For the part 2, the chosen product was the wristwatch/ smartwatch. To begin, finding a problem and creating a futuristic society was tough since a wristwatch is something that you’d assume already has a set purpose for life. But I settled on an idea that when we buy things like smartwatches or phones, we are accepting the fact that being stalked or watched is very much possible and there’s little we can do about it. So, I decided to go forth with this idea and expand upon it rather than trying to stray away from and avoid it. 

50 years from now, it is predicted that our society will essentially be the same. People still go to work and have jobs, the government (for the most part) is stable, natural resources are still abundant, global warming has remained a threat, etc. However, one problem that still remains and is getting worse and worse, is discrimination against ex criminals on house arrest. In order to fix this, I designed an alternate use for the wrist watch. A new and improved ankle monitor: The Freedom Watch.

The ankle monitor, also known as an electronic sensor, has forever been known to be big and bulky, causing ex criminals to feel insecure when/ if allowed to go out. Not only is it an insecurity to ex criminals, but for people awaiting trial as well, who are also forced to wear this accessory. The goal was to make it more slim, aesthetically pleasing, and less noticeable so people forced to wear it wouldn’t feel so judged or self conscious for their actions from the past.

The short film follows an ex criminal who was recently released from prison and is on house arrest. Life has been tough because whenever he goes out, people stare and even refuse service to him; all because of his ankle monitor. But he gets a call from NYPD and is able to receive their new version of the ankle monitor. Immediately he notices changes in peoples’ behaviors around him. They no longer look in fear or judge. 

Film outline:

1 MONDAY: CUT TO two months after being released; life is bad people stare

• Medium close up of feet with old ankle monitor: People walking by him on the street, stop and stare
• Over the shoulder: Tries to buy sushi but is given a dirty look by sushi guy and rejected

2 TUESDAY: CUT TO goes to park, first finds out about new monitor

• Walking in the park, people are still looking at him and getting scared
• Sits down and gets a call from NYC police department, answers and says “hello”

3 WEDNESDAY: CUT TO gets new monitor

• Medium shot: he is sitting at table in police department staring at a box
• Officer comes over and opens it; close up: box and new ankle monitor inside
• Officer puts monitor on him

4: THURSDAY: CUT TO unsure of what people will think of it

• Back medium shot: Hesitates when opening the door, opens it anyways
• Over the shoulder: Goes to same sushi place, different chef doesn’t give him a dirty look and makes him sushi

5 FRIDAY: CUT TO people are friendlier now, stop to say hello

• Repeat opening shot only people don’t move away; someone says “hello” or “good afternoon”