Are You Still There?
UEL Dissertation Project: Short Film, 2025
Insight
The stigma surrounding technology addiction can negatively impact the self esteem of young people who feel powerless in changing their habits. This short documentary film aims to bring attention to the common problems that push young adults towards escapist activities, giving viewers a better understanding of their own behaviour while educating a wider audience, thus reducing stigma.
Concept
The film follows three interchanging narratives that illustrate the different problems that drive young adults towards escapism. Live action footage is merged with animated content to illustrate how technology is part of our everyday reality, and the emotional impact it can have.
Challenges
Working along with actors and a post-production professional to achieve a high quality outcome that is true to the vision.
Using gamification to lighten the mood of a thought-provoking topic, without detracting from it’s seriousness.
Connecting the audience to the subject matter by creating visuals that reflect their everyday reality.
Solution
Visual references, feedback sheets, moodboards and shot lists were used to make sure all participants were on board with the vision for each scene.
Using well known arcade games like
“Snake” & “Space Invaders” as inspiration for the custom animation of lower thirds, transitionary chapter headings, logos & icons.
This created a cohesive visual, immersing the viewer in video game nostalgia - a cultural reference related to the subject matter.
Source: Internet Archive