Example Interview Transcript

What can we learn about an interview transcript's format and conventions from the example below?

1. Copy and paste the following interview transcript into a Word document and highlight any 'oral expressions' (i.e. words and phrases that make this appear like oral communication that has been transcribed).
2. How would you describe the level of formality used in the interview? Why do you think this is the case?
3. What do you notice about the questions and their structure?

Interview transcript

Interviewer: Scott Mills, Radio DJ for BBC

Interviewee: Charlie Brooker, Broadcaster and creator of the dystopian series Black Mirror

Interview Setting: Interview conducted in BBC Radio 1 studios in London. The interview was conducted at 3:30 PM on Wednesday 8th June 2016

Q: Why did you decide to create a series such as Black mirror?

Well, as an author, I think one of the main goals you want to accomplish is to make people FEEL, in such a way most TV series try to, like, reassure people, so I guess that, with Black Mirror I wanted to create something that would... unsettle people continuously. I mean, I thought creating a dystopian world such as the one in this series is the best way to entertain people and, at the same time, kind of… make them think about how far we are going with technology in our private life.

Q: I get that, but why did you decide to create a dystopia other than… I don’t know a zombies series, or some drama?

Hmmm… yeah, I guess that on TV most dramas, or zombie series and all that stuff basically focus either on human’s vain problems, relationships… or they base the action on far post-apocalyptic futures. In this way, I tried to… like… go a step back. (Long pause) Although Black Mirror approaches a near future, its goal is to reflect on today’s world, and the increasing speed at which it’s changing. I guess that’s the reason why I chose a dystopia.

Q: Do you think something of what appears in your series, regarding technology, will eventually become a reality?

laughs) Well, if it does I hope the company that creates it gives me a little commission for the idea! (pause) No, really, being serious now. I think the changes that have been happening over the past 10 years have no precedents in the entire history of humanity, I mean, our world is constantly changing, quicker and quicker, especially regarding technology, so I think that these technologies featured in the series will eventually appear. Maybe not that soon, and maybe not in the same way, but… I STILL think technology will sadly blur the limits of our privacy.