A Look at Visual Journalism Techniques
- Matt Gross
- Sep 9, 2018
- 3 min read
Links to interviews: 60 Minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTmX9omTTGY
To get a better understanding of what it takes to put together a well-produced interview, it’s essential to watch ones of different platforms. The three interviews I have included, are all based from separate network platforms such as Fox Sports, CBS, and even a local Alabama news site. This allows one to see the different story-telling techniques that are used, and effective, within each type of interview.
Starting out with the interview conducted by 60 minutes of CBS, it incorporates the memories and personal experiences told by John Gotti Jr., son of the famed New York City mobster Jon Gotti. The interview starts out with an emotional grabber right off the bat. It includes a shot of Gotti Jr. explaining his love for his father, and how he would do anything for him. This introduces emotions felt not only by Gotti Jr., but for the audience as well, as they can feel how close these two really were. Gotti jr. recalls memories of his childhood and the interactions he had with his father. At critical points, when questions were asked that pertained to sensitive subjects of Gotti jr.’s, the camera would move in closer than an average close up, but in fact an extreme close up capturing the emotions on his face. Throughout the interview, there are continuous cut-out shots that show Gotti jr.’s father. It seemed that John Gotti played as much a role in this interview as his own son did. It reminded me of what author Al Tompkins once wrote, referring to people remembering more of what they fee than what they may hear or read. A big part of this technique stems from the interviewer, Steve Kroft, asking personal and direct questions. These were memories of Jon Gotti jr.’s that evoked various feelings such as love, pain, and attachment; which was a central theme of this interview.
Moving on to the next two interviews, they each involve some of the most distinctive figures in all of sports. There are some similarities between these two, with some notable differences as well. The interview conducted by Fox includes super-bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady. What stood out to me quickly, was the unique setting. The interview is held right off to the side of the practice field. We can see the sweat on Tom Brady’s face, the football in his hands, shoulder pads on, the play call sheet on his wrist band, and even the field in the background. This allows for both viewers AND Brady, to feel like it’s a true football environment. It makes a big difference compared to hosting it in a closed environment, such as one of their studios. For Fox to get out into the elements, it adds that extra sense of realism throughout the interview.
In my last and final interview, Alabama football Head Coach Nick Saban meets up one-on-one with Basketball Hall-of Famer Charles Barkley. Again, a unique use of the setting in this interview, adds a great aspect to the storytelling of both subjects. Former Auburn University star Charles Barkley travels to his deepest rivals’ home of Tuscaloosa, Alabama to meet with Saban. The interview is held in Alabama’s basketball arena, the sport that Barkley formerly played. It adds great balance for both sides of the interviewer, and the interviewee. It also adds a sense of comfort for the two as they are both in their “natural habitat”. I think this really helped Saban open up a little more than he typically does to interviewer’s. He was telling personal stories, firsthand experiences, and even routines that he has with his players.
To wrap things up, I noticed a handful of both similarities as well as differences between each of these interviews. Each one contains a different type of interview subject that requires a certain category of questions to be asked; which was well exemplified by each interviewer. Cut-out shots and soundbites were used effectively to portray what was not only on the screen, but what the interviewee was trying to convey to the audience. As I’m still early on my knowledge of visual journalism techniques, what stood out to me the most was how much preparation and execution went on off the screen to match what was put on-screen.
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