Cinema Verite is a documentary style using naturalistic techniques like handheld cameras and on-location filming combined with editing and camerawork to provoke subjects. It originated in France in the 1960s using non-actors and location settings rather than studios. Over time, Cinema Verite evolved to use the camera and editing to reveal meaning and allow audiences to experience events. Key techniques include handheld cameras, on-location filming, interviews, voiceovers, and supporting photos or images. Examples that demonstrate these techniques are Roger and Me, West 47th Street, and Grey Gardens.

1. Cinema Verite
Assignment 3
Sanel Homer

2. Definition of Cinema Verite
• Cinema Vertie- is a style of documentary
filmmaking, combining naturalistic techniques
with stylized cinematic devices of editing and
camerawork, staged set-ups, and the use of the
camera to provoke subjects.
My own definition of Cinema Vertie
• is a documentary style of cinematography. it
combines naturalistic techniques with cinematic
editing, camera work and stage set-ups.

3. History of Cinema Verite
It was developed by French film directors in the 1960’s.
Their production techniques did not depend on star quality
actors, sets, props, casts of thousands, special effects
and big budgets which was and is the trend in Hollywood
films. The cinema verite directors would tend to use non-
actors, small hand- held cameras, and actual homes and
surroundings as their location for a film.

4. How it changed over time
• For Historians, Cinema verite has changed to
characterised by the use of camera to provoke and
reveal.
• They rely on editing to give shape, structure and
meaning to the material recorded.
• They capture real life footage so the audience can
see the real meaning and truth and to almost
experience and gain knowledge with them.

5. Characteristic and Techniques
(Forms, Convention)
Characteristic/ Techniques
 Does not use star quality actors
 Hand Held Camera
 Actual Homes
 Everything is shot on Locations
 Tape recorder
 Automobile
CONVETIONS
 Use of interviews
 Quoted Materials
 Voice over commentary
 Supporting Photographs

6. Examples of Cinema Verite

7. Roger and Me By Michael Moore
Handheld Camera
Voice Over Commentary
Use of Interviews

8. WEST 47TH STREET BY BILL LICHTENSTEIN
Interviews Hand Held
Voice over
commentary

9. Grey Gardens By
Supporting Images Hand Held Camera Links back to its History
Supportive quote