Garry Sanipass

Clearly, I need to learn a few things. What am I doing wrong? Am I doing anything right? How does anyone do anything?

And that’s fine. That’s life. I could blame the technology. I could blame the algorithm. I could even blame some invisible cabal of shadowy figures suppressing my genius. But the truth is, I’m not presenting my information in a very entertaining way. And before I can fix that, I need to ask:

So, my little experiment to sell merchandise to fund my anti-consumerist art film?

Not going well.

What is my information to begin with?

Here’s what I think I’m doing:

I’m trying to present a critique of consumerism while participating in consumerism. Maybe that’s the whole problem.

Interruption:

Adobe Premiere Pro just sent me five tips on how to become a better influencer. What a perfect little coincidence, considering I pay them every single month to use their software. I “consume” their product —And now they’re helping me become a better consumer manipulator. Full circle.

Here’s what Adobe’s pushing today:

1. Good Transitions Are Everything

“If I’m filming a car driving down the street, and as it passes, I pan quickly — the shot blurs, distorts — then it cuts to another car from the other side.” The key: fluid movement. Keep your background the same, and the viewer stays hooked.

So… illusion of continuity = psychological grip.

Interesting.

2. Think Small. Shoot Vertical.

Most people watch on their phones. While standing in line. While ignoring someone. While driving. Scrolling for dopamine. I’m supposed to make content for someone who’s already distracted. That’s my whole critique of consumerism.

It’s not about value — it’s about addiction. Adobe — the dealer — is now teaching me how to spike the product just right.

3. Cut to the Chase

People decide whether to stay within 3 seconds. In journalism, they say: don’t bury your lead. So what’s mine? What genre am I?

According to AI:

“Core Genre: Satirical Documentary / Essay Film — blending non-fiction critique with irony and self-awareness.” “Auto-critique. Reflexive media. Breaks the fourth wall. Questions the role of the creator. Uses humor, irony, surrealism. Think Chris Marker, Adam Curtis, Charlie Kaufman.” (To be honest: I don’t know who all of those are. But apparently, I’m like them.)

4. Use Engaging Transitions

What are engaging transitions? What does that mean? Bolden says. “For example, say I’m filming a car driving down the street, and as it passes by me I pan quickly, the shot blurs and distorts, and then it cuts to a different car coming from the other side. Good video transitions are all about fluid movement and keeping your background and scene the same.” I think adobe is just trying to sell me on their product…this isn’t really a tip, it’s an advertising hidden as a tip. But whatever.

5. Keep it Professional (Especially the Sound)

I’m a shudder bug, not a cinematographer. But I’ve been investing in sound equipment. I just bought a stereo mixer —For ASMR content. Yes, I’m critiquing addiction…But whispering it directly into your ears. Is ASMR addictive?

Dopamine Response ASMR triggers a low-level dopamine release, especially when the sounds or visuals are tied to personal comfort or nostalgia (e.g., soft voices, tapping, brushing). It’s not a “high,” but a subtle pleasure hit — just enough to keep you coming back. OOPS, sorry about that.

Final Thought:

I’m learning how to manipulate attention so I can expose the manipulation of attention. I’m learning how to become an influencer just to show how hollow influencing really is. And maybe that’s the point. This project is about selling the snake oil while telling you it’s snake oil. And if you still buy it — we both learn something.