“If you’re setting a found-footage movie in this era, then that’s the language that we’re living with: social media influencers, vertical video, surveillance cameras, cop body cams.”
He emphasized the importance of integrating contemporary elements into the narrative to maintain authenticity and relatability.
Gregg Hale added, “It always starts with what is the story and when is the story set and what are the characters doing and how does that affect how it would be seen?” This approach underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to crafting stories that resonate with the audience by leveraging the technological landscape of the time.
Sanchez noted that today’s ubiquitous camera culture simplifies narrative explanations compared to the era of “The Blair Witch Project,” which was set in 1994. Back then, the use of a 16mm film camera and a Hi8 video camera was necessary to justify continuous filming. “Now you don’t have to worry about that at all. There are cameras everywhere. It’s easier to tell the story,” Sanchez remarked, highlighting the seamless integration of technology into modern storytelling.
“The Influencer Project” delves into the darker side of online fame, exploring the fears associated with living one’s life under constant digital scrutiny. Unlike “The Blair Witch Project,” which relied on supernatural horror, this film focuses on the real-world threats that accompany internet notoriety.
“There’s always somebody lying in wait ready to either interact with you in a good way or interact with you in a terrible way,” Hale explained, drawing a parallel between the physical dangers faced in the woods of the original film and the virtual threats of today’s digital landscape.
Chiara King’s experiences as an influencer inform much of the film’s narrative, with every unsettling interaction drawn from her real-life encounters. The movie paints a vivid picture of the internet as a modern wilderness, where one need not venture into the unknown to encounter danger—it’s ever-present in our daily online lives.
Currently playing in theaters, “The Influencer Project” offers a thought-provoking examination of the perils of internet fame, set against the backdrop of a suspenseful, horror-filled storyline. Meanwhile, fans of “The Blair Witch Project” can look forward to the franchise’s reboot, which promises to incorporate the evolving language of found footage in its storytelling.
Michael, the Global Head of Partnerships at IGNE, oversees collaborations with gaming and entertainment studios and has extensive industry experience, having participated in major events like IGN Live and San Diego Comic-Con. Follow his updates on Bluesky @MichaelPeyton.
Article Source: www.ign.com
