I've been feeling a bit lost lately with this project, like I'm wandering without a map. Without the regular guidance I'm used to, I've been unsure where to start or what to do next. But this week, something unexpected sparked my inspiration: a show called "Baby Reindeer" on Netflix. It had this deep, dark storytelling that really struck a chord with me and got me thinking about the mood I want for my project.
Even though Ben, suggested I mix film and gallery , I felt drawn to something else—making immersive experiences. So, I've been playing around with that idea, making videos to show what I imagine for my immersive gallery.
I've been looking into anhedonia and how to treat it, and it turns out a lot of treatments involve doing things that really wake up your senses—like watching scary movies or doing thrilling things. That got me thinking: maybe an immersive experience could be just what my project needs. It's all about engaging your senses and stirring up emotions in a way that's different from normal.
There was something deeply disturbing about the show "Baby Reindeer" that really got under my skin and got me thinking about how to evoke emotions. The way they used color grading and the dark, ominous scenery, along with the heavy themes throughout, really unsettled me. But strangely, I found myself drawn to it—it made me feel something, even if it was just temporary and a bit negative. The portrayal of sexual abuse was especially unsettling, leaving me feeling violated long after the show had ended. It was this lingering sense of unease that inspired the dark setting of my immersive experience.
After diving into research on anhedonia and its treatments, I was struck by the advice to watch horror films and seek out thrilling experiences. It got me thinking because, personally, those things have always worked for me. I've spent a lot of time making key art and pitch decks, and I've often wondered why horror is my favorite genre. I'm a big fan of unsettling shows like Black Mirror and anything that makes you feel something, even if it's uncomfortable. But I've noticed that others disagree—they'd much rather watch something uplifting. It's interesting how different things resonate with different people.
I've been pouring my energy into crafting a horror immersive experience centred around a woman grappling with mental health issues and hallucinations. It struck me as fitting subject matter, something that could really resonate with those experiencing anhedonia. My aim was to create an experience that was not only thrilling but also deeply engaging, drawing participants into the protagonist's world in a way that would make them feel something, even if just for a moment. In my research into treatments for anhedonia, horror kept popping up as a recommended avenue. So, I delved deeper, exploring the psychological effects of horror and how it could be used to stimulate emotions and senses. Drawing inspiration from this, I began developing my ideas for the project—immersing myself in the world of horror, dissecting its themes and techniques, and ultimately shaping them into a narrative that would captivate and unsettle participants in equal measure.
Developing my idea for the horror immersive experience involved a lot of exploration and experimentation. In order to accurately depict schizophrenia and its hallucinations, I understood the importance of fully engaging participants in a realm of imagery and unsettling visuals. I was inspired by the unique experiences of individuals with schizophrenia, and I wanted to create a visual representation of their perceptions. I envisioned using moving imagery of paintings and artwork that would reflect their delusions. These images would twist and warp, blurring the lines between reality and illusion for the participants.
In order to make these hallucinations more vivid, I chose to integrate holograms into the experience. The holograms would act as representations of the protagonist's illusions, floating eerily in the area and bringing a supernatural element to the immersive setting. In addition, I had planned to incorporate moving props and artwork that appeared to come alive, blurring the line between reality and the surreal.
However, it wasn't only about the visuals. My goal was to deeply involve participants and make them feel fully immersed in the experience. To accomplish this, my goal was to fill the surroundings with visuals that transitioned from harmless to horrifying. The entire space would be filled with eerie sights and sounds, keeping participants on edge and completely engaged in the unfolding story.
My main aim was to make the experience as captivating and immersive as I could. It was like taking a journey into the mind, where reality and illusion blended together in a spooky way. I used various techniques like moving imagery, holograms, interactive props, and creating a specific atmosphere to take participants to a different world. The goal was to evoke both fear and fascination, leaving a lasting impression even after the experience was over.
After doing a lot of research on film spectatorship and anhedonia, I realised that my main goal was to create something more than just a film. I aimed to create an engaging experience that went beyond the usual, combining film elements with an immersive twist. The goal was not just to show a story on screen, but to fully immerse participants in the environment and make them active participants in the unfolding narrative. This involved elevating film to a new level, turning it into an immersive experience where viewers could not only watch, but also engage with the world around them through their senses. My goal was to change how people experience films, creating a new way of storytelling that fully immerses the audience.