The Found Footage Phenomenon (Shudder)

Found footage as a subgenre is often dismissed by the masses as a low-budget filmmaking style. Often reserved for those unable to create a traditional movie. However, this perception fails to acknowledge the dedicated fan base that this genre has amassed. “The Found Footage Phenomenon” is a deep-dive documentary that challenges viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about this innovative approach to storytelling. Featuring an impressive lineup of influential found footage and POV films, this documentary delves into the origins of the genre. It also celebrates its enduring popularity and offers an intriguing glimpse into its future.

If you consider yourself well-versed in the realm of found footage films, you may believe that you have seen it all. But you might be pleasantly surprised as you explore a curated selection of hidden gems and discover new titles that may have eluded your radar. The Found Footage Phenomenon hit streaming platforms on May 19th, 2022.

The Found Footage Phenomenon Trailer

Not only does The Found Footage Phenomenon list epic movies like Rec, Creep, Cannibal Holocaust, and Host while flashing well-known clips on screen but the creators of these films also shed light on how they came to be. What these films were made from and constructed by could very well impact what you might have thought about some of your favorites too.

In addition, the types of cameras that were around at the time heavily impacted the success of some found footage productions from the dawn of their creation. There is a lot of insight into what it takes to make a movie that wants you to believe the footage you are watching is journalistic evidence from someone’s personal video diary. If it makes you google whether the movie was real, surely that’s a good thing, right?

One noteworthy account from the director André Øvredal spoke about how difficult it was to make Troll Hunter. He tells how after the success of his cult-favorite film, people were knocking down his door for him to do another. However, the famed and iconic filmmaker said found footage is far harder to pull off than people give it credit for. Instead, he went on to do the opposite of the Trollhunter movie and completed The Autopsy of Jane Doe instead.

This nifty and informative documentary is directed and produced by Sarah Appleton and Phillip Escott. Scored by music legend Simon Boswell there is plenty to take away in the 101-minute runtime.

Shudder Films

Anecdotal tidbits about old (Blair Witch) and newer found footage (Paranormal) are touched on with fervent glee. Cross-referencing how audiences react to releases and how filmmakers make us wait on purpose for the next big thing makes it very interesting indeed.

The Found Footage Phenomenon is rated

3.5 found footage is scary out of 5

What Was the First Found Footage Movie?

Despite The Cannibal Holocaust often being nominated as the first found-footage feature film ever made, there are plenty of films that came before that. A 1960s title called The Connection cites it as being a found footage film. After that, in 1969 there was a drama called Coming Apart that was also in this subgenre. Films that were known to have used the technique but not within an entire production were a 1960s movie called Peeping Tom which is featured in the documentary as well as the classic psychological thriller Psycho.

If you need further convincing to watch The Found Footage Phenomenon cast includes interviews and appearances from:

• André Øvredal,
• Patrick Brice,
• Ruggero Deodato,
• James Cullen Bressack,
• Eduardo Sánchez,
• Michael Goi,
• Derek Lee,
• Clif Prowse,
• Doron Paz,
• Aislinn Clarke,
• Dean Alioto,
• Alexandra Heller-Nicholas,
• Julian Richards,
• and Stephen Volk.

How Often Does Shudder Add Movies?

Shudder is one of the best platforms for horror around. Mother of Movies gets updates on new movies and monthly additions and reviews regularly. As a fan of the found footage subgenre, Mother of Movies has a load of these horror movie reviews on the website. Some of my personal favorites are:

• The Last Exorcism
• The Taking of Deborah Logan
• The Possession of Michael King
• The Devil Inside
• The Exorcist
• Host
• Creep 1 and Creep 2
• [Rec]