2 of 4

Question #1: How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?

For the conventions, I wanted to stay true to a classic Teen Drama. Usually, these movies are all about the vibes and the friendships, but I mixed in some action and adventure because of the treasure hunt. I used handheld camera shots to make it feel like you’re actually there with us on the beach, not just watching a movie. I also stuck with natural lighting because I wanted the beach to look like a place where we actually hang out every day, not some fancy vacation spot in a commercial.

When it comes to social groups, I’m representing gen Z and the reality of being a teenager who’s totally broke. I used mise-en-scene, which is basically just the stuff in the frame to show our background. Like, instead of expensive brand name clothes, my characters are wearing old, thrifted stuff to show their financial situation. The main issue I'm talking about is the wealth gap. For these kids, finding the treasure isn't just a fun game, it’s a way to actually change their lives. I wanted to challenge the idea that teenagers are just lazy. My characters are taking a huge risk and going on this massive journey because they’re driven to make something of themselves.

3 of 4

Question #2: How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?

So, for my target audience, I mostly just looked at myself and my friends. Since I’m a teenager, I wanted to make something that I’d actually want to watch and would relate to on a real level. A lot of people deal with money issues and the stress of trying to figure out our lives, so making a movie about that felt real. I went with the treasure hunt idea because it’s that dream of finally getting enough money to change everything and leave your isolated hometown behind.

Now, for distribution, I have to be realistic. I’m an amateur filmmaker, so I’m not exactly calling up movie theaters for a worldwide release. Instead, I’m going where my audience already is... social media.

I’m going to put the movie on YouTube because that's where everyone can see it for free. To get people to actually click on it, I’ll use TikTok and Instagram to post short clips and teasers. That’s how things go viral now, so I’d use those apps to build a following. I also want to send it to some student film festivals just to get my name out there and show people what I can do.

1 of 4

2 of 4

3 of 4

4 of 4