Emotional Overload

Inspiration

This short film was inspired by the feeling of constantly being watched, shaped, and filtered by modern AI-driven social media. Lately, I’ve noticed how recommendation algorithms can predict our tastes before we even realize them — and how AI beauty filters have become so normalized that many people forget what their natural face even looks like.

I wanted to capture this tension visually: What if the algorithm didn’t just recommend content… but slowly replaced your identity? This idea sparked the core concept — a surreal “face-sucking” sequence representing how AI can distort, simplify, or consume individuality in the name of personalization.

What I Learned

While making this film, I learned how powerful AI tools can be when used creatively — not just for convenience, but as storytelling devices.

I explored: • AI video generation to create surreal transformations • Face-tracking and diffusion masking for melting and distortion effects • AI voice generation to build a cold, algorithmic personality • Narrative pacing in vertical 9:16 format, which requires fast emotional hooks

I also learned a lot about how to balance aesthetics with meaning — using AI not just for visuals, but to critique the systems behind them.

How I Built the Project

The project was created using a pipeline of several AI tools and editing processes.

1. Story + Script Development

I wrote the narrative structure using ChatGPT to help shape: • the algorithm’s “voice” • the emotional arc • the metaphors surrounding identity loss • short-form pacing for a <120 second vertical film

Built With

• adobe
• capcut