UNtrue Love's "First Kiss"

This week, a short film called "First Kiss" sent the internet on a frenzy, becoming an instant viral sensation, with over 49 million viewers so far. Many of you have probably seen it. Ten couples, meeting for the first time on set, kiss each other in black and white to the soundtrack of French musician Soko's "We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow". The result was awkward and heartwarming, to be able to see something raw and vulnerable shot in such a beautiful way. Here's the video:

Cute, right? Or so we all thought. The internet backlashed when it was revealed that the video was actually made to showcase a line for a small clothing company called Wren. The people in the film were all models and actors, friends of the film's director Tatia Pilieva. Apparently the video was submitted to Style.com for their Video Fashion Week, to show off the company's new fall designs.

But was it really a secret? The film clearly states in the beginning and in the credits that it was presented by Wren. Nevertheless, many felt duped because the company was not well known. Although the models and actors really did meet each other for the first time on set, crowds of viewers felt violated by the marketing tactics of Corporate America, no matter how unintentional it was.

Despite the controversy and the advertisement, I still felt that the video was sincere and creative. The emotions and reactions of the couples were real, no matter what clothes they were wearing. I thought the soft-focus and black and white was an excellent choice, and the music fit so well.

But, this film does have implications for future advertisements. Viral videos are an excellent way to gain exposure, and through product placement, who can really tell what's real and what's a commercial? Unfortunately, fact-checking is going to have to be on the back of everyone's minds the next time they see anything presented by the media.

Whether you're a fan of the video or not, something good did come out of it. Dozens of parodies, including one by Jimmy Fallon, featuring adorable puppies and kittens. Enjoy.

The Hillywood Show

It's Captain Jack Sparrow, it's Bella Swan, it's Bilbo Baggins: no, it's The Hillywood Show.

 What is it?

The Hillywood Show is a youtube channel created by Hilly and Hannah Hindi. It's birth came to be, a few years ago, when AOL hosted it's "Be a Red Star" competition and Hilly entered with an idea to create music-based, hollywood-shorts. Unfortunately, she came in third place but that didn't stop her for a moment. Armed with a camera, her sister, and a team of friends and family, The Hillywood Show took off. 

The Concept

Now, you might not have caught it the first time but the channel is dedicated to making musical parodies of famous pop-culture movies, celebrities, and tv shows. Usually the parodies are to well-known hits, twisted a bit to fit the theme of their production.

Now some of you are probably thinking, "parodies, laaame." And sure, there are plenty of parody-centric channels out there that hardly meet any sort of cinematic standard, but this is not one of them. From Lady Gaga to Harry Potter, the girls push out a endless wave of movie-standard videos that would blow you away to learn that they make them themselves.

Yes, Themselves

Looking at the quality of their shorts, you wouldn't imagine that all of it is shot on one Canon DSLR: written, directed, starring, and produced by the two sisters. Excluding the support of some special effect and prop companies, the production is done entirely by the Hindi family and their fans. 

It's completely mind-blowing to see that two people can create something so big, without having any formal training in media production beforehand, and be able to pull out all the stops with the help of their viewers. If anything, it makes me love their work even more.

The Behind the Scenes

Strange as it may be, one of the best parts of their work are the behind the scenes videos that are out on their Executive Producer's channel (Myish) and other affiliated channels. It's one thing to see their product, and it's another to witness just how much passion and dedication they put behind it. I'll be honest, I spent a few solid hours watching just the BTSs. I think it's utterly fascinating to see all of the set-up, the make-up, the break-down, and the clean-up of their productions. Hilly could give any FX-artist a run for their money: transforming herself into a list of over twenty different characters that would make you do a double-take.

From a media production student's point of view, it's cool to see what their process is. From getting actors, to directing, to getting the right shot. It's comforting in a way because it shows there are plenty of opportunities to be creative outside of the hollywood scene. Like I said, I find watching how a production is made the most intriguing thing in the world. I can't get enough.

Even if you can't appreciate their parodies, you have to at least appreciate their hard work. And watching them do what they do, it encourages me to continue doing what I do. They're a strong, dynamic team that will go far. So sit down, grab some popcorn, and dive into the world of The Hillywood Show.