1. Director’s commentary
Starting out with this project I hoped to create a found footage filmthat not only fit into the
conventions of the genre but went beyond and exceeded the expectations of the existing
audience. I wanted this filmto gain a strong emotional response from the audience, using
my post-production techniques to further immerse them so that this could happen. Every
choice I made during the post-production process was made carefully, constantly keeping
what I wanted and what the genre required in mind. From the beginning I had a strong idea
of what effects, music and edits I wanted to use with each of them was carefully chosen to
enhance the film/narrative.
To hit the criteria in this project I needed to do the following:
Use Editing techniques, music and effects appropriately/competently to comply with
the codes and conventions of a genre.
Use post-production techniques effectively so that they enhance the film and create
a narrative.
Use post-production techniques confidently to create a filmthat is creative within its
genre.
To achieve this, I used various techniques in the editing process of making my film, all of
which meet the codes and conventions of the found footage genre. The first post-
production technique I applied to meet conventions is the credits/disclaimer in the
beginning. This is a common feature in the found footage genre because it begins to create
a narrative for the film, giving the audience context to make the film that much more
immersive. On top of the credits I added a music track with dramatic instrumentals fitting of
the horror genre to build up suspense in the beginning of the film, using the cut to beat
technique which matches the beats in the song to the transitions. These post-production
techniques add more impact to the beginning of the film, making for a better viewing
experience for the audience and complying to their expectations for this genre.
The next editing technique I applied was adapting the cut to black transition to fit the
stylistic codes of the genre. Each shot cut to a second of static before moving on to the next
(accompanied with the appropriate diegetic static sounds that enhance what is onscreen).
This was to achieve an emotional response from the audience, the static reminds them that
this isn’t just a regular film. This is supposed to be genuine footage from the disappearance
of two teens, therefore the static transitions take it that much further, becoming
significantly more realistic. Despite my editing technique going against the conventions of
regular film editing, I feel like the noticeable edits in this case make it more convincing.
Which is the goal of the found footage genre.
An effect I applied in my filmis a glitch overlay above certain shots, in scene 4 there is a
moment when the antagonist/villain pauses mid stride, staying in that position for multiple
seconds. Using that static glitch effect on top of that shot makes it look as if the footage has
frozen, creating a more authentic found footage feel that fits within the stylistic codes.
Without this overlay, the shot becomes less engaging and immersive. Another purpose of
2. this effect is to establish this character as dangerous or significant, taking a few seconds to
glitch the footage of them stationary shows the audience that they will play an important
role within the narrative. Especially since it is the first time the footage glitches mid-shot.
Another use of effects is in the climax at the end where the antagonist approaches the
camera. In this case, the glitch effect adds extra tension within the audience and
foreshadows the chaos the characters will experience off camera. My filmhas an open
ending of sorts, the audience have known the two protagonists will disappear from the
beginning. Therefore, the dramatic glitch effect and cut to black create an intense ending
that leave the audience with numerous questions.
Overall, I believe I was able to apply my post-production techniques in a competent and
creative way, taking into account the stylistic codes and conventions of the found footage
sub-genre (and horror genre overall). Including cut to blacks, appropriate glitch overlays
and pleonastic music to enhance what is onscreen and convey parts of the narrative not
made clear by cinematography alone. I’m very pleased with the outcome of this project, I
believe that I was able to take a wide variety of aspects from different found footage films
and turn them into a creative film with a distinctive narrative.
