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Logline

A social media influencer obsessed with his “high value” image faces a crisis when his carefully crafted persona starts to unravel.

Synopsis

Tyson, a self-proclaimed “high value man” with a social media empire built on flexing confidence and masculinity, believes he’s got it all figured out. Through his channel “Clean and Dope,” he educates the world on how men of his caliber deserve only the best – especially when it comes to women. His Man On the Street interviews with women are less about charm and more about embarrassing them, asking prying questions about their body counts and lecturing them on why they’re “not worthy” of men like him. It’s all part of his personal brand… whether anyone likes it or not.

At home, the cracks in Tyson’s perfect image begin to show. His dad, Daryl, can’t help but mock his influencer career, while his sister, Ciara, can barely tolerate the “high value” nonsense, but acknowledges his financial contributions to the family. Still, Tyson presses on, obsessively checking his views and comments.

But things take a turn when a viral video shows Tyson backing down during a heated confrontation with an angry husband. Cue the wave of negative comments, and suddenly, Tyson’s “high value” status isn’t looking so shiny anymore. As his brand deal slips away and his ego deflates, Tyson is forced to confront the fact that the persona he’s been selling is all smoke and mirrors and that his “high value” life might be a little more “low value” than he thought.

Meet the Filmmakers

Marissa HIgh — Writer/Director
A LA-based writer and director from Flint, Michigan, known for blending sharp dialogue, emotional camera movement, and humor rooted in social commentary. Her feature script Trashy People, inspired by her time at a recycling center, was selected for the WIF Film Financing Intensive. She’s directed for Hulu, Amazon, Architectural Digest, CollegeHumor, and Dropout TV’s Thousandaires. A WIF Writing Fellow and AFI DWW+ 2025 Directing Fellow, Marissa’s horror script The Worst Time of Your Life was a Film Fatales Stowe Story Lab finalist. Her work reflects lived experience—she’s been a janitor, a census worker, and the “Funniest Girl” in 8th grade, which remains her proudest honor.

Devi Rawal — Producer
Devi Rawal is an LA based producer that grew up in Chicago. She has worked for Reading Rainbow, Disney, TBS, React Media, Buzzfeed, CollegeHumor and Dropout. Her work includes shows like Disney Insider, Game Changer, D20, The Dress Up Gang, Nathan for you, and Reading rainbow’s reboot.

Phil Jackson — Directory of Photography
Phillip Jackson is a Virginian from a big family of 8, living in Los Angeles, who misses a good meal at Waffle House. He creates in multiple mediums but finds cinematography to be the most fulfilling. Finding the combination of artistic expression, creative problem solving, and teamwork is a perfect match for him. He’s been selected as a mentee in the American Society of Cinematographers Vision’s Program in 2020 and was a cinematographer cohort in Film Independent’s Project Involve in 2022. His latest feature as a cinematographer, Three Ways is streaming on Hulu.

Syd Z — Production Designer
SYD Z is a set decorator and production designer working out of Los Angeles. She works to promote stories surrounding queer identity as well as menstrual and reproductive equity. She is here to fan the flames of your vision. Syd holds certificates from the University of Michigan and Cranbrook Academy of Art.

Eve Hinz — Editor
Eve Hinz is a Los Angeles based editor, originally from East Lansing, Michigan. She is a longtime editor at Dropout, formerly known as CollegeHumor, where she edits numerous comedic improv shows including Very Important People, Make Some Noise, and Game Changer. She also enjoys narrative work and has edited an independent featured film, The Disruptors, in addition to many short films.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.