Director's statement

Uploaded was a dive into genre. The story is about two brothers who are exploring abandoned places, only to find out that they may not be the only ones there. It’s a premise you’ve heard a million times but that is because it’s a compelling premise. What sets our film apart is that it is a hybrid film mixing the found footage style with traditional photography, this really brings the audience in and allows them to experience the film with the characters. 

I am from a large family of mainly boys, so I know what it's like to interact with brothers. It was fun to build this relationship between the two as I could see myself especially in Cory. Getting Cory to try to scare his younger brother, making himself seem like the one who is not affected by his surroundings was a fun way to set up this character. Who wants their younger brother to think they’re weak?

The fear of the unknown is what drives the horror genre and we try to play on that fear in this film to build dread. My hope is that you come along for the ride and experience this film with us.

"Uploaded" is a found footage horror short film which, uniquely, contains elements of traditional cinematography. This story will take viewers on a journey with two brothers as they explore an abandoned building in pursuit of online fame. This short film explores themes of family relationships and the impact of grief. This short film provides viewers with a glimpse into the lives of two brothers who have been raising themselves since the tragic passing of their single parent mother. When Cory discovers the world of cameras and social media, he becomes determined to create a viral video. Facing a lack of assistance from his friends, he persuades his younger brother, Mitch, to join him in this venture. 

My personal connection to "Uploaded" is rooted in my relationship with my older brother, which has gone through its fair share of ups and downs, much like the characters Cory and Mitch. Despite the inevitable conflicts and dramas, the bond of family remained the same. I believe that viewers with siblings can easily relate to these characters, therefore easy to sympathise with. 

An underlying theme that I believe is important is the power of social media and the influence it has on young children and teenagers. Most children grow up nowadays with a phone in their hands and eventually find themselves on a social media platform where they see popular people doing dangerous activities and somehow want to follow suit. Cory wants to go viral on social media so that when he starts his new school people will like him and think he's cool, so he strings along his brother in search of a spooky abandoned place.