How do your products represent social groups or issues?
My product represents social groups and issues by having the person being interviewed be reserved for most of the film. Having them act like that gives people who would’ve felt awkward in the same, or similar, situation something to relate to. For the introverted, it may be difficult to express themselves and speak with others unless it’s on the topic of something they are passionate about. This is shown in the film. The director does not come off as confident, but when they get into costume and speak about their passion, they are a lot more extroverted and animated. Because they are shown someone that is similar to them, those who are introverted may feel more comfortable or less guilty with who they are. Those who have felt guilt for not talking more or is dissatisfied with how shy they are can find refuse to see someone else who is like them. Not only will this give introverted people someone to relate to, but it may also give others a good idea on how to approach these people. Someone who wants to become friends with an introverted person but is unable can watch the film and see that introverted are more likely to open up when talking about a topic they enjoy. Although this may not be true for every introverted person, it can help everyone in general. If people are able to reach out and connect with those who are naturally reclusive, then impossible friendships can form more often.
How do the elements of your production work together to create a sense of ‘branding’?
There were many different parts of the film that was able to be turned into a brand easily. Over the course of production, the Dark Figure became the mascot of the film unintentionally. While making social media posts, the Dark Figure was most likely the subject of the image and while talking about the film, I found the Dark Figure to be the most interesting part of the conversation. The Dark Figure being the unknown force of the film gave me the opportunity to make him whatever he needed to be. In the film he would be the antagonizing force, but in promotional material he could be the main character’s reluctant friend. The first image I made for social medias was of the main character and the Dark Figure sitting next to each other. In the film, this would be impossible. Despite the audience not fully knowing the intent of the Dark Figure, it was safe to assume that he wouldn’t willingly sit next to the main character for a photo. The mystery of his character lent itself perfectly to the brand due to his anonymity. Had I thought of social media more during the planning of the film, I most likely would have made the main character the mascot. The social media accounts would be controlled by a reclusive main character who could have called out for help online or asked about the weird sights they’ve been seeing. Instead, the Dark Figure was able to steal the spotlight and become the “Face of the Film.”
How do your products engage with the audience?
The film I ended up with engaged with the audience by answering the questions they would have had about the film. The interview is a perfect way to explain more about the actual film and address any misconceptions or rumors. The answers asked during the interview could easily be asked by someone who is following the film and wants to know about the production process. Having an interview with the maker of the film gives the audience glimpse into what it is like making the film, what experiences and slip-ups have happened during the process, and if film making is fun. It also allows for the audience to see who the maker of the film is. They can see what their personality is like and possibly form an opinion on them without having to meet them face to face. Without meeting me or watching the film, audience members can see that I’m introverted and shy to talk on camera but passionate about film making. As mentioned before, the audience is meant to see that I, or at least the persona I put on in the film, is shy. This persona can get the audience to connect with me more personally and possibly liken themselves to me if they are similar in how they act. If they audience is unable to see themselves in me or my character, then it is still possible that I remind them of a friend or can decide on if they like my personality or not.
How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?
My research included looking into two different genres: mockumentaries and psychological horrors. When looking into psychological horrors, I was able to see how the characters were written. For example, looking into “American Psycho” showed me that the main character is not supposed to be outright insane or different from other people. Instead, the main character of the film blended in with his colleagues and kept everyone’s trust in him. The opposite was taught to me when I looked into “The Silence of The Lambs.” That film showed me that if the main character was going to be outright in their “special” behaviors, then there must be something to them that makes them threatening. Hannibal Lector’s demeanor was creepy, and it did not allow the audience to guess what was going to happen next at all. When incorporating my research into my original psychological horror script, I wanted the film to show off that the main character had something wrong with them from the start. Then, it would continue to show how the main character was steadily getting worse. When looking into mockumentaries, I learned that the aim was to be funny, but there was still room to have information. I incorporated this into my interview by having a contrasting behavior between the director of the film and the interviewer. In the full script, the interviewer is obviously not interested in wasting time and allowing the director to explain himself or fully talk about the film and this is contrasted by the director who gets excited about the film and talking about it.
