I reached out to my lecturer for feedback on my project and sent him my film. He really liked it, especially how I involved local people, giving it a unique personality. However, he encouraged me to revisit my brief and think about how my message could reach a wider audience. He suggested considering how viewers—especially those unfamiliar with the Isle of Wight—would understand the location, what makes it truly unique, and how I could refine and highlight its distinct qualities.
One key piece of feedback was that my film might lack some crucial context. By simply calling it “My Island,” I didn’t specify the exact location, who I interviewed, or how long they had lived there. To address this, I’m considering adding more text at the end of the short film—similar to what you see in movies—providing additional details for viewers who want more context. I think this would help clarify my message and make the film more engaging for a broader audience.
When my lecturer asked me to consider where I would show this film and how it could reach more people, I already had an idea in mind: the ferries. Several interviewees mentioned how the Isle of Wight is surrounded by ferry routes operated by multiple companies, and these ferries always feature advertisements. These ads typically promote local businesses, attractions, and services—cafés, car rentals, and other tourist-focused experiences.
This got me thinking: instead of using this advertising space purely as a sales tactic, why not use it as a way to welcome visitors? Rather than just showcasing the Isle of Wight as a holiday destination, my film could introduce the island as a real community, a place where people live, grow old, and create lasting memories. I want to shift the narrative from “just another tourist spot” to a place with depth, nostalgia, and familiarity.
For my next steps, I’m going to research Red Jet advertisements. I know that ferries feature ads, but I want to get in touch with them to see what options they offer—whether that’s posters, streaming my film on onboard screens, distributing leaflets, or other formats. Once I finalize this, I’ll feel like my project has truly come full circle. I’m really excited about this next phase of development and seeing how my film can make an impact.