St Kilda Film Festival - Creating a Monster
An exploration on how reality television is constructed and consumed and the psychological impact it has on contestants.
Interview with Writer/Director Gena Lida Riess
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I made this film because of my obsession with reality television. I was always shamed by friends and family for my fascination with the genre so that I felt the need to explore how the format works – exploring it through the dramatic archetypes it uses to create narrative structure.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I would say that viewers would be interested in this film because reality television is a growing genre and it is becoming more and more prevalent in what we consume. The film is about reality television as a subject but it also is about the media saturated landscape of today and how media is produced and thus how it is consumed. So in short, you would be interested to see the film as it is extremely topical and relevant to the time we are living in.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film follows a few different themes. On a personal note the film explores my own ethical dilemma with consuming media that may not be ethically sound. The universal themes are human exhibitionism and the need to be seen. On top of that it is about how we are perceived; how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film evolved hugely throughout. This is largely because of my own conflict with the genre and how my beliefs and views were challenged and ultimately changed over the course of my research. Initially I was purely interested in the format and how it works in a more theoretical sense. However over time my interests focused in on how characters are created to serve the narrative of the show. From here I spoke to former contestants of different reality shows and the film shifted from a research essay film into a film with a more emotional lens – looking at how the genre has affected peoples lives and how their image was used and distorted. I would say I gained more sympathy for the contestants who were burnt, however my ideas and feeling on the topic are far more multifaceted than this.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback I have received has been extremely positive. I won the Best Documentary Award at the Victorian College of the Arts. I also have been accepted into several festivals, both locally and abroad. The film is popular amongst reality television nuts like myself. However it also appeals to those who are sceptical or even disinterested in the genre as it reaffirms in some way their notions of reality television.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It is always interesting to hear feedback on any film you make. You learn so much from your audience. For this film in particular I would say the most interesting feedback for me was whom the audience seemed to sympathise with. Some found the participants’ stories touching and others walked away feeling differently. In terms of my point of view changing, yes it changes all the time; I am constantly learning and changing my perspective.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope that people will want to see the film! I guess it is as simple as that. I think it is an important film and does explore the time we are currently in through the lens of reality television.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
This is something I am still figuring out so I cannot say with any concrete certainty at this point. However distribution would be most likely what we are after.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like this film to be widely available to anyone who is interested. I want it to find a home online eventually.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is reality television ethical? And further, is the burden or responsibility in those creating the work or those who continue to consume it?
Would you like to add anything else?
I guess just to reiterate that this film is obviously appealing to those who watch reality television, due to the fact that is has some recognisable faces and explores the genre. However it is not only appealing for the reality television audience – it is about more than reality tv.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am working on an extension of ‘Creating a Monster’, which I am very excited about it; however I am not going to say too much else as we are in the very early stages and at this point it is just a concept. But yes, there will be more to see if you are interested after seeing this short.
Interview: May 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Creating a Monster
An exploration on how reality television is constructed and consumed and the psychological impact it has on contestants.
Length:
20 minutes
Director:
Gena Lida Riess
Producer:
CJ Welsh
Writer:
Gena Lida Riess
About the writer, director and producer:
Key cast:
Gena Lida Riess – Director
Gena Lida Riess is a Melbourne based filmmaker who has recently completed her Masters of Film and Television. Her interests mainly lie with documentaries focusing on social issues and their psychological aspects.
CJ Welsh – Producer
CJ Welsh is originally from Canberra. He has a successful YouTube channel and is currently studying his Master of Producing at the Victorian College of the Arts.
Elle Marsh – Cinematographer
Elle Marsh recently completed her Masters of Film and Television. She has worked in reality television and is currently a video producer at The Age.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): distributors, film festival directors.
Social media handles:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/creatingamonstershort/?ref=bookmarks
Made in association with:
Victorian College of the Arts
Where can I see it in the next month?
Keep an eye on Creating a Monster Facebook Page if you want the chance to see it screened.
Over the next month Creating a Monster is not playing in Australia. It will be at the London Monthly Film Festival in London and playing for the NewFilmmakers in NYC. We are planning on screening it in Melbourne with other short documentaries, however this has not been finalised.