Conventions of a Mockumentary

For our short film, we decided on a Mockumentary because it will allow us to cover a somewhat serious situtation within a playful and humourous topic.

Conventions of a Mockumentary:

• Interviews with Characters

These are used to add more depth to the characters and get to know them on a personal basis. On paper this is the documentary side to film, however it is the strength of a script and the plot behind it which gives it a comedic feel.

In our film we will use interviews as the main pieces of dialogue. There will be questioning and the odd piece outside of the interview, but it is the interview which will hold the main segments of information. They will also serve as voice overs during some scenes - this may add to the tension of a particular scene or just to make sure the audience does not loose focus during times of silence and pure movement.

• Voice Over

These are used to compliment the acting on screen. They can either introduce a new scene or express to the audience off-screen or on screen happenings to give them information.

Though a convention of mockumentaries, there is no voice over by narrator. We felt as though the plot was self-explanatory and that voice over should be done by the characters to add an 'evolving story' feel.

• On-Screen Text

Used to identify characters, settings and time.

We decided to limit the use of on-screen text because it can often crowd the screen. We are only going to use it during the interviews to introduce the characters.

• Realism

This is the use of natural lighting and sound.

In our film, we will use natural light, even though some filming will be done during the evening. There will be little dubbing or foley work, except for when a little boy yells, because it is near impossible to get the noise loud enough for the camera to pick it up.