Face Value

Face Value is a five-part documentary series exploring the lives of people who embody public-facing characters — and the institutions those characters represent.

Episode 001: The Last Mall Santa.
Episode 002: The Mall Easter Bunny.
Episode 003: The High School Mascot.
Episode 004: The Theme Park Performer.
Episode 005: The Minor League Mascot.

Each episode examines dual identity: the public symbol versus the private self. These individuals quite literally wear the face of something larger than themselves — retail tradition, school pride, corporate fantasy, small-town sports.

But the institutions behind these characters are shifting. Retail malls are closing. School identities are being reexamined. Minor league teams are folding. Theme parks are evolving. Seasonal labor is becoming disposable.

When the character is the brand, what happens when the brand starts to disappear?