All Hallows’ Eve is almost upon us. The time of year where terror and fear rule the night. Where horror fans can flex their creative muscles with spooky decorations. Halloween is one of the most popular holidays out there. Everyone gets the chance to unleash their inner monster with creative costumes. Children go trick or treating. And it is the perfect time of year to enjoy all your favorite horror movies!

If you’re someone who loves films then why not organize a halloween movie marathon with your friends this year? It is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. And nothing takes the edge off the scariest scenes than experiencing them with your friends. This guide will walk you through how to plan the ultimate halloween movie marathon. One that your friends won’t forget anytime soon!

Deciding The Movie Watchlist

The main issue with planning a halloween movie marathon is that there are too many amazing movies to choose from. And not every Halloween movie needs to be a horror either. There are plenty of amazing movies, like Beetlejuice or The Addams Family, that are in keeping with the spirit of the season without being scary.

The best way to decide on the watchlist is to have all of your friends select one movie they would like to watch. If there aren’t that many of you attending you might be able to watch them all. But if you have a big guest list you can start to whittle down the suggestions by doing an anonymous poll. Every guest gets to select their top three choices. This is the most fair way of finalizing the watchlist and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard.

Spooky Snacks

No movie marathon is complete without a varied selection of snacks and drinks. And, since it is Halloween, you should try to make them as theme appropriate as possible. Most supermarkets will already be selling Halloween themed treats. But, if you want to go a step further, you could bake up your own food and put a scary spin on it. Or if baking isn’t your thing why not opt for a Halloween themed cocktail for the evening.

If you really want to take the marathon to the next level you could include some THC brownies or gummies. Or, for an intense experience, why not get some psychedelic chocolate bars. I recommend going for a One Up psychedelic chocolate bar. I love these psychedelic mushroom choc bars as they aren’t too strong that you’ll be weirded out by the movie. But strong enough that you’ll be having the greatest time of your life.

Make It A Costume Party

Costumes are a huge part of Halloween. So why not incorporate them into your movie marathon. You could ask everyone to dress in a costume that is relevant to one of the movies you are watching that night. Or just let them have free reign to dress up however they want.

If you really want to get your guests excited, why not offer up a prize for the best costume. It doesn’t have to be anything too expensive. A bottle of wine or a gift voucher. This will encourage your guests to go all out with their costumes.

Decorations Are Key

Aside from Christmas, Halloween is the time of the year where you can go absolutely wild with decorations. Your normal home can be transformed into an evil spider’s lair or an ancient tomb filled to the brim with skeletons and zombies.

Decorating your home in preparation for the movie marathon is an absolute must to help get everyone into the Halloween spirit. If possible you should consider picking decorations that line up with the movies on your watch list. If you’re watching a zombie movie, why not put some zombie heads on shelves. If you’re watching Dracula, you could make your house look like an old victorian era castle.

I highly recommend inventing your guests around the day before the marathon to help decorate. This is a great way to get them excited about the upcoming marathon and offers a chance for everyone to put their own personal spin on the decorations.

Fake Mobile Gaming Adverts

How often have you been on YouTube and been shown an add for an interesting looking mobile puzzle game? Or been shown a mobile game featuring epic fantasy heroes and engaging combat? And how often have you gone to download the game only to find that it is nothing like the product you saw in the advert?

This is sadly becoming all too common these days. There are hundreds upon hundreds of fake mobile gaming adverts currently plaguing the internet. The vast majority of these adverts are made by scam companies operating in countries where they don’t have to adhere to western advertising regulations. They lure you in with the promise of a fun game. And make their money off the adverts the app forces you to watch repeatedly.

This has become a huge issue for consumers and for mobile game developers too. People are starting to lose faith in the medium. The real games are being drowned out by the fakes. So we are here to provide you with a list of some of the most engaging mobile games that are exactly what the adverts promise!

League Of Legends: Wild Rift

League Of Legends, or LoL as it is known in the gaming world, is one of the most popular titles on the planet. Too often we have seen fake mobile gaming companies use assets from LoL to sell their game. But the good news is that there is a mobile friendly version of LoL.

Wild Rift plays exactly like a normal game of LoL but it has been modified to make the games shorter. With a smaller map and decreased spawn times. The game sees 2 teams of 5 trying to destroy the opposing team’s base while defending their own. Waves of minions periodically spawn and head down three different lanes. Players can earn gold and xp by killing minions and other players.

Matches generally last up to 20 / 25 minutes. Making it an ideal choice for gamers looking for a quick and engaging title to sink their teeth into.

Clash Of Clans

Clash Of Clans has been one of the most popular mobile games for a while now. It has an average of 150 million monthly players. And has spawned a number of spin-off titles like Clash Quest and Clash Heroes.

The primary focus of the game is building your own mini kingdom. Constructing defenses and resource producing buildings so that you can purchase troops for your army. Players can attack the bases of other players to gain rewards. But you also have to ensure your base is strong enough to survive attacks from other plays.

Clash Of Clans is free-to-play, but does feature microtransactions. The game allows players to buy speed boosts and additional currency. Many people have started selling and purchasing Clash of Clans accounts. Buying an account is the best way to get a leg up in the game. And it will allow you to join in the clan based war system as well.

Pokémon GO

Pokémon is one of the most recognizable and well loved franchises on the planet. And it is all too common for fake mobile gaming companies to steal assets from Pokémon to lure in unsuspecting gamers. There are a huge range of mobile Pokémon games to choose from. But Pokémon GO is undoubtedly the best.

It is an augmented reality game that uses the real world as its setting. Players will find new Pokémon to catch as they walk around. Evolving your Pokémon is done by meeting a specific step goal over a certain period of time.

Different locations on the map are marked as Gyms and Pokéstops. Players can compete to secure the Gym for their faction. While the Pokéstops provide them with different items. The game features all the hallmarks of a normal Pokémon. The ability to trade with other players, carry out private battles, and hatch new Pokémon from eggs.

Angry Birds

There are countless fake adverts showing a mobile game that is essentially Angry Birds with a different skin. And 9 times out of 10 the game you download is nothing like the trailers. Save yourself the hassle and just download Angry Birds instead.

This was one of the mobile games that changed the entire industry. With an extremely simple gameplay loop that is highly addictive, Angry Birds is the perfect time killer. On the surface it seems like a simple game about launching birds at a fortress full of pigs. But the game requires more logical thinking and planning than you might expect at first glance.

Each of the birds in the games have their own unique ability. Like birds that explode or ones that can break through certain materials. Angry Birds 2 allowed players to use any bird they want with a deck system. Allowing for a greater degree of strategy.

Are you one of those people who picks up a new hobby which you throw yourself into with a passionate fervor, only to get bored of it after a couple of months and seek out something new? Well the good news is you aren’t alone in that. I too have hundreds of half finished hobby projects sitting around my home.

But don’t be dismayed. The beautiful thing about hobbies is that there is no right or wrong way to do them! Shifting between hobbies can be extremely fulfilling and can also teach you a lot of valuable life skills along the way. If you’re struggling to find a new hobby to occupy your time with, don’t worry. I have compiled this list of 7 hobbies worth trying!

1. Painting

People often assume that, to be a painter, you need to be extremely talented. That the aim is to create grand works of art that can be hung in galleries around the world. But painting for the sake of creative expression alone is an extremely rewarding hobby. And you don’t need to have any prior experience to create amazing works of art.

I highly recommend starting with some custom paint by numbers kits. These will allow you to create the painting you want with an easy guide. No worrying about getting the colors wrong or messing up the proportions. And it will help you gradually improve your technique until you can paint freehand.

2. Photography

People often forget that photography can be a hobby. Because our smart phones allow us to capture every single moment of our lives with ease. But there is something magical about taking more purposeful photos.

I recommend buying a polaroid camera or a few disposable ones. Then go out exploring, alone or with friends, and capture the moments and scenes that call to you. Having the physical photos in your hands is an extremely rewarding experience. And it is a great way to get you to observe the world around you with a more creative eye.

3. Creative Writing

Writing often falls into the same pitfalls as painting. If you aren’t writing with the goal of getting something published, what’s the point? But writing just for the fun of it can be, not only extremely fun, but very therapeutic too. It allows our brain to turn our complex, hidden thoughts into works of art.

A great way to get started with creative writing is with one of those ‘Prompt a day’ writing books. They will provide you with a huge array of interesting writing challenges. And, with no right or wrong answers, you can be free to let your imagination run as wild as you like!

4. Flow Toys

Have you ever been to a festival or a carnival and seen those people spinning fire swords or twirling flags around in mesmerizing patterns. This is called flowing. Flow toys, like contact staffs, poi, hula hoops, contact juggling balls, and flags are a great hobby to try out if you’re someone who likes an active challenge.

I recommend watching some YouTube tutorials first to find the flow toy that most calls to you. Some are easier to learn than others. But, with enough practice and dedication, you can soon become a flow master!

5. Gaming

The old reliable of the hobby world. Video gaming is one of the most popular pastimes on the planet for a reason. There are so many amazing games out there that, whatever your tastes, there is something for you.

Want something relaxed and cute? Animal crossing is for you. Want something puzzling? Professor Layton. Want to switch off your brain and fight hordes of aliens? Space Marine 2. And if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money there are hundreds of free mobile games that are just as engaging as the big triple-A titles.

6. Learning Cardistry

Have you ever seen a magician or professional poker player do some fancy tricks with a deck of cards and wished you could do that? Well it isn’t actually as difficult as you might think. Cardistry, the art of creative shuffling and deck cutting, is an amazing skill that will always impress at parties.

There are thousands of useful tutorials online to help you get started. It will take a while to get it right. So don’t be discouraged. Practice makes perfect. Just make sure you invest in some good playing cards. Bicycle cards are the go-to for cardistry.

7. Baking

One of my favorite hobbies. Simply because you get to eat the things you create! Baking is one of the easiest hobbies to get into. With minimal set up and a very low learning curve. Baking is more of a science than cooking. So, as long as you follow the recipes closely, it is difficult to get it wrong.

1. Visit Seoul

There are no two ways about it, if you visit South Korea you have to spend a few days in Seoul. Whether you want to spend money or time in great places you will find South Korea’s capital as many great places to visit. One such place of course is the very well-known district of Gangnam which houses many great stores and some of the best entertainment lounges. Whether you want to experience the great Korean full salon or the prevalent activity of going to singing lounges, this will make your time in South Korea perfect especially if you want to live out the modern Korean culture.

2. Lotte World

Lotte World is in Seoul but it deserves its slot as a great experience that can up a full day of your trip. Lotte World is an amusement park essentially the Disney World of South Korea. The comparison does go further as many people have accused it of not only ripping off the iconic mouse mascot of the Disney company but also the very beloved Indiana Jones ride. The fact remains that despite these similarities Lotte World made a name for itself by being one of the best amusement parks in all of Asia and even the world.

3. The DMZ

This place is generally better known as the Demilitarized Zone. While it does sound scary on paper the reality is that it rarely sees action and plenty of guided tours are offered around the DMZ. You might be wondering why it even is on this list, the reality, of course, is that is it a truly fascinating part of Korean history as well as the current state of Korea. If you want to get a very interesting look at the South Korean military operations while getting a good history lesson on the causes of the rift between South and North Korea.

4. Hwaseong Fortress

This fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was originally built during the 18th century. The history of the fortress is truly incredible as it exists as the final resting place of the father of King Jeongo. It is around 20 miles away from Seoul and includes the King’s palace as well as a large part of the city of Suwon. You can explore the great township or even walk the walls that span over 3 miles. While it has been subject to modern work most of the fortress remains an 18th-century architectural marvel.

5. Enjoy Korean food

This is one of the best things to do in South Korea. You will see that not only does Seoul and South Korea at large offer great opportunities to try out luxurious restaurants but also some of the most delicious street food you can have. Seoul has some especially great markets that can offer amazing food for very low prices if you walk out of the tourist areas. So don’t be afraid to go out of your way to try out any from Korean BBQ to anything you can’t even name. Korean food is as spicy and diverse as Korean culture can be.

6. Go out dancing

If you know anything about South Korea is that one of its biggest cultural exports is its music. If you want to truly experience the current cultural wave of Korea, you need to get yourself out there and experience the wild nights of K-POP-fuelled dance clubs of Seoul. This is the best way to experience the K-POP phenomenon short of being able to get tickets to the shows of one of the current famous acts taking the world by storm. It can be pretty hard to keep up with the surge of new artists on the Korean scene though. So, whether you love boy bands or girl bands like BlackPink you will see that these stars are like royalty in the cultural movement of Korea.

7. The national sport

While many people often think that Baseball is as American as apple pie, many forget that it is the national sport of not only Korea but also Japan. So, if you want to experience the excitement and triumphs of the Korean sports culture you should try to choose a team to cheer for and get some tickets to one of the many sold-out stadium games. If you come from America, you might be surprised to see that Korean sports culture is pretty similar to America’s where beer is flowing and there are plenty of delicious snacks to be had while you watch your theme play to win.

If you’re one of those souls who need to wander, you have South Korea on your list of places to visit before you die. If you know anything about Asian countries, it has some of the biggest and wildest city centers and some of the most extensive natural outskirts. For today though, let’s focus on one of the biggest cities in all of Asia and the very heart of South Korea. We are of course talking about the great city of lights, Seoul. Seoul is a massive city so it can be pretty easy to get lost amongst all the great districts, so let’s look at some of the greatest sights to see in Seoul and some of the best activities you can do while visiting.

Lotte World

Whether you’re big or small Lotte World is a must-see for anyone visiting Seoul. Lotte World is partly a massive cultural center while also fully being an amusement park. It is one of the biggest amusement parks not only in Korea but also in Asia. Many people might call it a Disney Land rip-off, especially because of its raccoon mascot who looks very similar to a certain mouse duo. The reality is that down to even certain attractions, there is very much a case to call it a Disney rip-off, but the incredible level of execution makes the comparison pretty much pointless. If you think Disneyland is magic you might find yourself at a loss for a word when you visit Lotte World.

Gangnam

If you are looking for a great place to wander around and spend money the Gangnam district is the place for you. It is not only known for being one of the most luxurious districts in all of Seoul but is also a great place for entertainment. Aside from its very high-end shopping destinations it also offers some of the most well-known shirt rooms as well as karaoke bars in all of Seoul. If you aren’t fully aware of what shirt rooms are you might want to take a look at this website https://gangnam-shirtroomplay.com to learn a bit more about the general customs and uses of shirt rooms in Korea. These luxury experiences are very popular amongst tourists so this is a must-do in 2024 for anyone visiting Seoul.

Mangwon Market

If you look online for the best places to eat in Seoul, you might come across a very familiar name in the form of Gwangjang market. While it is a very good destination for foodies the reality is that it has become overcrowded by tourists and is overall much more expensive than other destinations and Seoul. This is why in 2024, Mangwon Market is the place to go. You will find that this market is not only cheaper and much less crowded but generally as much more typical food that you would find for Korean residents instead of restaurants tailored towards the tourist experience. This market is a true market in the way that many residents do shop there which means that the price of ingredients is much lower while the food is just as delicious. If you do visit Mangwon Market, make sure to try out some fresh chicken or some of the delicious selection of fruit available.

Starfield COEX Mall

While we did mention shopping in the Gangnam section this small which finds itself in the Gangnam district deserves its spot. When we talk about malls in the West there is this very gloomy feeling that we are seeing the last leg of the culture surrounding malls. The reality is very much different in Korea where malls are not only massive cultural centers but also vibrant social centres. The Starfield Mall is no different in this aspect, but it does stand alone compared to every other mall in Asia. Not only does it contain over 300 stores it also houses a massive aquarium filled with tens of thousands of aquatic creatures. Built on four different levels it is the biggest underground mall in all of Asia. It is so big it even connects to two different metro stations.

As you can see when visiting Korea and especially Seoul there are many things to do which are extremely trendy in 2024. It might not come as a surprise that many of those things that are now popular in Seoul have been at the top of the cultural relevance curve for many years and even decades. This is partly because Korea is always following recent trends when they are not setting them. Where do you love shopping, karaoke singing, or filling your tummy with delicious foods you will find the perfect event for you in Seoul this year. So don’t be afraid to visit new places and make your time in Korea a true city adventure and have yourself the best of times in Seoul.

There is something about movies that draws us in. The glitz and glamor of the silver screen has a powerful hold over us. Whether it’s the latest action blockbuster or an emotional slice of life drama. Movies have become such a huge part of our modern culture and have shaped the entertainment industry into what it is today.

But if you’re anything like me then your love for movies doesn’t just end when the credits roll. You want to be immersed in it all. The memorabilia. The behind the scenes snippets and celebrity news. But the most amazing experience is getting to stand in the actual locations used in our favorite movies.

If you’re looking for your next holiday idea then this might just be the right guide for you. I have designed a road trip that will take you through some of the most memorable locations in cinema history! So you too can feel like a part of the magic of cinema.

Hollywood, California

There is no better place to start your movie road trip than in the home of cinema itself. Hollywood! The beating heart of the entertainment industry. Everywhere you go you will see locations from cinematic masterpieces. See where Julia Roberts made her home in Pretty Woman. Visit the same iconic landmarks seen in Sunset Boulevard.

We then recommend heading down to Los Angeles to head onto Route 66. Which will play a big part in your journey.

Viva Las Vegas!

The next stop on your trip should be to the jewel of the Mojave. Vegas! No city can quite compare to the spectacle provided by Vegas. And many movies have used it as a backdrop. Visit the casinos that were targeted by the criminal crew of Ocean’s 11. Recreate some of the more chaotic moments from The Hangover. Or just marvel at all of the beautiful locations you’ll undoubtedly recognise from the silver screen.

Route 66 doesn’t directly pass through Vegas. So you will need to take a detour when you reach Arizona. The route to Vegas is notoriously dusty. So make sure you are prepared with weather appropriate clothes. At night a car cover can help protect your vehicle from more serious weather conditions like dust storms.

Route 66

We should take some time to mention that Route 66 itself has played a huge part in cinematic history. In fact it was the famous 1940’s movie Grapes Of Wrath that gave Route 66 its nickname ‘Mother Road.’

As you proceed along Route 66 you will be treated to a number of different attractions, both movie related and otherwise. If you get the chance try to stop off at Roy’s Motel And Cafe. Which has been featured in a number of movies over the years including Southbound, The Hitcher, and Beneath The Dark,

New Mexico

Once you have ventured back onto Route 66 we recommend heading towards New Mexico. A state with a rich movie history for you to explore. The Bonanza Creek Ranch is one of the most famous movie locations in cinema history. Having appeared in a number of titles including Django Unchained, Young Guns, and A Million Ways to Die in the West. You do have to book a tour to visit the ranch. But it is well worth it.

TV lovers also are spoiled for choice in New Mexico. A lot of the locations seen within the show Breaking Bad can be visited. You can even get your car washed at the location used within the show. House Of Cards also filmed a lot of their third season in New Mexico.

We’re Not In Kansas Anymore!

Perhaps one of the most famous quotes in cinema history. Famously spoken by Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz. The movie was such a landmark event for Kansas that they even renamed one of their roads to be ‘The Road To Oz.’

You should definitely visit the Wizard Of Oz museum while you are in Kansas. But there are plenty of other movie attractions to see beyond the realm of Oz. The Gordon Parks Museum and Center for Culture is a must see for anyone with a love for the history of Cinema. The museum pays tribute to one of the first black artists to make a name for themselves in Hollywood.

New York City

At this point we would recommend veering off Route 66 and making your way towards the Big Apple. New York City is one of the most iconic cities on the planet. And that reputation has translated onto the silver screen time and time again.

You can’t move in New York without coming across a famous filming location. Times square, the Empire State Building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Hundreds of movies and TV shows have used this city as a focal point. And it really is the best place to end your movie road trip!

Long gone are the days when you can only get a good laugh when you go for comedy shows or play a CD. One of the positive impacts of technology is the ability to get what you want with your smartphone.

If you are feeling down and need a little laughter to brighten your day, a visit, to one of the active social media platforms can help you get your wish. There are thousands of creative influencers in the online space who are great at creating humour-packed content that will get you rolling with laughter.

The best way to have access to fresh comedic content is by following the accounts of some of the best funny influencers. This way, you can get notified once content gets dropped.

6 Funniest Influencers to Follow

Our list of the funniest influencers to follow consists of comedians and funny content creators from different online platforms, compiled in no particular order.

1. Sarah Cooper (sarahcpr)

Sarah Cooper is a popular comedian and writer with a lot of recorded success in her career. Her Instagram account of above 650k followers is one of the funniest pages you can stumble into. There is never a dull moment on her page, she’s always either posting funny content, updates on her upcoming events, or giving her followers a peak of her lifestyle.

2. Matt Rife (matt_rife)

Matt Rife is a young and talented TikTok standup comedian. His skits are one of the funniest on TikTok and can get thousands of likes in minutes. Matt has more than 16.4million dedicated followers and he keeps them engaged with some of the most hilarious skits you can find on the internet. Matt Rife is also very active and popular on Instagram with above 8 million followers. You can follow Matt on his social media accounts to cheer you up.

3. Brittany Broski (brittany_broski)

Brittany Broski, popularly known as the kombucha girl is one of the funniest influencers online. Her videos are comedic anecdotes from her life, clips from her podcast and other funny events. Brittany has more than 7 million followers on TikTok, and 2.13 million subscribers on YouTube and she also runs a podcast called Broski Report. Aside from following Brittany Broski for laughs, you can also learn from her if you intend to become an influencer someday. Influencers are not just made overnight. Famous influencers like Broski work tirelessly to keep their new and old audience engaged with their content. Your major goal as an influencer should be to increase your followership. Buying likes from getlikes.com and others like it can also help boost your account.

4. Trey Kenedy

Trey is a successful influencer on Facebook and other social media platforms. His fame started from Vine and now he is one of the renowned influencers in the online space. One unique thing about Trey Kenedy is that his content is relatable not centered on a particular area. He makes comedic character-driven sketches and hosts one of the best podcasts that will keep you glued to your phone screen.

5. Desi Banks (@iamdesibanks)

Desi Bank is an Instagram influencer with more than 8 million followers. He is known for posting short funny relatable videos. If you do not have the patience for a long funny video, you can make Desi’s Instagram account your go-to page. Desi is also involved in real estate and has a different account for the business.

6. Ralph Barbosa (@ralphbarbosa03)

YouTube is one platform that has allowed many creatives to showcase their talent and gain many followers. Ralph Barbosa is one of the most successful influencers who rose to fame on YouTube. He is known for creating funny comedy videos on YouTube that can get more than 3 million views in a few days. He is also active on Instagram and posts some of his funniest videos there. Raph Barbosa has more than 440k subscribers on YouTube and 720k followers on Instagram.

Conclusion

There are other funny influencers online that can make you laugh your heart out we just made a list of our favourites. Some of the funniest influencers online are active on different platforms. Whether you prefer watching videos on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok or Snapchat, you can follow your favourites on any of them for a good laugh.

If I had to pick one word that defines our current generation it would be Influencer. You will have undoubtedly seen this word all over the place. The word itself isn’t a new one. History has seen its fair share of influential people who are worthy of the title. But these days the term has taken on a new meaning.

The rise of social media has shifted the idea of what an influencer is. Previously the title would be reserved for someone of great renown who shifted the social norms of society in a huge way. And, to a degree, modern influencers still do set trends and change people’s views. But on a much smaller scale. A modern influencer is simply someone who has obtained a considerable following on social media.

Anyone can become an influencer these days. Our screens are constantly filled with pictures and videos of different influencers. And it would be easy to think that they live idyllic lives. But, as we know, social media only ever provides a glimpse into someone else’s lives. So what is happening behind the screen that influencers don’t show you?

The Business Of Being An Influencer

Being an influencer has become more of a career than a social position. And, like any career, it requires a lot of hard work. It is all too easy to forget that, behind every video and picture, is a lot of planning and technical editing going on.

Influencers have to work hard to create content that will keep their audience engaged while also bringing in new followers. For every video you see an influencer post you can be sure that 80% of the work they put into it happened behind the scenes.

Influencers make a lot of their money through sponsorship deals. Companies pay them to feature their products in their content. But acquiring these deals takes a lot of networking and negotiation. Which is why most influencers will use an agency.

Influencer Marketing

Influencer agencies also help content creators with their marketing. You might be surprised to hear that influencers need to do marketing. But, like any business, they depend on their ability to reach a wider audience and bring in new followers.

Agencies like upvote.shop are a prime example of the work influencers have done behind the scenes. Alongside promoting their pages, this agency can also directly boost their follower count on a number of different platforms. The advantage of this is that it keeps their page showing up in the ‘For You’ section of different social media sites.

The Real Influencer

As we said earlier on, a lot of what we see on social media is fake. And this is vitally important to remember. About 90% of the content you see online has been carefully curated and edited to give off a certain impression. Influencers make their money off brand deals. And brands want their products to be associated with amazing people.

So the main thing influencers often don’t show you is their true self. And to a degree this is how it should be. You may have heard of the term parasocial relationships. This is a one-sided relationship where one person puts in all of the emotional investment. Meanwhile the other party is unaware of their existence.

This is the relationship that influencers have with 90% of their followers. They will never meet or interact with them in any meaningful way. Unfortunately some people become too obsessed with an influencer they like. And this can lead to dangerous behaviors such as stalking.

This isn’t a new occurrence by any means. As long as celebrities have existed we have seen the dangers of parasocial relationships. But the digital age has made it all too easy for people to dig up information about influencers. Which is why a lot of influencers make the conscious choice to hide their real selves from the camera.

The Cost

We are currently living in the golden age of technology. Our smartphones are more powerful than the computers used to send man to the Moon. Virtual reality is no longer just for the realms of science fiction. And we have access to the entire wealth of human knowledge from the comfort of our bedrooms thanks to the internet.

As technology advances so too does the quality of content being produced by influencers. A lot of influencers produce most of their content with their phones. But, to produce real high quality content, they require a lot of additional resources. Lights. Editing software. Accessories. A production team.

In short, it isn’t a cheap endeavor for them at all. And this is one of the main reasons why a lot of new influencers don’t succeed. To make it as an influencer you have to invest, not only a lot of time, but money as well.

Now more than ever it has become much easier to watch movies at will. Thanks to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix we have not only seen a lot of older movies find their way to these platforms but also these platforms have put in the money to create new franchises and new movies. This was of course the delight of many people but there has been a lot of discourse online about the use of special effects and the lack of practical effects. When discussing practical effects many people talk about blood squibs for example. Still, one of the bigger parts of special effects that have changed a lot over the past decade is the amount of green cream used instead of filming on location or creating sets. While many people say that creating sets is too much trouble or too expensive many of them aren’t aware of what goes into building those sets. So, let’s take a deeper look at what goes into the business of building film sets and creating the movie magic that often goes unseen behind the scenes.

For many people, it might seem silly to have to build a set to film inside of a house or inside of an apartment. The reality though is that while it may be adequate for smaller-budget films to film inside buildings often, it is easier for bigger-budget films to create an old apartment set from scratch since it allows you to light and film from every angle you wish. This is why often you might not even realize that your favorite show or your favorite movie is not filmed on location. This is why when they create sets, they often will deal with architects as well as set designers to be able to fully recreate to scale the interior of a building they’ve chosen to be the physical representation of the location they will be in. This is often done so that you can have the ideal space without having to displace the people who are living or working there. If you ever need to film outside the building, you can simply put some slight window dressing on the building itself to make it appear as it should for the show or movie and have your location.

When we talk about said building itself It’s important to understand from this that we are talking about actual construction. There is a lot of work from specialists like carpenters who are involved in the actual physical building of these sets. While most sets are built on studio lots and inside Many set pieces become part of on-location filming. This is why sometimes you will see streets being closed or buildings being used for filming have things built around them as additional set dressing. Adding to this you might even see a partial green screen added especially for period movies where studios have to account for the skyline and backdrops. This mix of set building and green screen has become pretty common both on location and in the studio for most films going from Avengers to The Irishman.

One of the main reasons why studios have moved away from doing fully practical sets is not only because of the amount of money costs to hire all these specialized workers to build those. There is also the reality that many production companies simply don’t want to put the money into sets that they will either have to store or destroy after the filming is over. It is not only a question of set building costs but also of self storage building costs to be able to house all the props and the set pieces they might want to keep. This is an issue not only because of cost but also because of land since many of the big studios find themselves in major cities where it is extremely difficult to find new viable land to build studio lots on. If you take this into account, it might become a lot easier to understand the popularity of things like Disney’s volume projected set and the general use of VFX to be able to save some of the costs that could go into building physical sets.