Codes And Conventions Of An Interview

Here are the codes and conventions of an interview:

• Interviewee is positions to the left or right of frame - if there are multiple interviews then it will alternate.
• Filmed in mid-shot, medium close-up or close-up.
• Questions are edited out.
• M.E.S. - background reinforces the content of the interview or provides more information about the interviewee.
• Graphics used to anchor the person on screen and tells the audience about his involvment with the topic.
• The interviewee looks directly at the interviewer, not the camera.
• If the interviewee is on the right of frame, the interviewer will be on the left of camera and vice-versa.
• Framing follows the rule of thirds - eye-line is a third of the way down the screen.
• There is never a light source behind the interviewee, because it creates a sillouette.
• Cut-aways are editied it between questions.