ESPEN GJELSTEN

Director & cinematographer
based in Norway

Why You Need to Get Personal to Reach Your Audience


People are consuming more media today than at any other time in history. And, we’ve become pretty good at tuning out anything that doesn’t resonate.

So, how do you break through the noise? By being personal. By being authentic.




The Emotional Hook

People don’t remember everything they see or hear. But they do remember how something made them feel. Think about the last ad or film you loved. It wasn’t the product specs or tagline that stuck with you—it was the story, the emotion, the connection.



Authenticity in commercial films

As a filmmaker, I’ve learned that the most effective stories are the ones rooted in truth. Whether it’s a brand film, a short narrative, or a commercial, the emotional core must feel real.

That’s the power of authenticity. When you create content that feels real, raw, and personal, you move beyond just “information.” You create moments that linger in the mind and heart.

People connect to people

A story about someone’s journey—their struggles, triumphs, and moments of truth—will always resonate more deeply than a generic message.

In the end, it’s all about connection: When you tap into that, you’re not just reaching your audience—you’re giving them something they’ll remember.

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