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Short Film Spotlight: SEPHIROTH, THE WORLD’S ENEMY

  • June 14, 2011 2:36 pm

We’re switching things up for this edition of the Short Film Spotlight. Here’s a stop-motion animation piece based on the classic RPG FINAL FANTASY VII, which I believe Offender Jerome has conquered numerous times.  Although, it’s essentially an adaptation from one of the crucial moments in the videogame’s storyline, the sheer idea of the hundreds and hundreds of hours this young filmmaker went through to meticulously shoot every frame of his toy figurines is simply mind boggling. But, hey, when you’re a game nerd and want to commit to a Machinima-inspired piece, you have to go all out. The camera angles, use of shots, and fight choreography rivals any big budget Hollywood movie.  Check it out, after the jump…..  Read more...

Short Film Spotlight: ON TIME

  • June 5, 2011 3:25 pm

In this edition of the Short Film Spotlight, I highlight a short film that was a part of the Berlinale Talent Campus, a six-day creative summit for filmmakers and film professionals that takes place during the Berlin Film Festival (It’s a great program to check out, if you’re in the film industry). ON TIME is a great little sci-fi short, in the vein of classic Rod Serling’s TWILIGHT ZONE. A bittersweet story of heartbreak, the mysterious man with the briefcase poses the age old question, “what would you do if you can see the future?”  Read more...

Short Film Spotlight: JUNKO’S SHAMISEN

  • April 4, 2011 1:05 am

Hey, it’s another edition of the Short Film Spotlight! I know I haven’t posted shorts in awhile, but this one is well worth it. JUNKO’S SHAMISEN is a hyper-real anime inspired revenge tale that is brilliantly crafted by Toronto-based filmmaker/animator Sol Friedman. It’s traveled to literally dozens of film festivals, wowing audiences with its beautiful visuals and production design. Influenced by the aesthetic traditions of kabuki, contemporary manga illustrations and through the use of CG, stop-motion and cell animation, the director creates a unique world that immediately draws you in.Here’s a one-line synopsis: A young Japanese orphan, and her mystical friend, exact poetic justice on a malevolent samurai lord.  Read more...

Cool FX Demos – Where are the Asians?

  • March 1, 2011 8:26 pm

No, I am not referring to the cheesy ’80s flick starring Bryan Brown. I’m talking about talented graphic artists and computer animators who showcase their cool shit online. During our Interpretations industry panel last year, Hollywood producer Dan Lin (TERMINATOR SALVATION) mentioned that the best way to get noticed is to just release your demos online. He referred to the then just released short PIXELS by Patrick Jean that was making the rounds on computer screens all over Hollywood. It got the talented computer animator noticed and an outpouring of jobs, and perhaps a movie deal as well. Check out the Galaga-inspired short, to refresh your memory. YouTube Preview Image Uruguay-based filmmaker Fede Alvarez, is perhaps most famous, for securing a $1 Million film deal with Sam Raimi (EVIL DEAD, SPIDERMAN) and his genre production shingle Ghost House Pictures, just from his homemade alien invasion short, PANIC ATTACK (Ataque de Pánico!).  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS: Macabre Edition

  • December 29, 2010 9:28 am

The Interpretations Film Initiative may be over and the winners already announced, we’ve still got a plethora of worthy entries. The sheer amount of quality short films were too good to pass up, so for the next several weeks, we Offenders will be presenting our personal favorites. There were tons of thematic threads throughout our entries and I’d like to highlight three distinct short films that had a macabre bent, from straightforward horror to biting dark comedy.

WE LIKE DEATH

Edward Kim

This dark comedy  has a great mix of mundane slacker vibe with zany and vintage Woody Allen tropes. It’s a suicidal Waiting for Godot meets Cheech and Chong riff of a film that plays out ingeniously. They even pull of a convincing and very cute Grim Reaper! In the end, this short is darkly funny and had me in stitches throughout its succinct three minute running time.  Read more...

Short Film Spotlight: MIRACLE FISH

  • November 29, 2010 2:53 am

Since I was busy working with my fellow Offenders with the Interpretations Film Initiative, I’ve kind of neglected the Short Film Spotlight here on the blog. Well, it’s back again and perfect timing, because this edition showcases one of my favorite short films from the past couple of years. MIRACLE FISH, directed by Luke Doolan, is one of those rare gems. Here’s the plotline:

8 year old Joe has a Birthday he will never forget. After friends bully him, he sneaks off to the sick bay, wishing everyone in the world would go away. He wakes up to find his dream may have become a reality.

The film was Oscar nominated last year and is just another example of great, atmospheric film work coming from Australia. A film editor by trade, Doolan recently cut the Aussie crime drama Animal Kingdom, which is another film to add to your Netlfix queue. Enough chit-chat and watch this amazing film after the jump….  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: CANVAS

  • August 26, 2010 1:57 pm

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them here (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves). Just a reminder that the deadline has been extended to 11:59 PM PST on Sept. 15. Also, check out our latest INTERPRETATIONS blogs including a Q&A with producer Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes) and an edited transcript of the INTREPRETATIONS New York panel.

Today we present our final commissioned sample short Canvas by Mora Stephens and starring acclaimed artist James Jean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ4KmONwHeA&feature=player_embedded

 Read more...

Short Film Spotlight: FORKLIFT DRIVER KLAUS

  • August 12, 2010 3:52 pm

I haven’t done a Short Film Spotlight in awhile and I was so excited to see this cult classic finally pop up online that I had to share it with you guys.

But I digress first, to quickly plug our Interpretations Short Film Initiative, that’s been getting some interesting film entries. The deadline is looming, so get your films submitted for a chance to win cash prizes and industry exposure!

OK, now that’s out of the way, this Spotlight highlights a faux safety film called FORKLIFT DRIVER KLAUS: THE FIRST DAY ON THE JOB written and directed by Stefan Prehn and Jorg Wagner. It stars Klaus, an eager but inept forklift driver on his first day on the job. Ignoring some basic safety rules, gory situations ensue, in all it’s cheesy glory. Now, if you’re not a fan of early Peter Jackson movies, or you can’t stomach, say films like Re-Animator or The Machine Girl, then stay away.  So, this is the last warning if you don’t like to see needless, but yet oh so ingenious, evisceration, then stay away! Watch FORKLIFT DRIVER KLAUS after the jump.  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: RUMBLE

  • July 21, 2010 12:20 am

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them here (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves).

Today we present Rumble by actor Ken Leung (Miles on Lost). We wanted to do something special for our recent INTERPRETATIONS Film Panel in New York and what better idea than a new short by a native New Yorker featuring the city he loves:

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Short Film Spotlight: PURE

  • June 5, 2010 10:01 am

From our friends at Fantastic Fest, comes a Readers Digest version of every Hollywood cliche (well, more action film-wise). Here’s the rundown on the short, aptly titled PURE:

A meditation on genre, a commentary on visual cliches, and a celebration of the visceral pleasures of cinema. Music by The Jesus Lizard. Please play full screen at top volume!

For some reason, it borrows a lot from Tom Cruise in The Firm. Quick reminder that our Interpretations Film Initiative is fully launched now! Go out there and produce your own short film and be a part of the YOMYOMF community (and also win prizes)! Show us what you’re made of! Details here.

INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: GOOD SHOT (New and Improved Version)

  • May 31, 2010 2:03 am

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them here (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves).

Today we present Good Shot (in an updated version with additional visual effects) by our fellow Offender David C.P. Chan:

 Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: ORIENT EXPRESS

  • May 28, 2010 12:00 am

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them here (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves).

Today we present Orient Express by Wong Fu Productions:

 Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: I FELT MY LIFE IN BOTH HANDS

  • May 26, 2010 12:04 am

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves) over the course of the next two weeks.

Today we present I Felt My Life In Both Hands by Hong Kong-based filmmaker Kenneth Bi:

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INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: REPRESENT

  • May 24, 2010 12:01 am

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves) over the course of the next two weeks.

Today we present Represent by fellow Offender and Academy Award® nominated writer Iris Yamashita and starring/choreographed by Phillip “PacMan” Chbeeb (So You Think You Can Dance):

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INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: CAMBODIAN AMERICAN

  • May 22, 2010 12:01 am

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves) over the course of the next two weeks.

Today we present Cambodian American by Emmy Award-winner Spencer Nakasako:

 Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: BLOWOUT SALE

  • May 20, 2010 12:29 am

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves) over the course of the next two weeks.

Today, we present Blowout Sale by the filmmaking team of Timothy Kendall, Chris Marrs & Danny Pudi:

 Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Short Film Spotlight: FAR EAST FUTURA

  • May 18, 2010 3:04 pm

As many of you already know, we’ve launched a new film initiative entitled INTERPRETATIONS to support aspiring filmmakers. In a nutshell, you make a short film of no more than 3 minutes using the same script we provide (get all the info here). To help us launch, we commissioned several filmmaker friends to make their own shorts using our script and we’ll be featuring each one of them (including a few words from the filmmakers themselves) over the course of the next two weeks.

We start with Far East Futura by Evan Jackson Leong and featuring the boys from Far East Movement (look for a future Guest Offender blog from them):

 Read more...

Short Film Spotlight: PIXELS

  • April 17, 2010 9:32 pm

In this edition of the Short Film Spotlight, we go nostalgia turns sci-fi invasion when ’80s arcade games infest our world as we know it. Feast your eyeballs on PIXELS directed by Patrick Jean: http://www.dailymotion.com/videoxcv6dv A graduate of the revered arts school Supinfocom, the guy is a trailblazer in special effects (2D and 3D animation) and now is venturing into filmmaking. Pretty incredible!

Short Film Spotlight: THE BLINDNESS OF THE WOODS

  • April 9, 2010 12:48 am

In this edition of the Short Film Spotlight, we’re going into NSFW (not safe for work) territory! THE BLINDNESS OF THE WOODS is an amalgam of Ingrid Bergman, ’70s Euro porn, the Muppets and the Brothers Grimm. Produced by a kick ass multidisciplinary creative studio called Amauta with offices in Los Angeles, Lima and Buenos Aires, I helped select this surreal, funny and sometimes bittersweet “cute porn” film for the LA Film Festival last year. Check it out for yourself (Graphic depictions of sex coming up, even if it’s done by puppet people): http://www.metacafe.com/watch/bg-3002165/ You can download the actual film in glorious Quicktime from Amauta’s site.  Read more...

Short Film Spotlight: LOGORAMA

  • March 8, 2010 1:20 am

3/9/10, 1:18am PST Update: OK, found the film again and you can now view it after the jump….

Update: Whoopsy, looks like the film was taken off line. Probably a new strategy to exploit the film, post-Oscar win. We’ll post it up again, when it pops back online.

This Short Film Spotlight edition presents LOGORAMA, the winner of the Best Animated Short at the 82nd Academy Awards that aired tonight. Think Grand Theft Auto but in a world populated and represented by brand logos, and I mean hundreds of logos. Hey, kind of like West LA! Directed by the mysteriously named H5, LOGORAMA has a quick paced energy and inventive imagery that just sucks you in. I especially like the Jokeresque Ronald McDonald turned Evel Knievel. You can watch the film after the jump. Enjoy!  Read more...