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.