The Mind-Blowing Secret Behind the Unrevealed Documentary Filmmaker in Modern Family
Why Modern Family's decision to keep the documentary filmmaker a mystery added depth and intrigue to the show, elevating its unique mockumentary format and leaving audiences captivated
Summary
Modern Family never addressed why the characters were being filmed, which made the mockumentary aspect more incidental as the seasons progressed.
The documentary crew and the filming process were intentionally kept concealed by the show's creators to maintain authenticity and avoid overindulging in meta elements that could potentially undermine the series' essence.
Initially, the documentary was intended to be produced by a Dutch filmmaker and foreign exchange student named Geert Floortje. However, this idea was eventually discarded in order to prioritize the development of the ensemble cast.
Modern Family utilized a unique storytelling method through direct interactions with a documentary camera. However, the show never delved into the reasons behind why it was being filmed or who was behind the camera. This mockumentary style gained popularity on television through The Office, where employees of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch were documented for an examination of a contemporary American workplace. Although other shows have attempted this format, the absence of explanations about the filming process in Modern Family raises questions. Each sitcom handles the mockumentary aspect differently. Parks and Recreation, for instance, seemed to overlook the concept entirely, while The Office introduced its in-universe film crew as an integral part of its final season without causing much disruption. The Office's finale centered around the revelation of the documentary, providing a cohesive ending. However, when Modern Family concluded after its 11-season run, no explanation was given as to why the Pritchetts and Dunphys were being filmed or speaking to a camera. It appears that this creative decision was made for particular purposes.
Why Modern Family Never Explained Its Mockumentary Format
In a recent interview with EW, Steve Levitan, co-creator of Modern Family, shared that the show consciously chose not to feature the documentary crew or provide an explanation for their presence. This decision was made because it didn't feel appropriate for the series. Levitan and his team were concerned that addressing this aspect towards the end of the show's run could come across as too self-aware or overly cute, potentially disrupting the overall story for fans.
Levitan acknowledged The Office's successful execution of the documentary crew reveal but noted that it differed from Modern Family in that The Office openly acknowledged the documentary filming throughout its entire duration. Unlike The Office, Modern Family never directly addressed the presence of the camera operators or the characters' responses to their prompts. As the seasons progressed, the notion of being filmed became more incidental rather than a central focus of the show.
While Modern Family's original pilot script incorporated the documentarian(s) as an actual presence,
Why Modern Family Was Right To Not Reveal Its Documentary Maker
, the final show may have just placed the characters in front of their own tripod-mounted camera, as the format did not significantly impact the plot. The mockumentary style merely served as a storytelling device, allowing for characters to deliver snarky asides directly to the home viewer, but it did not have a significant impact beyond that. Since Modern Family's final season and series finale received positive reviews, it seems that Levitan and the team made the right decision to not address this particular question.
Introducing the documentary crew within the show's storyline would have detracted from the core essence of Modern Family: the dynamics within the family itself. While The Office managed to successfully incorporate the crew as part of its meta-storytelling technique, Modern Family's whimsical and chaotic tone would have been diminished by the addition of unfamiliar characters in its final episode. Instead, it was the exceptional cast of Modern Family that truly elevated the series and staying true to this principle allowed the show to conclude on a triumphant note.
There Was A Plan For Who Was Filming Modern Family
Modern Family originally had a different plan for its documentary, which involved a Dutch filmmaker and exchange student named Geert Floortje. The idea was for Geert to make a documentary about the Pritchett family, whom he had lived with in the past. The original title of the series was "My American Family."
In addition to directing the documentary, Geert was also supposed to have a role in the show. The storyline would have revealed his past connections with the family, including a crush he had on Claire, and Mitch's crush on him. However, this concept was ultimately abandoned. The ensemble cast and the dynamic relationships between the characters proved to be the true charm of Modern Family, making additional gimmicks unnecessary.
