In an exclusive interview with Fandom Daily, CG5, a multi-talented artist and YouTube sensation, gives us an inside look at his innovative analog horror series, PROJECT U MOVE.

Created in collaboration with co-director and producer William Bradford, this feature-length film marks CG5's ambitious foray into the horror genre. Transcending his musical roots to explore the chilling nexus of music, manipulation, and consciousness, the series spans three episodes, each weaving a haunting narrative that culminates in a full-length cinematic experience.

Designed to promote his upcoming EP, also titled U MOVE, the series spans three episodes, each weaving a haunting narrative that culminates in a full-length cinematic experience.

PROJECT U MOVE not only uses music as a backdrop but as a pivotal element that immerses each character into a new, unsettling dimension. The series kicks off with CG5 discovering a mysterious VHS tape that pulls him into a disturbing trance-like state, upending his life and drawing him into a cycle controlled by an unseen, menacing force. This eerie narrative delves deep into how melodies and verses can manipulate and consume the mind, trapping its victims in a perpetual haze.

Premiered at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, PROJECT U MOVE promises an immersive viewing experience that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, accompanied by a backdrop of eerie melodies and unsettling narratives.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CG5 (@cg5beats)

Fandom Daily: What inspired the unique blend of horror and music in PROJECT U MOVE, and how do you think it enhances the storytelling?

CG5: "I’ve worked with both horror and music together for most of my career, loving the process of telling scary stories through music. This project was a natural merging of the two genres for me."

Fandom Daily: How did your collaboration with Piper Rubio begin, and what was your experience working together?

CG5: "Piper was a fan who attended my concert in LA. We met briefly before the show and took some pictures. Later, we reached out to her family to collaborate on this special project. Working with her was seamless; she's a natural actress and knew exactly what to do on set."

Fandom Daily: Can you tell us more about Rose's character development and how her journey intertwines with the horror elements of the series?

CG5: "Rose, played by Piper Rubio, is intrigued by a mysterious red tape she finds at a thrift shop. Despite her mother's objections, she steals it, which may have dire consequences. Her interaction with this tape introduces a mysterious antagonist and propels the horror narrative forward."

Fandom Daily: How did you approach the integration of visuals and music to complement the eerie atmosphere of the short film?

CG5: "I've always been fascinated by analog horror. To achieve this look, we used an old film camera and employed creative lighting and set designs to enhance the immersive experience."

Fandom Daily: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the production of the short film and the music video, especially considering the horror genre’s demands?

CG5: "The challenge was creating a three-part series that would eventually become a full-length film, which was a first for me. It required extensive storyboarding, filming, sound design, scoring, and VFX, but the result was incredibly rewarding."

Fandom Daily: The mysterious VHS tape plays a central role in the narrative. Can you discuss any symbolic meanings or metaphors associated with it?

CG5: "The red tape metaphorically represents how screens can captivate and numb people, drawing a parallel to my own experiences with doom scrolling. It’s a critique of how media consumption can lead to a zombie-like state."

Fandom Daily: How do you anticipate the audience reacting to the completed short film with the release of Part 3, and what do you hope they take away from it?

CG5: "I expect the audience to be delightfully confused by the ending. I aim for an ending that leaves viewers pondering, much like a season finale that keeps you wanting more."

Fandom Daily: How did the thematic elements of the series influence the composition and lyrical content of ‘U MOVE?’

CG5: "The retro feel of the music and film are interconnected perfectly. The seemingly lighthearted songs have a profound impact in the film, creating a liminal and unsettling vibe."

Fandom Daily: Without giving too much away, can you hint at any future projects or new music following PROJECT U MOVE?

CG5: "Post-release, I’ll drop an EP with all the lyrical songs from the film. Then, I’m diving back into music with a focus on gaming themes and a surprise collaboration with a major video game."

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by CG5 (@cg5beats)

Fandom Daily: What personal experiences or interests in horror influenced your approach to PROJECT U MOVE?

CG5: "My love for '80s music, like Phil Collins and Michael Jackson, influenced the soundtrack, aiming to blend that era’s sound with the film’s horror elements."

Fandom Daily: What can fans expect from the upcoming premiere?

CG5: "Fans can expect a full-length short film combining all three parts for a quintessential cinematic horror experience. If you haven't seen Project U MOVE yet, wait for its theater release in LA."

Photo Credit: CG5 on IG