The Enshittification - Short Film
Kirk Serpes | Film
Overview
The Enshittification is a dark comedy that takes aim at how social media has really "turned to shit" in the last few years. It's follows Jimmy on a night out, as he visits different bars that are metaphors for the major social media platforms. He encounters ads, paywalls, and colourful characters, each designed to push him to his breaking point.
The "Enshittiifcation" of the internet is something we've all been experiencing and complaining about in parts, but have never really had a word for, until very recently. This article sums it up best - https://www.ft.com/content/6fb1602d-a08b-4a8c-bac0-047b7d64aba5
This film puts a human face to the concept, and by compressing all the different problems into a single film, also illustrates how ridiculous things have become. It's not going to solve the problem, rather comforts the audience and validates their feelings about how shit social media is now.
THE TEAM:
Kirk Serpes | Writer/Producer
Kirk is an Indian-Kiwi engineer, turned environmental activist, who I guess now also writes and makes films. He's led youth climate movements, worked on the Obama and Jacinda election campaigns, and been using social media to mobilise people for political causes for over a decade. Which is where the inspiration (and frustration) for this film came from. This is the 6th short film he's written this year.
Karen Codd | Director/Producer/Casting
KC is an actor/writer/producer, with “The Enshittification” being her directorial debut. She came to film/TV later in life after a long career in the dark art of Data Analytics and an early start to the creative arts in theatre. She is currently developing two shorts she will direct in 2025 while in the process of writing her first TV series. With a passion for storytelling, she is keen to write and direct roles for mature women on screen.
Sean Hurst | AD/Costumes/Props
Sean Hurst is a talented artist, designer, and independent contractor who has worked in the Art Department in the Film & TV industry for over a decade. His experience on shows like Spartacus & Power Rangers, and teaching at South Seas has been invaluable in adding some professionalism to our team of amateurs and first-time filmmakers.
Terence Levi & Dead Slate Studios
Terence and his team at Dead Slate have got behind our little film pro bono. In addition to their camera and lighting skills, they've contributed a vast amount of professional film gear to turn this idea into reality. This film would not have been possible without their help and talent. Head along to https://www.deadslatestudios.com/ to check out their work.
Donors
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
Great to see this piece of work coming to life
-
The Serpes'
-
Rupert Green
-
Yans Family
Well done Kirk and your team. So proud of you
Project Updates
Photos from Day 1 of filming on the 20th of Octobober
Our 1st day of filming at the Sweatshop brew bar near Vic Park. The bulk of the film was shot here as it was a large venue and we could use different parts of it for different "locations" within the script. We also had the largest number of extras and crew with just under 30 people. It was a long day as well, going from midday to almost 10pm, with a LOT of complex shots. Solid effort by everyone.
Project Owner
Kirk Serpes
Other Content You May Be Interested In
We Write
Great Emails
Don't miss out on the arts and creativity in Aotearoa — have the latest news delivered to your inbox