"LAID OFF" by Nikai Morales
"LAID OFF"
Director: Nikai Morales
When a disgruntled employee is laid off via a mysterious letter that states their company is switching to AI labor, they decide to go fight their former boss for the job back.
GO DEEPER
Erin Walshe lives in unprecedented times. AI labor related layoffs have tanked the economy. Companies have let go thousands of employees using mailed red envelopes.
Then Erin loses their job, just after moving into a new apartment. They decide not to go down without fight. Erin goes into their hastily vacated office. It’s empty aside from the nepo baby who got to keep his job.
But, when Erin’s boss hears their plea. He tells them that there is one open position Erin could be perfect for. Erin is then given a position as a janitor to clean up the mess left behind from all the former employees.
The poster depicts Erin in their former office as red envelopes fall from the ceiling. I opted away from highlighting AI in the title as to not hint too much at the plot of the movie.
The dark red filter over the image references the color of the envelope and symbolizes anger and desire over the lost job. The envelope covering Erin’s eyes also inferences being blinded by anger and acting before thinking.
While searching for an adequate setting, the perfect office location seemed to allude us until reaching out to a non-profit organization that the director was affiliated with. They allowed us to film in their offices.
While on set, the motion sensors around the office would keep beeping anytime we moved in the lobby of the office which would be difficult for capturing sound. With a bit of gaff tape, we covered the motion sensors and stopped the beeping without accessing the system.
During our office shoot day, we sent Ben (Zach) to get lunch as he was done shooting for the day and we needed an extra hand. Ben forgot the director’s meal and drinks at McDonald’s. Instead of using the car to go get the food, he ran to McDonald’s to pick it up.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Nikai Morales is a 23 year old director and artist based on the east coast. They’ve always had interests in varying media and the way it affects everyday communication. Through their master’s Nikai had the opportunity to pursue research in social media virality. Attempting to learn how it affects the perceptions of people who have gone viral and people who have seen viral content. Nikai has produced 4 short films, and is currently working on an independent feature. They aspire to create narrative stories about interpersonal relationships and how they’re affected by the digital age of communication.
This project was created as part of the JTWO [INC]ubator Project. A semester long internship program built from the ground up to give young filmmakers, content creators, and all around hungry for a challenge individuals a place to stretch their creative minds while preparing them for the road ahead.
WHY SOUND DESIGN IS SO IMPORTANT
THE UNSUNG HERO OF VIDEO PRODUCTION
Let’s be real, when it comes to video production, most people get caught up in the visuals – cameras, lighting, special effects. But what about the unsung hero of video production? We’re talking about sound design, baby! That’s right, the creation and manipulation of audio elements in a video, including music, sound effects, and dialogue. And JTWO knows that sound design is crucial for creating videos that truly stand out.
Sound design isn’t just about making a video sound good. It can fundamentally change the way a video is perceived. Have you ever watched a horror movie with the sound off? It’s not really the same, is it? Sound design is able to create tension and build suspense. This use of sound is applicable to all genres of video production from a simple social media video to full documentaries. The right sound can transport the viewer to the location and make them fell like they’re right there with the subject or enhance an emotional moment. So if you’re wondering if sound design is really worth the investment, ask yourself this – would Jaws have been as terrifying without the iconic music? Would Star Wars be the same without the hum of a lightsaber? Probably not.
Sound design isn’t just about making a video sound good. It can fundamentally change the way a video is perceived. Have you ever watched a horror movie with the sound off? It’s not really the same, is it? Sound design is able to create tension and build suspense. This use of sound is applicable to all genres of video production from a simple social media video to full documentaries. The right sound can transport the viewer to the location and make them fell like they’re right there with the subject or enhance an emotional moment. So if you’re wondering if sound design is really worth the investment, ask yourself this – would Jaws have been as terrifying without the iconic music? Would Star Wars be the same without the hum of a lightsaber? Probably not.
UNLEASH YOUR BRAND'S POTENTIAL
TOP-NOTCH CREATIVE CREW
In the cutthroat business world, a standout brand story is crucial for survival. As a business, you need to unleash your brand’s potential with the right creative team. A well-crafted tale has the ability to set your business apart from the herd, strike an emotional chord with your audience, and boost sales like crazy. Video content has become a critical component of a successful brand storytelling strategy, with video consumption on the rise. So, what’s the key to telling a brand story that captivates and inspires? It’s all about hiring the right creative team.
First and foremost, the ideal creative crew will bring a truckload of knowledge, experience, and skill to the table. They’ll be experts in the latest marketing trends, consumer behavior, and how to spin a brand story that resonates with your target audience. They’ll translate your brand vision into a narrative that captures the essence of who you are and connects with your audience on a heartstring level. At JTWO, a video production company with a creative agency state of mind, we can help you tell your brand story is a captivating way. With our experience in storytelling and expertise in the latest video production techniques, we can help you make an everlasting impression. A video production company, we go above and beyond to provide you with the tolls you need to share your story across multiple platforms.
Not only that, but the right creative team like JTWO will know how to spread your brand story across all platforms and channels, making sure your messaging stays consistent and coherent. They’ll have the tools and talent to create content like videos, graphics, and written materials that bring your brand story to life in a visually stunning and impactful way.
Moreover, the ideal creative team will know how to measure the impact of your brand story and make data-driven decisions to continuously improve and optimize your marketing efforts. They’ll track metrics like engagement and conversions and use that data to make informed decisions that drive growth and success for your brand.
And lastly, a top-notch creative team will be your trusty sidekick, providing strategic advice and guidance as you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. They’ll help you evolve your brand story to stay ahead of the curve and continue to drive success for your biz.
Hiring the right creative team is vital for telling your brand story in a way that grabs attention and leads to success in today’s business environment. Whether you’re launching a new product, rebranding your business, or just looking to grow, partnering with the right creative team will give you the tools, expertise, and support you need to soar.
Our JTWO team embodies all of these characteristics that will allow you to unleash your brand’s potential. We put the story first and put our heart and soul into every product we deliver. We understand that a brand is more than just a logo, it’s a promise to the world. That’s why we work tirelessly to craft brand stories that captivate, inspire, and drive success. Join us on this creative journey and let’s make magic together.
JTWO Teams Up with 96andX for City Fitness Commercial
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with LA based Agency 96andX to produce a new City Fitness Philadelphia Commercial to Showcase Philly’s hottest Workout Scene.
We couldn’t be happier to work with the team from 96andX to bring their creative vision to life. Justin Jarrett will act as Director on the project with the rest of our JTWO Crew filling out the production team. We will also be responsible for capturing marketing photos for Ad placements and social.
Our team will also be handling post-production on the project as well.
Why Quality Content Reigns Supreme
RULING THE ONLINE REALM
The internet is a crowded playground, with everyone clamoring for a slice of the attention pie. But let’s be real, in this sea of content, only the best of the best will rise to the top. And the secret to becoming a top dog? Quality content, baby.
At JTWO films, we understand the importance of quality content and the role it plays in a crowded digital world. By utilizing the latest technology, our highly skilled team of professionals, and a commitment to delivering a premium product, JTWO films is able to create content that truly stands out. You see, quality content establishes you as a player in your field. With an endless stream of content bombarding people daily, they’ve learned to sniff out the crummy stuff. High-quality content sends a clear message: you’re an expert and you’ve got something worth their time.
But it’s not just about building credibility. Quality content also keeps people engaged and coming back for more. A well-researched, visually appealing, and thought-provoking piece will have them hooked, while subpar content will send them running for the hills. From crafting a compelling message to capturing stunning visuals, JTWO films has a proven track record of delivering content that not only engages audiences but also helps organizations achieve their marketing goals. Whether it’s a promotional video, a branded content piece, or a commercial, we know how to make you look your best.
And let’s not forget about search engines. Google and co. want to serve up the most relevant and valuable results to their users, and they know quality content when they see it. So, by putting in the effort to create quality content, you’ll not only captivate your audience, but you’ll also improve your chances of ranking higher in search results and getting more eyes on your brand.
When it comes to film production, quality is key. At Philadelphia-based company, JTWO films, we know why quality content reigns supreme better than anyone. With years of experience in video production, they understand the importance of delivering a high-quality final product that connects with audiences and achieves their clients’ goals. Whether it’s a brand film, a commercial, or a documentary, jtwo films ensures that the content they produce is not only visually stunning but also effectively communicates the message it was intended to convey.
JTWO Welcomes Executive Producer Andrea Kind
A people person through and through, Andrea believes curiosity—coupled with her ability to build and sustain relationships—is her superpower.
With 25 years of experience and meaningful connections in the world of digital product strategy, social media, branding, UX/UI, digital tech solutions, CPG and consulting—one formula has continuously paved her road to success. Remove the ego and emotion—and engage in conversation with the human behind the reputation and trust will develop. And then…magic happens.
As an Executive Producer of Project Development here at JTWO, that is exactly what Andrea does. By bringing her people first approach to the team she has been able to forge new relationships and jumpstart new projects time and time again.
WHY IS VIDEO IMPORTANT?
STANDING OUT IN THE CURRENT DIGITAL AGE
Have you ever wondered why videos seem to be everywhere these days, from social media to brand websites? Why is video so important? In today’s digital world, we’re all looking for a way to level up your game and show the competition who’s boss. It’s all about standing out and flexing those creative muscles. Video can be the key to making a lasting impression on your audience. We like to think of it like having a secret weapon in your marketing arsenal.
Attention Grabber: Videos have a magnetic effect on audiences, leaving text and images in the dust. This makes it an indispensable tool for elevating your brand and setting it apart from the competition.
Emotional Bond: Videos tug at heartstrings, forging a stronger connection between a brand and its audience. Brands that invest in video content with a creative twist will form a deeper emotional bond with their viewers.
Unrestricted Access: Videos are easy to access on a range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs. Additionally, they can be optimized for various social media platforms, giving your brand the opportunity to reach a wider and more diverse crowd.
Share-Worthy: Videos are highly shareable on social media, amplifying your brand’s reach and generating buzz around your products and services. A viral video can result in unparalleled exposure for your brand.
Data-Driven: Videos provide a wealth of insights into audience engagement, helping you refine your marketing strategy. With the right tools, you can track the performance of your videos, including views, shares, and conversions, to see just how well your message is resonating.
Video is the ace up your sleeve in the bustling digital world. Brands that use video to create emotional connections with their audience, measure their impact, and stand out from the social media crowd will come out on top in the competitive digital arena.
How Nonprofits Can Share Their Mission with Video
STANDING OUT IN THE CURRENT DIGITAL AGE
How nonprofits can share their mission with video is crucial to spreading an organization’s message with the world. In today’s digital age, video has become an increasingly important tool for organizations to connect with their audience and effectively communicate their message.
The benefits of using video as a communication tool are numerous. Video can help build emotional connections, create a sense of authenticity, and convey information in a more engaging and memorable way. By using video, you can bring your organization’s mission to like and help people understand the impact you are making in the world.
At JTWO, we live by the motto “The Story is Everything”. That’s exactly why video is such a powerful tool for nonprofits. By harnessing the emotional impact of video, organizations can share their stories in engaging and compelling ways, creating a deeper connection with their audience. That emotional connection is crucial for nonprofits as it can drive support and increase engagement for the cause. As a video production company, we bring this mindset to every piece of work we do, ensuring that the story is always at the forefront.
In addition to emotional impact, video also provides a platform for organizations to showcase their work and the impact they are making. By sharing success stories and the impact of their programs, organizations can demonstrate the value of their work and help people understand the difference they are making.
Another benefit of video is its ability to reach a wider audience. With the rise of social media, videos are easily sharable and can reach a large number of people quickly and efficiently. This is especially important for nonprofit organizations as they often have limited resources and need to make the most of every opportunity to reach their audience.
Finally, video can also help with search engine optimization. By incorporating multimedia content into your website, you can improve your search engine ranking and make it easier for people to find your organization online.
Video is a powerful tool for nonprofits to share their mission and the impact they are making in the world. Whether is is used to build emotional connections, showcase your work, reach a wider audience, or improve your online visibility, video is a critical component of any nonprofit organization’s marketing strategy.
In 2010, we launched The Projects That Matter Initiative as a way of using our talents to give back to the world around us. We began partnering with non-profit and social impact organizations within our local community in Philadelphia and donating our time, our equipment and most of all our hearts and minds to help them tell their stories in creative ways they never thought possible.
It wasn’t long until our new initiative surpassed even our wildest dreams. As word spread, we began collaborating with hundreds of organizations around the world and the projects and productions just kept getting bigger and bigger. Soon, we were flying around the world to places like Africa, India and Haiti. We were filming commercials in France or brand films in Scotland and educational content in seemingly every part of the United States, but we never lost sight of our original goal.
That is why to this day, even after more than a decade of projects we are committed now more than ever to give back and leave a legacy of impact.
JTWO Welcomes Intern Nikai Morales
NIKAI MORALES
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PRODUCING DREAMS
By Nikai Morales
For a very long time, I wanted to be a storyboard artist. One of my grandmothers’ was an art teacher. At the same time, the other was an author, so naturally, my desire to artistically tell stories was an amalgam of my love of them and the animated shows I watched at the time. I spent countless hours doodling, teaching myself digital illustration programs, studying frames, and watching YouTube animatics. A storyboard artist was all I wanted to be…until high school.
Going to a vocational high school, I was disciplined in video production–I mean, it was one step closer to animation than graphic design would have been (my other option). However, it wasn’t until I joined the school’s drama program that I realized I wasn’t just interested in helping portray animated stories but also enjoyed storytelling overall. It was a high school theater production with a club that was practically on life support. With every moment spent watching the people on stage from the light booth, butchering their lines, and complaining about the directing style or prop management issues, a little voice rang in the back of my head: “Well, I can do that!”
After that, it was a blur. A second-place award for a news directing competition, a short film for college applications, and a variety of small client projects later I found myself engrossed in visual storytelling while learning new skills along the way. However, when I started my first semester of college in Italy, the new setting and faces took a lot to get used to. So much so, I spent 2 and a half months before even thinking about wanting to tell another story. Right before we left, I found an old script. An 8-page, three-location, short film, almost fully fleshed out but put away for one reason or another. When I found it, I made the goal that I would shoot it before the end of next year. I had no plan, no actors, or locations but when I got to the University of Delaware I would join its only film club and pitch it to the members.
When I pitched it, the same problems cropped up. We’d need actors, a crew, equipment, one house, and a restaurant. I didn’t hesitate. I began making excel sheets of locations with contact numbers and addresses. I asked my family to shoot in the house while they were away on vacation. I posted actor listings on film.org & backstage and rented rooms to hold in-person auditions. All the skills I had learned through video production and drama club came back as naturally as riding a bike. It was my first time managing a real crew–and I ran a tight ship. Strict call times, an on-set photographer, make-up artist, and finance management. This is where I really began to understand the role of a producer. Since then I’ve produced two short films with a director, and am currently working on two more projects. Being a storyboard artist and a producer are two different paths, however they have one thing in common; how do we plan effectively so we can get this project done?
This project was created as part of the JTWO [INC]ubator Project. A semester long internship program built from the ground up to give young filmmakers, content creators, and all around hungry for a challenge individuals a place to stretch their creative minds while preparing them for the road ahead.
JTWO Welcomes Intern Isabella Medina
ISABELLA MEDINA
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TIME FLIES
By Isabella Medina
Hi!
My name is Isabella Medina. I am a Senior at Temple University, currently studying Film and Media.
From an early age, I have been drawn to the world of film, digital media, and design. Growing up in my family meant spending every weekend at the movies. We saw every film that we came across. Before the movies, we made sure to stop by Five Below to pick up some snacks. As kids, we had to hide our snacks by shoving them in our pants or under our shirts. If we did not make it to the movies, we would be at home bundled up on the couch watching a movie. Films helped my family and me connect in many ways. We introduced each other to new genres and concepts. Films allowed my siblings and me to look at things from a different perspective. Learning and understanding new things through films was a rewarding experience as a young girl.
As I got older and started to apply to colleges, I had no clue what I wanted to do. A career in the creative world seemed so far out of my reach. After some time and thinking, I decided to apply to some colleges to study biology. To me, biology seemed like a reasonable career path. However, after applying to colleges as a biology major, I did a 180. My mom, who is a creative woman, asked me two simple questions:
“What do you want most out of life?”
“What are you passionate about?”
I was not sure how to answer, but all I knew was that I wanted to be creative and travel. After taking a step back and looking in the mirror, I realized I did not want to major in biology. I wanted to share my creativity with the world and let my imagination run wild. So, I stopped applying to colleges and went on to the Community College of Philadelphia. After completing my associate degree, I applied to Temple University. I finally allowed myself to major in something I loved as a young girl. Luckily, it was an easy admission process, and I was accepted quickly. Community College allowed me to explore other career options before getting a degree in it or wasting money. If I could go back in time, I would do it all again. I have learned a lot about myself through these years and plan to continue learning.
I am always looking for new and rewarding opportunities which can help me grow and develop my career in filmmaking, digital media, and design. I am excited to start my journey as an Intern at JTWO Films.
This project was created as part of the JTWO [INC]ubator Project. A semester long internship program built from the ground up to give young filmmakers, content creators, and all around hungry for a challenge individuals a place to stretch their creative minds while preparing them for the road ahead.