Sometimes you want to sneak a peek into someone’s life, and there’s a film genre that lets you do just that through their eyes. Find out more about found footage!
What is found footage
In filmmaking, stories that are not real are made, and the audience knows it. But there is also a genre that tries to convince them that what is on the screen is not fake.
It is the found footage, and the meaning is reflected in its name – the genre presents the story as if someone accidentally found someone else’s tape. Key characteristics include:
- Imitation of amateur filming. Shaky frames, unexpected camera movements, and unprofessional framing are used.
- Films like these rarely have musical accompaniment to maintain a sense of reality.
- The characters film everything, explaining the presence of the camera in the story. The movie may also begin by explaining that the audience will see recordings discovered after some events.
- Documentary style, such as the inclusion of interviews and captions, is used to enhance the impression that the events are real.
How and why use it
This genre has unique characteristics that allow it to be used effectively in a variety of contexts.
Found footage is used in horror movies, as well as disaster and sci-fi ones, where elements of surprise and psychological tension are important. The format can also be used to create documentaries, pseudo-documentaries, and art-house films.
Additionally, the found footage style can be used for satirical or critical works discussing contemporary social phenomena, as well as for creating viral videos that look like real events to capture the attention of the audience.
Real found footage
The found footage genre has been widely used in documentaries, investigative journalism, video blogs, and online projects, demonstrating its versatility and powerful impact on audiences.
For example, Casey Neistat, a video blogger and director, often uses this style in his vlogs, documenting his daily life, travels, and projects through simple, casual footage.
There is also a documentary project "Life in a Day", created by Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald. Thousands of people sent in videos of a day in their lives, and it was edited into a feature-length film.
Artificial lost footage movies
When getting acquainted with the genre, many may wonder what was the first found footage film. While "The Blair Witch Project" is one of the most famous examples, the first may be Shirley Clarke’s "The Connection".
In the "Paranormal Activity" series, found footage is used in the later films as a callback to the previous ones.
Other notable movies include "Cloverfield", which brought the genre into the realm of disaster films and science fiction, successfully combining elements of action and thriller.
Documented faux reality
What is a pseudo-documentary? This question may arise for those who are interested in the documentary style. So-called mockumentaries can also belong to the genre of found footage, especially when they parody it.
One such example is "What We Do in the Shadows", a comedic mockumentary about the lives of a group of vampires living in New Zealand. Although not a found footage film in the classic sense, the film uses elements of found footage and documentary style to comedic effect.
There’s also "Noroi: The Curse", a Japanese horror mockumentary about a journalist investigating a series of strange events linked to an ancient curse. It’s considered one of the best examples of the genre in Japanese cinema, successfully combining documentary style and horror elements.
Effective use in vlogs
Using the found footage style for your vlog can add uniqueness to the content. This approach creates a realistic feel, which can increase viewer engagement. Here are some ways to use the style in vlog:
- If you are a travel vlogger, film your travels as if the viewer is finding these videos after your trip. Show both the positive and the difficult moments.
- For lifestyle vlogs, you can shoot with an emphasis on live, unscripted moments. Show your personal moments and experiences as they are, without preparation and staged shots.
- If you are researching some topic, film the process of your research and discoveries. Report on events, allowing viewers to see the process of searching for information.
When it comes to video editing, try to keep the look of the footage unprofessional. Avoid excessive use of special effects and smooth transitions. You can leave the visuals untouched at all – or use filters if you want to add a retro feel.
FAQs
What is found footage?
It is a filming style in which much or all of the content consists of footage shot by seemingly random people rather than professional cameramen. This footage typically depicts events as if they were found after they happened, often creating a documentary-style effect.
What are some legal considerations when using found footage in vlogs?
If you don’t create the footage yourself, but use someone else’s, it may be subject to copyright. Make sure you don’t use such materials without permission, or use them in accordance with fair use guidelines.
How to edit found footage to seamlessly integrate it into a vlog?
For this genre, a small number of special effects is better, but most often color filters are used to create an "old camera" effect. In the same way, you can apply natural-sounding noises and sound interference for audio. As a transition, the channel-switching effect is quite common.
Conclusion
The found footage genre offers a unique way of storytelling that can make stories look more realistic and compelling. Although it has its limitations and drawbacks, its popularity is a testament to the fact that audiences appreciate this creative and interesting approach to filmmaking.
