T.V.: Mockumentaries

Back on March 24th, 2005 the pilot episode of The Office aired. To the American public, this new style of a scripted documentary show was an exciting change; a camera always moving, looking at people's reactions and following people where they walked. Aside from MTV's real world, the idea of sit-down confessionals where the characters actually talk to the camera was also a new concept. This style of television show is known as a mockumentary and just like the British version of The Office, the American Office followed this style and nailed it. As everyone knows, The Office is one of the most successful t.v. shows of the last decade and is still going strong in its sixth season. What I find interesting is the success and appeal of a mockumentary style show. Since the office, I have encountered 3 more very significant mockumentary style shows. Summer Heights High, an HBO mini-series created by comic genius, Chris Lilley that aired in 2007 followed the mockumentary style along with his We Can Be Heroes which was a predecessor to Summer Heights High. More well-known shows, like Parks and Recreation and the new, highly successful, Modern Family also follow the mockumentary style. So what happened to the studio style comedy?
I think that the appeal of mockumentary style comedy is that it gives the viewer a sense that this office, or family, or school actually exists and that all the activities and comedic events are actually real. If you watch Modern Family, the show genuinely feels like they are taping a real, dysfunctional family. This image is part acting and part character chemistry but without a mockumentary style show, it would just be another family sitcom. There is also a great liking to the character talking right into the camera. When characters talk into the camera, it gives the viewer a sense that they are watching this persons true feelings; it makes it seem like they can tap into this characters psychology instead of just seeing another person being funny. Shows have to decide carefully if they can make a mockumentary style show, I don't think that it is as easy as it looks, but in the world of t.v., so far so good.

Until next time,
Hazy