GIORGIOCITARELLA.COM
Giorgio Citarella
Writer/Cinematagrapher/
Director/Producer/Editor
This project was born out of pure curiosity and devotion to answering a question:
How have the expectations of life after college compared to the reality?
As a filmmaker, I have always been drawn to the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our perceptions of the world. Jellyfish, my short documentary, emerged from a personal question that became universal: How does life after college compare to the expectations we had while in school? This exploration was deeply inspired by my fascination with the introspection and intimacy of video diaries and a commitment to creating visually captivating, emotionally resonant work.
My camera at the border of Massachusetts (May 2023)
Inspirations:
Exploring the Grey Areas of Adulthood
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The decision to frame Jellyfish in a style reminiscent of video diaries was intentional, drawing from the works of Chantal Akerman, Jonas Mekas, and David Perlov. Their deeply personal, raw portrayals of life inspired me to embrace vulnerability and spontaneity in my storytelling. Akerman’s ability to capture the minutiae of daily life influenced the documentary’s introspective tone, while Mekas’ celebration of the mundane guided my approach to documenting post-college moments often overlooked but rich in meaning. Perlov’s experimental techniques pushed me to take creative risks, allowing unfiltered emotions to shine through the film.
These influences guided not only the narrative structure but also the visual style. I opted for a naturalistic approach that echoed the honesty and immediacy of video diaries, capturing intimate conversations and quiet moments of reflection to bring my subjects’ journeys to life. This aesthetic choice emphasized the "grey areas" of adulthood, those uncertain yet formative moments between dreams and reality.
"Down There", Chantal Akerman, 2006
Icarus Films
"Lost, Lost, Lost", Jonas Mekas, 1976
Revior Video
"Diary", David Perlov, 1983
Revior Video
Pre-Production:
From Vision to Execution
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Financing Jellyfish independently was both a challenge and a lesson in resourcefulness. Odd jobs funded the film’s two-year journey, during which I meticulously planned each phase of production. The pre-production process involved conceptualizing the film’s direction, identifying subjects whose stories reflected diverse post-college experiences, and scouting locations that would visually complement their narratives.​
Setting up my camera at the Keystone Bridge in Washington, D.C. (March 2023)
Each interview subject—former classmates—brought unique perspectives, and I prioritized creating an environment of trust where they could share openly. From the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet corners of my hometown, each setting contributed to the film’s layered exploration of life’s complexities.
Location scouting at Walden Pond, Massachusetts (May 2023)
Port Jefferson, NY (April 2023)
Equipment & Software
Production:
Crafting a Visual and Emotional Narrative
To bring the story to life, I shot Jellyfish using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro paired with a Helios 44-M lens. This combination provided both the technical precision and artistic flair necessary to visually capture the vulnerability of my subjects. The Helios lens’ swirly bokeh added a dreamlike quality to certain scenes, reflecting the tension between expectation and reality that runs through the film.
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During production, I approached each interview with sensitivity and curiosity, fostering conversations that revealed the raw emotions of navigating adulthood. Filming became a process of discovery, as I documented not just my subjects’ stories but also my own reflections on the shared challenges of this transitional period.
Veronica (Setauket, February 2023)
Interview with Jared (Boston, May 2023)
Documentary Filmmaker Michael Jacobsohn (Bryant Park, NY , May 2023)
Camera Test with Esteban (Washington, D.C., March 2023)
Post-Production:
Honing the Narrative
Editing Jellyfish was an exercise in balancing technical precision with emotional resonance. Using DaVinci Resolve Studio, I meticulously refined the film’s color grading to enhance its aesthetic appeal, while Adobe Premiere Pro allowed me to craft a cohesive narrative. Each cut and transition was carefully considered to maintain the documentary’s intimacy and flow, ensuring the audience could fully connect with the stories on screen.
Location scouting at Harvard University, Massachusetts (May 2023)
The Journey: Personal Growth Through Filmmaking
Jellyfish represents more than a film—it’s a turning point in my journey as a filmmaker. It challenged me to confront my own uncertainties about adulthood while navigating the intricacies of storytelling. Through the process, I learned the value of vulnerability, both in the stories I tell and in the way I approach my craft.
Taking a nap on the couch couch (May 2023)
Trying to find an interesting angle to film Jared (May 2023)
This film is my attempt to connect with audiences through shared experiences, sparking dialogue about the universal search for purpose and direction. It’s a tribute to the beauty found in life’s grey areas and a reminder that, like jellyfish adrift in the ocean, we are all navigating uncharted waters with resilience and grace.
Giorgio Citarella.
November 21, 2024
