THE 14TH ANNUAL SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media and digital. View this season's finalists!
From the 15th Annual Shorty Awards

I ___ YOU

Finalist in Long Form Video

Entered in Art Direction

Objectives

I have crafted a timeless piece that captures the essence of vulnerability and the complexities of expressing love. In my film, ‘I _____ YOU’, I take my audience on a journey that traverses time, where the emotions of love remain as raw and real as they ever were. With my unique perspective, I have breathed new life into this universal theme of saying those 3 words for the first time.

My script is a heartfelt and relatable story, told from a woman's point of view, that delves into the push and pull of expressing love. I deftly navigate the fears and doubts that come with exposing one's heart and soul to another, and do so with an authenticity that resonates deeply with viewers.

The story is based on my own personal experiences. Every number, every detail in the film, is true to my story - the seven heartbreaks, the twenty-two bottles of wine, and so much more. By sharing my truth, I have given my audience a gift that is both deeply personal and universally accessible.

Strategy and Execution

The creation of a compelling and effective script is no easy feat, particularly when tackling the weighty subject of the ambivalence of expressing love. As I embarked on this journey, I knew I had to craft engaging dialogue with well-developed characters that conveyed a clear message, all while remaining true to my own experiences. I retreated to a park in Los Angeles with nothing but a journal in hand, pouring my heart and soul into the pages before me.

After crafting a visually stunning deck and securing investments from Vox Media and WeTransfer, the next challenge was assembling our dream team of nearly thirty on-camera and production crew talent. With limited budgets for short films, this was no small task, but we successfully coordinated schedules and secured locations and filming permits, including the breathtaking interior shots of a French or Italian Chateau and the contrasting exteriors of an abandoned beach.

Despite numerous time constraints, including 1.5 day shoots in the dead of winter and a two-week post-production timeline, we remained steadfast in our commitment to bringing this beautiful idea to life. Our goal was to release the film on Valentine's Day, and though there were some delays in clearing the music, the final product was met with viral success the very next day.

Through dedication, perseverance, and unwavering passion, we were able to transform my script into a stunning visual masterpiece that resonates with audiences around the world.

Results

The timing of the release on Valentine's Day proved to be a masterstroke, as the emotional impact of the film resonated deeply with viewers across Instagram and YouTube. The response was nothing short of phenomenal, with the film amassing nearly 4 million views in a matter of days. But the film's success didn't end there - even a year after its release, it continues to touch hearts and inspire audiences around the world, with a staggering 77,000 shares to date. It's a testament to the incredible power of storytelling, and the timeless appeal of themes such as love, vulnerability, and human connection.

This short film, crafted with such care and passion, has truly struck a chord with viewers in a way that few pieces of art can. It's a shining example of the impact that can be made when artists pour their hearts into their work, and an inspiration to anyone who seeks to make a difference through their creativity.

Media

Video for I ___ YOU

Entrant Company / Organization Name

Sarah Bahbah

Links