The last broadcast (1998)
Due to the poor ratings for the paranormal show Fact or Fiction, hosts Steven and Locus accept a fan's suggestion to explore the Pine Barrens of New Jersey in search of the Jersey Devil. The hosts assemble a group of four that enter the woods and broadcast their experience live for viewers to observe. Three of the men died in the woods with only one man, Jim Suerd, surviving placing him as a leading suspect in the murders. Suerd dies in prison under mysterious circumstances, officially closing the case. The unsolved murder lays dorment until documentary filmmaker David Leigh receives a mysterious box with the raw footage of the actual crimes taking place. The found footage proves the innocence of the wrongfully convicted Suerd and records the identity of the unlikely killer, who's penchant for murder will never cease.
What is interesting to note about The Last Broadcast is that it is a precursor to The Blair Witch Project in terms of narrative and visual style. Both films feature a group of filmmakers entering the woods in search of a mysterious spirit and not return, leaving only their footage as evidence. Unlike Blair Witch that uses found footage for the length of the narrative, The Last Broadcast exchanges various narrative positions including first-person found footage clips, third-person scenes of murder, and traditional interviewing shots of subjects. As well, it is reflexive in that the found footage is being watched by the filmmakers and the audience, revealing the editing practices and analysis of the footage within the framework of the narrative. While the critics were not too kind with this film, it is important example that demonstrates the various narratives that can be achieved with the use of found footage material.
Directors: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
Writers: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
Cast: David Beard, Jim Steward, Rein Clabbers
Running Time: 86 minutes
Year: 1998
Studio: FFM Productions
Official Website: www.thelastbroadcastmovie.com
What is interesting to note about The Last Broadcast is that it is a precursor to The Blair Witch Project in terms of narrative and visual style. Both films feature a group of filmmakers entering the woods in search of a mysterious spirit and not return, leaving only their footage as evidence. Unlike Blair Witch that uses found footage for the length of the narrative, The Last Broadcast exchanges various narrative positions including first-person found footage clips, third-person scenes of murder, and traditional interviewing shots of subjects. As well, it is reflexive in that the found footage is being watched by the filmmakers and the audience, revealing the editing practices and analysis of the footage within the framework of the narrative. While the critics were not too kind with this film, it is important example that demonstrates the various narratives that can be achieved with the use of found footage material.
Directors: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
Writers: Stefan Avalos, Lance Weiler
Cast: David Beard, Jim Steward, Rein Clabbers
Running Time: 86 minutes
Year: 1998
Studio: FFM Productions
Official Website: www.thelastbroadcastmovie.com