What is Found Footage Filmmaking?

Found footage films often fall outside the traditional filmmaking process. Unlike the carefully crafted scenes and edits seen in mainstream cinema, these films are constructed using seemingly authentic video footage. This can include home movies, dashcams, or amateur recordings that are presented as if they were discovered. Notable examples of found footage films include The Blair Witch Project, No Exit, and Ring.

A Genre-Bending Approach to Storytelling

Found footage films can be found in a variety of genres, but horror is perhaps where they shine the brightest. These films create a sense of authenticity and immediacy, making the viewer feel as though they are witnessing real events unfold before their eyes. The Blair Witch Project, for instance, follows a group of filmmakers who get lost in the woods while investigating a local legend. The use of hand-held cameras and naturalistic dialogue contributes to the film's gritty, authentic feel.

The Origins of Found Footage Films

The concept of found footage filmmaking truly gained popularity with the release of The Blair Witch Project. The film was initially marketed as if it were real—footage discovered in the woods following an actual incident. In reality, it was a carefully crafted work of fiction made to look like it had been filmed by amateurs. This approach was groundbreaking because it blurred the line between reality and fiction, making the movie feel more authentic to audiences.

Real-Life Inspiration and Deception

In the 1990s, a similarly deceptive piece aired on television as a real home video. Called Incident in Lake County, it purported to show footage of an entire family terrorized and abducted by aliens. However, it was later revealed that the "sheriff" in the scene was an actor who had appeared in commercials for the BCLC British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Such deception is a common trope in found footage films, where the authenticity of the footage is often exploited to create a sense of shock and horror.

Character and Perspective in Found Footage Films

The key to found footage films is the perspective and the characters. In these stories, the camerawoman or cameraman is often a character in the film, and the footage is presented as if it was captured by someone who is part of the events. This creates a sense of immediacy and involvement for the audience. In Ring, for instance, the video is captured by a young woman who is herself in danger, giving the film a first-person, direct experience.

The Blair Witch Project: A Genre-Launched Success

The success of The Blair Witch Project cannot be overstated. It was the first major found footage film and set a new standard for the genre. The movie's authenticity was so convincing that it created a grassroots marketing campaign and attracted a large, engaged audience. The real-life feel of the film, combined with its mysterious and suspenseful storyline, made it a critical and commercial success.

Conclusion

Found footage filmmaking has become a staple of modern horror and thriller genres. By using seemingly authentic footage, filmmakers can create a sense of immediacy and authenticity that draws audiences in. From The Blair Witch Project to more recent films like Parasite and The Invitation, the genre continues to evolve and captivate viewers. Understanding the conventions and techniques of found footage filmmaking can provide both creators and audiences with a deeper appreciation for this unique and engaging cinematic art form.