range of shooting strategies.

Best of luck with your documentary project!