SYNOPSIS

POP-STAR follows Star, a recent college grad and struggling songwriter whose dream of fame clashes with her crippling self-doubt. After a humiliating rejection at a record label, she meets her fully fledged alter-ego (Pop-Star), a glittering, confident version of herself, with purple hair. 

She begins the journey to become this alter ego, involving a transformative club night that leads her to believe that PopStar lives within her. 

Yet the deeper she dives, the more she loses her grasp on what’s real. When she finally returns to the record executive’s office, she takes the “stage” once more — this time fully transformed, embodying the fame and confidence she’s always craved.

CHARACTERS

STAR - Our protagonist. Star is a struggling songwriter and a recent college graduate who is broke, depressed, and distracted. She’s fond of a regular routine and doesn’t dare to push it too far out of her comfort zone. After the rejection from Richard, her desire to finally break the mold manifests in a physical alter-ego of herself: Pop-Star.

POP-STAR - The physical manifestation of Star’s desire for stardom. Pop-Star is everything that Star is not: flirtatious, sensual, a go-getter, and doesn’t have to demand attention. She exists to show Star what she very much COULD be. Pop-Star doesn’t hold out gold star stickers; she taunts Star to make her WANT IT. The good intentions are there, but she pushes Star to push her one-self.

RICHARD - Spunky, curt, pro-non-bullshitter record executive at HighBeats Records. He is the characterization/personification of the constant, relentless rejection that is in the music industry. Rejection that feels uncalled for, dismissive, and attacks the essence of a person rather than their work. He is good-intentioned, but won’t lie to your face

ASIA - Supporting character to Star. Star’s roommate and best friend from college. She’s gorgeous, is working a successful job, and is the life of the party while also being “the mom” friend at the same time. She sees Star’s potential and tries her best to pull it out of her.

WHY ME?

Having a dance party in your room alone is something that we all do. At least I would hope. But for me, it was more than just a dance party. When I was younger, I envisioned an entire audience, I would make my own choreography, and even thank my fans at the end. My favorite doll was a pop-star herself. I’ve loved pop-star’s since as early as I can remember. Their world, attitude, fame, and world-admiration is something that I’ve always been engulfed in.

But as I have grown up, I have realized that my own Pop-Star lives within me. She takes over in job interviews, academic testing, in-person pitches, and moments where I would otherwise feel stuck or too nervous. She is a version of me that completely pushes past the fear in order to get the hard-things done. Getting to know my inner-pop-star has helped me grow into who I am today, and it is my greatest hope that this film can help you to discover yours too.

WHY NOW?

Stardom isn’t something most people ever reach, myself included. It’s not just about talent or effort—it’s about luck, timing, and access. In the end, it often depends on the “key holders” of the industry, and real stars get overlooked every day.

Pop-Star navigates the idea of having an inner pop-star that lives inside of you, that pushes you to greatness, encourages you to do hard things, and serves as a reminder that your greatest potential is within you, without ever having to reach a real stardom. Now more than ever, it’s important that artists remind themselves of why they started. 

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