Why Don't Documentary Makers Mic Their Questions?
Documentary makers need to consider how not micing their questions affects viewer experience – without hearing both sides of the conversation viewers may feel unsatisfied with what they have seen due lack of context provided by unanswered questions posed by interviewers during filming
Dec. 27, 2022 5:01AM
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A microphone next to a camera lens pointing towards two people talking in front of a backdrop
Documentaries are a great way to learn about the world around us. They provide insight into different cultures, events, and people that we may not otherwise have access to. But one thing that can be frustrating for viewers is when documentary makers don’t mic their questions. This means that viewers often miss out on important context or information because they can’t hear what the interviewer is asking. It’s understandable why some documentary makers choose not to mic their questions. It can be time consuming and expensive to do so, as well as intrusive for those being interviewed. However, it’s also important to consider how this affects the viewer experience. Without being able to hear the questions, viewers are left with only half of the story - they don’t know what prompted certain responses or why certain topics were discussed in more detail than others. The best documentaries allow viewers to feel like they are part of the conversation by providing both sides of it - both the interviewer's questions and the interviewee's answers. This allows them to draw their own conclusions and make up their own minds about whatever topic is being discussed without feeling like something has been left out or glossed over. When documentary makers take shortcuts such as not micing their questions, it can lead to an incomplete viewing experience which leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied and frustrated with what they have seen. It also makes it difficult for them to trust what they have watched if there is no context provided for certain statements or conversations that took place during filming. Ultimately, micing questions is an essential part of creating a successful documentary film and should not be overlooked by filmmakers who want their work to stand out from the crowd and provide a comprehensive look at whatever subject matter they are exploring. By taking this extra step, filmmakers will ensure that viewers get a complete picture of whatever topic they are discussing while also providing them with enough context so that they can form their own opinions on it without feeling like something has been left out or glossed over in order for someone else's agenda to be pushed forward instead.