Newton, JulianneMcDaniel, Kyle2016-11-212016-11-212016-11-21https://hdl.handle.net/1794/20729This dissertation examines the origins, applications, and functions of visual effects in the historical documentary film. This research study investigates how aesthetic and editorial practices and tools are used for different image forms and as part of the visual presentation. A research design that implements qualitative interviews, visual analysis, and focus groups was incorporated to examine visual effects and images at three specific sites. The pan-and-zoom effect and its variants as well as select titles from the filmography of Ken Burns were used as case studies for this dissertation. The findings from the analyses suggest that visual effects for still image forms and the repetition of these applications and strategies are significant to the content depicted in images, the scope of the visual presentation, and the capacity for audiences to connect to historical information in the film.en-USAll Rights Reserved.Documentary filmHistoriophotyKen BurnsPhotographyQualitative methodsVisual effectsElectronic Thesis or Dissertation