Thread: Question about a mockumentary...

I want my screenplay to be shot with one camera
and one sound guy. This is because these people will
feature in part of the action and dialogue. I want the
shots to look improvised with a realistic microphone range.
They're supposed to be amateurs and there will be
a distinct lack of post-production editing.

Could I just establish this in a paragraph at the start of the script
and then write it like any other comedy?

Or would I have to constantly write action for the camera to
give that effect?

I know camera direction is something usually best left out of the
writers hands but I'm afraid that the reader of my script might not
picture the scenes like I do without detailed camera direction...

Ext. Forest
CAMERA MAN "Bob" runs through the forest, tripping over tree roots. One hand holds steady the camera perched on his shoulder. He looks back to SOUND MAN STEVE.
"That Blair Witch bitch better not come a'knockin!'"

Soundman Steve
Holding mic boom like a two-handed sword. Sweaty face, mascara running.
"Yeah, bro."

....

sorry if I didn't format that right. been a long time since screen writing 101. if they are involved in the story, you write them in as characters. that's just my...take...on it.

Is it as simple as that? But I'm not really sure how I can introduce the
concept. Could I just use a sentence of action like:

CAMERON operates the camera and MICHAEL operates the microphone.

Then when I write something like "Cameron turns around" the fact the camera turns with him would be implied.
Could I do that, or do I have to keep writing actual shot descriptions?

I don't know any of the standards, but Mike's advice seems pretty good. Is he really named Cameron? That's awesome! I keep pronouncing it in my head as "CammerON."