Glosso Publicity Video 2024

Audience reaction to the ending. Filmed by Lim Huan Xi Lovie (24A11).

Once posted to the Writers’ Circle Instagram page (@vjcwriterscircle), the video also set records, garnering upwards of 100 likes and over 4.5k plays by the end of the day. This was more than double the usual number of likes for the Glossolalia posts.

Screenshots of the uploaded video from the Writers’ Circle Instagram account. Captured by Author (left) and Pendyala Sreshti (23S63) (right).

The Chairperson of StudioV had also reached out to Writers’ Circle to personally congratulate the team on the promotional video.

As co-director and one of the scriptwriters, this author would like to extend our appreciation on behalf of the Publicity team for the overwhelming support. Your support made it possible for Writers’ Circle to surpass our Glossolalia reservations target with 62 reservations. 

To recap, the video follows enthusiastic Writers’ Circle scriptwriter, Kris, and the reluctant external videographer, Zack, as they are forced to work together on the Glossolalia promotional video.

A screenshot from the promotional video. Original clip filmed by Author.

Like the video plot, creating the video itself was a journey with its own (non-)romantic struggles. 

In fact, due to resource constraints, the Publicity team was forced to axe their original zombie wedding concept. Yet, under the tight deadline, they still had to deliver a promotional video that educated Victorians on Glossolalia, especially since it was not well-known in VJC. 

Problems continued even after the new script was finalised. The team struggled to find an actor for Zack after the original choice, well-known Lynx House Captain, Zavdiel Teng (23A13), had SC scheduling conflicts. The back-up pick had also backed out due to personal reasons.

Thankfully, Lin Jing Kang (24S54) stepped up to play Zack the morning of filming (24 April 2024). He also was responsible for a crucial alteration to the script.

Originally, Zack and Kris had opposite roles and personalities. In the script, Zack was the charismatic Writers’ Circle scriptwriter while Kris was the begrudging videographer. However, after a few takes with Kris’ actor, Lim Huan Xi Lovie (24A11), he pointed out how Lovie was better suited to play script Zack’s personality type, explicitly referencing how she was already wearing friendship bracelets iconic to the scriptwriter’s character.

Original concept art of Zack and Kris. Created by Author.

The swap was a unanimous decision. Though it necessitated the removal and re-recording of some scenes, including a complete replacement of the script’s ‘Till death do us part’ segment, the team was able to pull through. They came up with a new sequence on the spot and improvised new, smoother transitions during editing, reusing bloopers and outtakes.

A reused blooper in the video. Original clip filmed by Author.

Throughout filming, the cast and crew got along well. Even Jing Kang and Lovie, who had only just met on filming day.

On acting in a romance, Lovie said, “I think it wasn’t awkward as Jing Kang is actually a really mature person. He’s really open to filming and I think he is a really great friend to be around. I am always excited to see him!”

In a separate interview, Jing Kang echoed similar sentiments. “Lovie is [extremely] chill about it so I’m fine too.”

A candid of the leads talking. Photographed by Author.

Reflecting on the success of the promotional video, Wang Ray Kit (23S63), Chairperson of Writers’ Circle, said, “One of the main praises I received was that the plot was really good, easy to follow, and self-contained within the short time frame.” 

“I think we were very strategic in our choice of plot elements and story beats… It didn’t take an excessive amount of acting or editing production value to pull it off well.” He paused. “Not to discredit the actors or editors!” 

Lovie agreed, highlighting the story’s relatability and intricacy. 

“[There’s] not only a main story, but also a side plot that balances out some of the ‘heavier’ content, like info[rmation] about Glosso[lalia],” referring to the comedic scenes with Loic and Joelle. 

Amongst all the people both in and out of Writers’ Circle interviewed, a common theme that popped up was how high-effort the video looked and felt. They commented how they could feel everyone’s passion about the project and the chemistry between the team members.

The combined efforts of the actors, editors, and the Writers’ Circle Executive Committee made the Glossolalia promotional video possible. The author would like to thank the cast and crew below for their contributions, as well as Ray Kit, Pendyala Sreshti (23S63), the Vice-Chairperson of Writers’ Circle, and Megdelene “Nyx” Moey Shi Hua (23S62), the Creative Editor of Writers’ Circle. Especially in the wake of its success, thank you. You helped bring this to life.

The filming team. Original clips from the promotional video filmed by Author.

There was no standout ingredient that made the video successful. However, Lovie may have summarised it best. “I… think it was really successful because it wasn’t… in your face ‘THIS IS A GLOSSO[LALIA] VID[EO], YOU’RE WATCHING A PROMO[TIONAL] VID[EO]’.”

“It was subtle and done with heart.”