Verite

[flimflamfilms]

Good morning.

I've got another discussion going regarding the lighting of an interview I shot yesterday.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?p=1297487#post1297487

In this discussion the issue of distracting objects in the background comes up. My very rudimentary understanding of 'cinema verite' leads me to wonder if it is OK to move things out of a scene simply because they are distracting. Granted, this is an interview, but I chose the place because of the scenery.

If you've got a moment, I'd like to hear any thoughts on the idea of changing scenery around in a documentary film.

Cheers,

John

 

[Jeff Anderson]

To me unless its all fair game as long as it doesnt look "staged". I like the verite look and what not, but look at The Office. Its got the look and feel of verite but everything there is there on purpose and doesnt take away from the shot. For me there's no right or wrong about taking stuff away or tossing a few things in as long as it doesnt make it look fake.

 

[plexi]

I agree with Jeff, backgrounds are fair game. My DP spends a lot of time (sometimes too much) arranging the backgrounds of interviewee's offices and homes, but if it results in a better, less-distracting frame, then great.