Review 1: Slenderman
Slenderman has become a popular cult sensation for horror enthusiasts and people interested in the paranormal.
The Slenderman myth was created during 2009 on the somethingawful web forum as an experiment in the creation of folklore-like images through photo manipulation.
It’s all about a gaunt, abnormally tall figure who stalks children and lurks in narrow places. It blends ancient European demonic myths, traditional terrors and modern memes to produce one of the internet’s most terrifying stories.
Distorted pictures. Disturbing sightings. “Found footage” video. All have been spawned through the inspiration this spindly, faceless figure has generated. This particular story has succeeded beyond its creators’ dreams, and has been a popular topic of fan-fiction on a wide variety of websites. In short, Slenderman has become firmly entrenched in urban legend. (http://www.news.com.au/technology/online/a-brutal-stabbing-attack-by-preteens-obsessed-with-the-slenderman-puts-spotlight-back-on-the-popular-culture-of-horror-stories/story-fnjwmwrh-1226942516909)
I heard about Slenderman when I discovered my students playing a videogame in class. I am always intrigued by new forms of pop culture and I thought this was quite curious. The student played the game as a character of a little girl who would walk through the woods and eventually get a fright as the Slenderman would appear all of a sudden. He told me that this character is real! Of course I laughed at the students naivety. I heard more about the character as classes went on and I thought it was an interesting idea similar to the Blair Witch phenomenon from 1999.
Slenderman is a great idea for a digital story as it mixes historical myths with modern and traditional terror mixed with stories, memes and video games all found online.
Unfortunately it has become the centre of a crime in Milwaukee, US. Where two teens tried to murder their friend as a sacrifice for Slenderman.
Check out this website for more stories and myths regarding Slenderman but beware if you’re about to go to sleep.
Review 2 Hurst
Similar to Slenderman, Hurst is an online horror story told through the popular social media website Twitter. Screenwriter Kristi Barnett is using transmedia to engage her audience in a new way. Transmedia is a technique of telling stories through multiple platforms and formats.
Her story revolves around Karen Barley who is convinced by her sinister boss to take an outdoor trip with sinister repercussions to not only herself but her boyfriend Darren. Using Twitter to drop hints at what is happening, Barley uses the format to introduce a new way of telling ghost stories.
A great idea and with everyone using twitter to put bite sized film reviews or opinion pieces why not use it to tell an overarching story. Much like how Dickens used the paper to publish chapters of his novels back in the day why not use Twitter to market and create your own story. I think this is a great way for up and coming artists to get a leg into the industry without getting a book deal. More and more writers are using this format and it is exciting to see the young talent coming through.
Review 3 Goldilocks
The action packed Goldilocks starts with an exciting short film/intro on Vimeo and to continue the tale of Goldilocks or Locks you have to purchase the app Majek.
The link from Enchanted Ground 1 leads to a short film shot entirely on an iPhone 4 and iPod Touch. It is exciting and full of action. The camera techniques are original and incorporate low angles on a bike riding and a shot under a glass of wine. Also the fast paced editing and quick cuts push the audiences adrenaline. This is a great intro to what can possibly be an interesting series found exclusively on your mobile phone.
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