True horror strikes in Japan: Portfolio Night is coming

Created by Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon Tokyo, The Showing uses the aesthetic and tropes of films such as Ringu and Juon to promote awareness of the event, taking place May 22 in many cities around the world and for the first time in Japan.

The agency, which is playing host to Portfolio Night in Tokyo, partnered with a real Japanese horror film director, Koji Shiraishi, producer Bruce Nachbar, and production company Set and Cutters to produce the film.

“For young creative talent, sitting in front of creative directors while they examine and comment on your work is a classic paradox: You want your work to be seen by them yet at the same time you’re terrified of how they will judge it," said Phillip Rubel, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon Tokyo. “We felt this is not unlike the experience of going to a horror movie—you're simultaneously scared yet uncontrollably attracted."

Portfolio Night, likened to "speed dating" for creatives, gives young people the chance to have theior work reviewed by creative directors from multiple agencies. The event is hosted by a different agency in each city and sponsored by iStockphoto, Pantone and VCU Brandcenter.