Mockumentary

Conventions
Beni Cobb
What is a Mockumentary?
A mockumentary is a type of film/tv show that presents fictional events in the
style of a documentary to create a parody. They can be in comedic or
dramatic form however the comedic aspect is used more as it appeals to the
audience.
Cinematography
There are many key concepts used in a mockumentary such as camera work
and editing. Many shows such as The Office use many long takes with zooms
and tracking shots to maintain focus on a character and to show their
expressions which adds to the humour aspect. The use of a narrator or a
voice of god is also present in many documentaries and mockumentaries such
as people like David Attenborough and Liam Neeson. The whole movement of
the camera is usually shaky and amature compared to usual tv shows and a
camera crew is usually present too to add to the documentary style.
Sound
Some tv show mockumentaries only contain the opening theme and then it
has no non diegetic sound added in as it is meant to be a real life parody so
it helps keep the realistic feel. Although some movies mockumentaries feature
music but it is added for comedic effect and to appeal to the audience.
General Codes and Conventions
Mockumentaries are usually light hearted and humorous throughout the run
time by using characters dialogue, slapstick humour and scripted events to
make the audience laugh. Many mockumentaries involved real footage or
reenactments that can either be used for the comedic effect or to add filling
shots while a narration.