foundfootagestyle

Found footage is a film or video genre in which a fictional narrative is presented as if all the discovered film or video recordings and is the only existing footage of the narrative. Typically, the footage is presented as if it was found by someone else, or as if the film-maker is documenting an event as it unfolds. The genre often overlaps with horror, science fiction, and thriller films, but can be used in any genre.

The found footage style often employs shaky camera work, naturalistic dialogue, and a lack of professional editing to create a sense of realism and immediacy. Characters are often filmed by themselves or by other characters within the narrative, using camcorders, mobile phones, or other recording devices. This low-fi aesthetic is intended to immerse the viewer in the experience, making them feel as though they are witnessing events unfold in real-time.

Early examples of the found footage style can be traced back to experimental films and documentaries, but the genre gained significant popularity with the release of "The Blair Witch Project" in 1999. This film's success demonstrated the commercial viability of the found footage approach and inspired a wave of similar films.

Common tropes in found footage films include characters who become increasingly isolated or endangered, a gradual build-up of tension and dread, and often an ambiguous or terrifying climax. The narrative is usually driven by the characters' attempts to document their experiences, understand mysterious occurrences, or escape a dangerous situation. The handheld camera perspective is crucial in conveying the characters' subjective experience and heightening the sense of panic or confusion.