CR Planning 🥸😝👻

Critical Reflection Outline

Project Title: Job Interview (Comedy Short Film)

Word Count Target: 1000 words

Purpose: To evaluate how the media product was developed and how it engages with genre conventions, audience, branding, and representation.

I. Introduction 

Brief overview of the film concept

Main theme: discomfort in unfamiliar environments presented through comedy

Establish intent of the reflection

II. Research and Use/Challenge of Conventions

A. Research Process: studied core elements of comedy genre (exaggeration, awkwardness, etc.)

B. Sample Productions Analyzed:

• The 40-Year-Old Virgin
• Character-driven humor
• Awkward, exaggerated dialogue
• Natural feel through improvisation
• American Pie
• Physical comedy, teen humor
• Situational awkwardness 
• Building tension
• Are We Doing This? (short film)
• Miscommunication and escalation
• Reactions drive humor
• Toothpick Intervention for Donny (Dress Up Gang)
• Absurd humor over trivial problems
• Intense treatment of small issues

• C. Techniques Applied in Own Film
• Dialogue timing and awkward escalation
• Use of relatable yet exaggerated scenarios
• Focused on character reactions
• Confusing interview setting

III. Audience Engagement 

A. Target Audience Description

Ages 18–27

Interest in comedy and short-form entertainment

All genders

B. Engagement Through Social Media

Created a campaign to promote humor and relatability

Posts include memes, behind-the-scenes content, and sneak peeks

C. Engagement Through Postcard

Designed for indie film festival setting

Clean,Visuals paired with comedic taglines

Appeals to festival goers and niche comedy fans

D. Engagement Through the Film

Short plot

Humor rooted in awkward social interactions

Dialogue made to surprise audience

IV. Cohesion Across Products 

A. Brand Identity

Lighthearted, awkward humor

Situational comedy with some exaggerated characters

Minimalist visuals with comedic tone

B. Alignment Across Products

Film, postcard, and social media consistently use humor or comical elements

All products lean into awkwardness and exaggeration

Social media tone reflects humor found in the short film

V. Representation of Social Groups/Issues

A. Representation Overview

Characters represent young adults navigating adult spaces

No specific identity-based social issues addressed

Focus is on universal experience of discomfort and confusion in unfamiliar environments

B. Effectiveness of Representation

Representation is broad and intentionally non-specific

Goal is relatability rather than commentary

Reflects feelings of disorientation many face post-college or in early careers

VI. Brief Conclusion 

Now it is time to write this bad boy😎