STATUS: ACTIVE
TIMEZONE: ACDT
reflection
Before the Reservoir
The development of The Path was shaped strongly by my personal connection to Happy Valley Reservoir. Choosing a place I visit regularly allowed me to approach the project with a sense of familiarity, while also challenging me to reinterpret it in a more atmospheric way. My initial proposal focused on transforming an everyday location into something suspenseful and unsettling, and this idea remained central throughout the project. Influenced by my early planning and mood board, I aimed to create a darker tone using muted visuals, minimal colour, and a sense of isolation.
Throughout the course, my creative process evolved from simply capturing footage to intentionally constructing mood and narrative. I became more aware of how composition, pacing, and sound could shape audience perception. There were moments where my original ideas did not translate as expected, particularly when certain shots felt too open or lacked tension. This required me to revisit the location and refine my approach. Feedback also played a role in strengthening the connection between the film and the website, encouraging me to think more holistically about how the project would be experienced across platforms.
The website became an important extension of the narrative. Rather than functioning as a separate element, I wanted it to deepen the mystery of the story. The homepage was designed to feel like part of an active case, framing the events as real and unresolved. This decision helped blur the line between fiction and reality, allowing the audience to engage with the project in a more immersive way.
The story doesn't end here; as you journey deeper into this archive, the fragments of Happy Valley will begin to align.
My Creative Process
The evolution of the Happy Valley Mystery was a deliberate journey into the intersection of historical loss and speculative dread.
01. TARGET AUDIENCE
The project’s tone, pacing, and visual style were shaped to appeal to viewers who enjoy subtle tension rather than overt horror, allowing them to interpret the story and draw their own conclusions. By focusing on this audience, the project aims to create a sense of intrigue and immersion that resonates with viewers who are already drawn to this genre.
02. ShapinG THE MYSTERY
The story was shaped through the use of carefully placed narrative fragments that reflect the fragmented nature of memory. Rather than presenting a clear and linear account, I focused on selectively revealing details while leaving other elements obscured. This approach helped build a sense of mystery and allowed the reservoir’s story to feel layered and unresolved, encouraging viewers to piece together meaning for themselves.
Sound played a key role in building tension throughout the project. I used the natural soundscape of the reservoir to ground the video in realism, capturing ambient elements such as rustling trees and distant movement. I also recorded wind sounds and incorporated the sharp rhythm of running footsteps, which suggest urgency and presence without showing it directly. These were layered with subtle, uneasy music to reinforce the atmosphere and guide the viewer’s emotional response.
03. CAPTURING SOUNDS
Impact of Digital Media in Society
Digital media, including film and web platforms, plays a significant role in shaping how stories are constructed and experienced. Through the combination of visual, auditory, and interactive elements, it allows audiences to engage with narratives in more immersive and layered ways. In this project, the integration of film and website design demonstrates how different media forms can work together to reinforce meaning and atmosphere.
Digital media also enables the reinterpretation of familiar environments. A location that is ordinarily associated with calm and routine can be reframed as tense or uncertain through deliberate creative choices. This highlights the capacity of media to influence perception and alter the way audiences understand place and narrative.
Furthermore, digital platforms allow creative work to reach wider audiences and exist beyond a single viewing context. This accessibility encourages varied interpretations and ongoing engagement, as viewers interact with content across multiple formats.
Role of Design in Digital Media
Design plays a central role in digital media by shaping how content is presented and experienced. Through the use of visual composition, layout, and user interaction, design guides the audience’s engagement with both the film and the website. In The Path, design decisions were essential in establishing mood, directing attention, and maintaining a cohesive narrative across platforms.
Effective design extends beyond visual appearance to support clarity, usability, and emotional impact. It functions as a form of storytelling, where each element contributes to the overall experience. This project reinforced the importance of design as a tool for communication, ensuring that both the film and website work together to create a unified and immersive outcome.