Interview 1

I arranged to conduct my first interview with the couple who had the strange experience with the piano.

I decided that my interview technique should be very informal, and although I already feel they were telling me the truth about what happened to them (the first time I heard it), I would play devil's advocate. In other words, I would try to put forward some other scenarios to test their evidence. If the story isn't really believable, I don't think it will be good enough to be used in my project.

The main thing that I'm worried about in conducting these interviews, is that, if the video doesn't come out right, it will be difficult to re-interview these people, and have them talk to me with the same conviction. I will bring along a seperate voice recorder to boost the sound. I may not use all the video footage as I am thinking that these stories may be either animated or acted out, but I would like to keep the original footage, if only for authenticity, and as a keepsake for the clients.

My last statement led me to thinking about a local man who put together a CD with recordings of some of the local characters telling funny stories. This was very successful in our neighborhood, and in led to him writing a book on the locality. I realize that that wouldn't necessarily be what I want to do, but the video recordings could be in some way kept for posterity.

Exploring my options

I have been racking my brain trying to think what my options would be to portray my subject through digital media. I have been looking at various books, videos, interactive apps and films with a view to make my final decision. All of these options have their own value. A simple book would be a great asset, however, it would not show my digital media abilities. I am leaning towards doing short video recordings and having the content transcribed onto an e-magazine. If I do this, I feel that I will be utilizing some of my digital media know-how.

I have been in touch with some of my friends who have had strange experiences, and they all seem to agree to tell their stories while being recorded.

My first interviewees are a married couple who had a strange experience when they acquired a piano from a famous hotel in Howth, County Dublin. I have a definite date for that interview.

The second interview is with one of my neighbours. She is in her early seventies, and her interview is about some strange sightings out of her landing window, into the overlooked graveyard.

I have also spoken to a lady in the neighbourhood, who tells of her experience of an imminent death in her family, and hearing the banshee crying.

There are many more people who have shared their strange experiences with me, but I'm not sure that I will be able to fit them all in for this project.