In this article
Understanding of Found Footage
There is something about found footage that immediately draws you in. The shaky camera, the rough sound, and the unfinished look make everything so real, almost like you are living the moment yourself. That is why it has become such a popular method of storytelling, particularly in horror and documentaries.
In this article, we'll answer the question what does "found footage" mean, break down its main characteristics, its application, what to avoid, and lastly, how to create your own found style clips.
Found footage is a style of storytelling where the film or video is presented as if the clips were discovered recordings, made by the characters themselves.
In video editing, this refers to arranging raw clips, often shaky or unpolished, into a sequence that feels natural and unedited. Editors use jump cuts, glitches, or abrupt starts and stops to make the footage look authentic. The goal of this is to create the feeling that the viewer is watching "real" material rather than a crafted production.
Major Characteristics of Found Footage
Certain characteristics that define what is a found footage movie, and separate it from traditional videos include:
Common Application Found Footage in Video Production
With its raw style and immersive effect, found footage has spread far beyond horror. It's now widely used in documentaries, investigative journalism, screen-based films, and even online content.
Let's examine how this unique style fits into various storytelling formats.
Found Footage Mistakes You Should Avoid
While found footage is about imperfection, there's still a balance to strike. Here are common mistakes creators make, and how to avoid them.
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
| Excessive Special Effects | Keep it natural and let the raw camera style do the work |
| Overuse of Shaking or Specific Camera Angles | Balance shaky moments with steady shots to keep it watchable |
| Not Using Sound Design Effectively | Focus on natural sounds like footsteps, breathing, or background noise |
| Overly Complex Editing | Keep your cuts simple and minimal so the story feels authentic |
How to Create/Edit a Found Footage in Filmora
By now, you might be thinking that creating a found footage clip is very difficult. Fortunately, tools like Wondershare Filmora make the whole process easy.
Filmora is a popular video editing software that most video creators use for creating and editing videos and images because of its ease of use, amazing editing options, and AI tools.
Here's how you can create your own found footage with this software:
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Smart Tricks to Level Up Your Found Footage in Filmora
Try these tricks if you want your project to go from good to unforgettable. They'll help you push realism even further without overcomplicating your edit.
Conclusion
Found footage is about making your audience feel like they're peeping into something real, even when it's carefully edited. And with Filmora, you can organize your clips, add effects, fine-tune sound, and even spice it up with tricks like motion tracking and glitch transitions. So, don't just read and stop there. Download Filmora today and start creating your own catchy found footage videos!
