Week 5 Session: Interview and observation

Plan and record people responsibly, choosing between an interview-led and an observational approach.

22 March 2027

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Before the session#

Bring a draft consent conversation and three open questions, or an observational plan that does not require an interview.

In the session#

We practise introductions, permissions and cutaway shots. A role-play review identifies when an interview provides useful evidence and when observation says more.

Afterwards#

Confirm your Assignment 1 subject and seek permission before your main shoot.

Further practice#

• Center for Media & Social Impact: Documentary Ethics provides practical prompts for consent, representation and the responsibilities of filmmakers.
• National Film and Sound Archive: collection and learning is a useful place to study how Australian documentaries frame people and place.

Reference viewing#

Observe an interview-led short work. Which questions remain unheard, and how do cutaway shots affect your trust in the speaker?

Teaching team

• ZIMU LI — convenor