Friday, 5 February 2010
Convergene of technology
Short films are now using convergence of technology, gadgets such as Xbox 360, sky player and smart phones to showcase films. This is because majority of modern gadgets have the ability to access internet, use video players and have enough memory to store and play films. The company apple in particular are used to distribute short films on their products that use convergence of technology for instance a user of an IPhone is able to access Itunes where a number of short films are now being distributed via the use of WIFI internet connection, they can then use an online subscribed account to stream or download the video and exhibit the footage by the use of apple player. many other modern gadgets are now converging technology which s proving a useful way todistribute short films, they are eaier to access adbecome avalible to a diffrent audience eachtime those who may have no nerstanding or intrestin short films.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
This way up
This way up from javier cuello on Vimeo.
This way up is a short sweet 8 minute film about two funeral directors from different generations. The entire film uses no dialogue just sound and music to go with the situation and the expressions of the characters, the narrative is comedy based mainly surrounding slap stick and dark comedy with themes of death and hell portrayed in a humorous way. The two characters are father and son and the characteristic and personalities of each are delivered to the audience quite quickly, the father is very serious about his company and is a text book grumpy old man the son on the other half is very laid back, bored with his job and trying his hardest to make things more interesting. After collecting the coffin of an elderly woman the journey to the grave yard becomes problematic, firstly the car breaks down then the coffin is continuously swept away causing breaks and cracks on the coffin and exhausting the funeral directors, each situation is humorous in its own way but it is clear that each situation requires more team work which brings the pair closer and closer together, after the journey continues through hell and finally concludes with the pair successfully laying the body to rest the father looks to the son in what first seems to be disappointment but ends up to be with happiness, it is clear that even though this was the hardest and most exhausting day of work for the man it was also the most eventful and enjoyable, a job that can be considered depressing was ironically shown to be joyful and humorous and this was all down to his son, he hugs his son and smiles concluding the film with a feel good and happy ending. It is no surprise that the film is nominated for an Oscar, I found the film creative and like no other with an imaginative narrative.
Free cinema
Six short film documentaries were released in the 1950’s under the title of free cinema, a movement which was initially put together when founders Anderson and his friends Karel Reisz, Tony Richardson and Lorenza Mazzett attempted and failed to broadcast there films into the mainstream and decided to release there work in an alternative exhibition, a showcase at the t national film theatre. The documentaries were hugely popular with each showcase selling out and with a considerable amount of media attention, this proved that Anderson’s initial publicity stunt had paid off and resulted with an additional 5 films being released over the course of three years.
The movement titled ‘free cinema’ was described by the creator Anderson as “a reference to the films having been made free from the pressures of the box-office or the demands of propaganda”. I believe that Andersons movement was a brave step taken that allows short film to have the exhibition and distribution it has today, the step broadcasted the message that directing film should not be given to just those willing to follow the industries demands or follow the steps to assure box office figures, it should be a chance for all aspiring directors to showcase the work they are capable of, it is not fair that a piece of film doesn’t get the exhibition and recognition it deserves due to it not be allowed to showcase at industry owned cinemas.
Video Actvism
Video activism has become a channel for protesters and members of political groups to be able to film evidence supporting their views and expose it to the world with the use of portable video recording devices and common upload websites such as you tube. With portable video recording devices becoming a cheaper modern day piece of equipment and being used as a feature in many of today’s gadgets such as phones it seems common for people to use them to film and expose what they regard as wrong doing and illegal. Green peace, animal protection to cruelty groups, amnesty international, whale protection organizations are all groups that have been known to use video activism in some sense as an attempt to get a cross a message to a wider audience. Animal cruelty groups in particular have been known to go undercover at animal testing facilities and record the events and the testing going on inside, with quit disturbing footage it is clear that the view is intended to shock and anger its viewers into feeling the same way as the group about the issue or just to open their eyes about things they may choose to turn away from. Green peace and amnesty international take a more professional approach to video activism by commissioning specialist films and organizing film festivals that specialize in political short films.
Video activism has also been used to keep the police force in line, a force that through history has been known to act racist, use their power unfairly and commit police brutality finds themselves defenseless against video evidence one of the most popular and early cases of video activism would be the famous case of Rodney King. During the G20 summit that took place in London during 2009 video activism was taken into effect by one protester who mange to capture on tape the killing of one bystander by a policeman during an act of police brutality. This incident has changed the way police react in riot situations and the video evidence will assure the police force won’t make the same mistake again, proving in this case video activism to be beneficial.
I believe that video activism allows people to portray their views to a mass audience through film or video evidence, an audience which may usually turn away to a particular social or political issue will find themselves taking in the contents of a film, in some sense the footage can’t lie (unless it was set up which in turn would usually not have any real reaction from media or an audience) for instance at the G20 summit police may have faced the situation with a chance to explain their actions however the use of video activism did not give them a leg to stand on. Video activism in theory is propaganda with the intentions of the film being made to make an audience feel a certain way however I think film is one of the strongest tools for political and social groups to use to view their opinions and get across a message.
“A video camera has become one of those objects you pack for a protest.”
~Tish Stringer, Video Activist
Video activism has also been used to keep the police force in line, a force that through history has been known to act racist, use their power unfairly and commit police brutality finds themselves defenseless against video evidence one of the most popular and early cases of video activism would be the famous case of Rodney King. During the G20 summit that took place in London during 2009 video activism was taken into effect by one protester who mange to capture on tape the killing of one bystander by a policeman during an act of police brutality. This incident has changed the way police react in riot situations and the video evidence will assure the police force won’t make the same mistake again, proving in this case video activism to be beneficial.
I believe that video activism allows people to portray their views to a mass audience through film or video evidence, an audience which may usually turn away to a particular social or political issue will find themselves taking in the contents of a film, in some sense the footage can’t lie (unless it was set up which in turn would usually not have any real reaction from media or an audience) for instance at the G20 summit police may have faced the situation with a chance to explain their actions however the use of video activism did not give them a leg to stand on. Video activism in theory is propaganda with the intentions of the film being made to make an audience feel a certain way however I think film is one of the strongest tools for political and social groups to use to view their opinions and get across a message.
“A video camera has become one of those objects you pack for a protest.”
~Tish Stringer, Video Activist
Avant Garde
Avant Garde translated as ahead of the crowd was started during the 1950’s. Artist saw film as a new way to express creativity and art different from what was usually expected and therefore took a very different approach to film than the usual Hollywood features at the time. New ideas, forms, techniques and expressions were all factors experimented with to give Avant Garde the outlook of being ahead of its time and as artists the directors tended to concentrate more on lyrical, abstract and formal beauty of the film rather than conventional narrative and structure, somewhat mocking the common codes and conventions as we know it.
The artist Salvade Dali and director Luis Bunel were the minds behind one of the first ever Avant Garde films ‘Un Chein Andalou”. The 16 minute surreal short film holds no real narrative or plot of any kind, the opening of the film mocks common story telling narratives with the words ‘once upon a time’ and later goes on to jump from shot to shot in a dreamed sensed sequence with effective use of fade shots, the film follows a series of surreal situations such as ants crawling out of the palm of a mans hand and a women’s eye being sliced open by a razor. For me the only ideas I can make from the film is to go totally against common film conventions and like most Avant Garde forms it’s used to create a surreal and particularly uncomfortable piece of art.
The artist Salvade Dali and director Luis Bunel were the minds behind one of the first ever Avant Garde films ‘Un Chein Andalou”. The 16 minute surreal short film holds no real narrative or plot of any kind, the opening of the film mocks common story telling narratives with the words ‘once upon a time’ and later goes on to jump from shot to shot in a dreamed sensed sequence with effective use of fade shots, the film follows a series of surreal situations such as ants crawling out of the palm of a mans hand and a women’s eye being sliced open by a razor. For me the only ideas I can make from the film is to go totally against common film conventions and like most Avant Garde forms it’s used to create a surreal and particularly uncomfortable piece of art.
Meshs of the afternoon is a short Avant Gard film directed by Maya Deren and Alexandra Hammid, once again the film focuses on surrealism and has strong resemblance to dreams with key objects within the film have symbolic relations to Physiology. I feel this Avant Gard films carries more of a narrative than other Avant Gard films but still feels very loose in comparison to feature length holly wood films. The narrative has been described by Maya Deren as a film “concerned with the interior experiences of an individual. It does not record an event which could be witnessed by other persons. Rather, it reproduces the way in which the subconscious of an individual will develop, interpret and elaborate an apparently simple and casual incident into a critical emotional experience”
Pixar Shorts
Much like short films are used to experiment camera shots and techniques which may later be used in feature lengths Pixar’s short films are used to experiment with the technology to push boundaries of 3d animation and to create features they would later like to se in their feature length films. Before each Pixar feature length animation film they create a short film, this short films are show cased at conferences and are usually played before the feature length at cinemas, they also are commonly given as an extra with the DVD. The short films last duration of a few minutes and are usually a narrative based around comedy and creativity, using humorous characters and slapstick comedy has proved the short films to be hugely popular and also helps market the feature length film. the series of short films has also been put together by Pixar to create a compilation DVD which was released in 2007. I was surprised to see that animation use short films in the same way that film uses short film to experiment with the technology and creativity they have and it just goes to prove the original intentions from short film can defiantly make a difference to the industry.
Partly cloudy is a 6 minute short animated film that was released alongside Pixar’s 2009 box office hit ‘UP’, initially used to experiment with cloud animations and the movement of flight with new 3d technology. The imaginative narrative follows the story of a cloud that isn’t very good at his job of creating baby animals that a stork later takes down to an expecting family, following the innocent story usually given to children to explain how babies are made. An unlikely relationship develops between the cloud and the stork and like most Pixar films the short ends happily.
Partly cloudy is a 6 minute short animated film that was released alongside Pixar’s 2009 box office hit ‘UP’, initially used to experiment with cloud animations and the movement of flight with new 3d technology. The imaginative narrative follows the story of a cloud that isn’t very good at his job of creating baby animals that a stork later takes down to an expecting family, following the innocent story usually given to children to explain how babies are made. An unlikely relationship develops between the cloud and the stork and like most Pixar films the short ends happily.
Partly Cloudy from Bruna Wretzky on Vimeo.
Cubs
Cubs is a 10 minute short film directed by tom Harper, the location is based in south London and the story takes place on a council estate and the urban surroundings, from the beginning strong connotations of London gang culture is used via clothes and dialogue although the storyline holds a different narrative and plot to what the audience might think. The synopsis of the film says “A boy tries to join a gang of inner-city kids, but learns that initiation comes at a price” and other viewers may see it as filming the issue of gang culture in another perspective but I believe the director held more meaning for the film than just that by directing the film towards class and mob mentality.
The film starts off with the protagonist Ben sitting anticipating something to happen, at this point the audience are unaware of what it could be. Whilst waiting a girl sitting next to Ben claims she is cold and we see kind characteristics from Ben as he offers his gloves, I think this opening moment is key as it shows the characteristics and feelings towards Ben that are lost due to his later actions. The film continues and conversation about being selected between the pair starts, the audience still in the dark about what it is being anticipated may be drawn towards the idea of being selected in to a team as football is being played in the background but later shots of the character Karl, an older character wearing fashionable street wear and portrayed as being very respected walking into the playground will later change the audiences views to being selected into a gang. Everybody in the playground gathers into a neat group with Karl’s presence including Ben and his friend, a few of the group try to communicate with Karl but all greetings are thrown back with abuse that is all except Bens which instead is responded with a nod. This shows that they may have background a relationship unknown yet. After Karl selects the biggest male of the group he walks back out of the playground with the boy looking surprised and happy with being selected, Ben stands disappointed and snaps at his friend as she says ”told you he wouldn’t pick us” but decides to take matters into his own hands, he peruses Karl and calls him with Karl’s reaction being the same abusive reply “What!” that is until he realises who it is, then his mood changes therefore proving the fact that there is a back story between the pair. Ben asks for another chance to be accepted and surprisingly Karl says yes.
The second part of the film is shot at night, as the sun settles things for the gang become more interesting with the group growing bigger and bigger and drugs and alcohol being consumed, along with the overheard conversation it is quite clear that the gang are preparing for something and are building g up excitement, here the anticipation from the beginning comes back. Karl joins the gang with two fierce pit bulls and approaches Ben handing him a weapon and saying “make sure you don’t get nicked like your brother”, revealing the relationship between the pair, Karl was Bens brothers close friend. Soon the gang regroup as one and the leader Karl shouts “let’s go hunting as he fires a pistol” the gang’s plans become clear as they head through the woods, they are participating in a new urban sport...fox hunting. This point of the short film change the message behind the film completely for me, giving reason and metaphors to the title and making the film much about class as about gangs. Through my eyes this is fox hunting, a sport which after huge debate and protesting was made illegal being participated in by the opposite class to whom started it the lower and working class. Exchanging horses for bikes, hounds for pit bulls and rifles for cricket bats and pistols the gang pursue a fox through urban surroundings with quick camera cuts and movement along with both tension building digetic and non digetic sound being used to change the pace of the film and raise the tempo. When the fox is first caught at a dead end Ben misses the chance to kill it provoking the rest of the group especially Karl, the group carry on searching and Ben once again spots the fox this time for a few seconds the fox and Ben exchange glances and we can tell from facial expressions that Ben is debating in his head whether or not to inform the rest of the group, with the mob mentality and adrenaline from the chase still running through Bens body he yells “this way come quick” and the pursuit continues this time resulting with the fox being violently attacked by the pit bulls, as the dogs are pulled away and the fox is crippled Karl hands Ben the gun, at this point it is less adrenaline and more peer pressure making bens decisions for him, the only one not edging him on is his friend she silently stands next to Ben clearly realising this is wrong. Once again sound and shots speed up till Ben closes his eyes and pulls the trigger making a difficult but purposeful decision.
The second part of the film is shot at night, as the sun settles things for the gang become more interesting with the group growing bigger and bigger and drugs and alcohol being consumed, along with the overheard conversation it is quite clear that the gang are preparing for something and are building g up excitement, here the anticipation from the beginning comes back. Karl joins the gang with two fierce pit bulls and approaches Ben handing him a weapon and saying “make sure you don’t get nicked like your brother”, revealing the relationship between the pair, Karl was Bens brothers close friend. Soon the gang regroup as one and the leader Karl shouts “let’s go hunting as he fires a pistol” the gang’s plans become clear as they head through the woods, they are participating in a new urban sport...fox hunting. This point of the short film change the message behind the film completely for me, giving reason and metaphors to the title and making the film much about class as about gangs. Through my eyes this is fox hunting, a sport which after huge debate and protesting was made illegal being participated in by the opposite class to whom started it the lower and working class. Exchanging horses for bikes, hounds for pit bulls and rifles for cricket bats and pistols the gang pursue a fox through urban surroundings with quick camera cuts and movement along with both tension building digetic and non digetic sound being used to change the pace of the film and raise the tempo. When the fox is first caught at a dead end Ben misses the chance to kill it provoking the rest of the group especially Karl, the group carry on searching and Ben once again spots the fox this time for a few seconds the fox and Ben exchange glances and we can tell from facial expressions that Ben is debating in his head whether or not to inform the rest of the group, with the mob mentality and adrenaline from the chase still running through Bens body he yells “this way come quick” and the pursuit continues this time resulting with the fox being violently attacked by the pit bulls, as the dogs are pulled away and the fox is crippled Karl hands Ben the gun, at this point it is less adrenaline and more peer pressure making bens decisions for him, the only one not edging him on is his friend she silently stands next to Ben clearly realising this is wrong. Once again sound and shots speed up till Ben closes his eyes and pulls the trigger making a difficult but purposeful decision.
The final shots of the film first see Bens friend returning the gloves he gave her at the beginning and leaving due to seeing a side to Ben she did not like, the second shows Ben being accepted into the gang, after congratulated for the killing he stands looking down at the ground coming to terms with the actions he has just committed, the crowds voices drown out and Ben faces to the camera breaking the fourth wall and maintain a strong eye connection with the audience. I found this shot to be particularly powerful and for me concluded a story in which asked its audience at what class does fox hunting become okay, whether on bikes or horses with guns or cricket bats it is still the same sport, the same mob mentality, the same moral.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Production Exhibiton and Distribution
Just like mainstream film short films follow the structure of production, exhibition and distribution however due to low budgets and niche audience these stages are followed a much different way.
Production
Directors will find it much easier to find a production company to produce their short film rather than say a feature length, this is due to the lower budget yet more professional film production, this is why there are many production companies that specialize is short films (once again short films code and convention of low budget benefits the industry).
One company that has gained a reputation for high quality short films is a production company named ‘silver films’. The shorts About a girl and Endgame have both been produced by this company. Another production company by the name of ‘Cow boy Films’ that originally specialises in feature lengths such as The last king of Scotland was the company behind the award winning short film Wasp. The production company behind the Short film ‘cubs’ is a company called Free Range Films, the company has been described as ‘sometimes serious, sometimes fun but always thought provoking’. The company is based in England and has produced only English films, although mainly producing feature lengths such as straight heads and history boys the company also takes time out to produce short films. It is very rare a production company will focus just on short films.
Exhibition
Where mainstream feature length films are generally exhibited in cinemas, with large cinema chain deals and with a huge marketing budgets short films are generally only exhibited at film festivals with the awards from the film festivals being the only real marketing tool a short film will get. It is very rare that short film will ever be exhibited in a cinema. Due to film festivals being the only real exhibition for short films directors are making sure their work will be noticed by film festival organizers by making it as different and as creative as everything else out there, directors will also generally begin by targeting smaller festival with their work and using awards from those festivals as a factor to be recognized by larger festivals.
Distribution
Distribution is mainly where the money is at for mainstream films, after box office sales, DVD and merchandise sales is where the profit is made, due to desire for recognition over profit by short film directors the lack of any kind of profitable distribution in short film does not pose any threat to the industry. Where there is some proof of short film collection DVD sales rising majority of short film distribution is through online websites such as YouTube. There are some sites which specialise in distribution of short films such as Depict! A site that showcases only short films less than 90 seconds, the site can be used by any member of the public and the site is recognized by more professional directors and festival organizers. Another site specialized with short film distribution is the BBC Network, based on specifically British short films the site has hundreds of short films opened to any member of the public divided into the categories animation, artist moving image, music, drama comedy and documentary.
Production
Directors will find it much easier to find a production company to produce their short film rather than say a feature length, this is due to the lower budget yet more professional film production, this is why there are many production companies that specialize is short films (once again short films code and convention of low budget benefits the industry).
One company that has gained a reputation for high quality short films is a production company named ‘silver films’. The shorts About a girl and Endgame have both been produced by this company. Another production company by the name of ‘Cow boy Films’ that originally specialises in feature lengths such as The last king of Scotland was the company behind the award winning short film Wasp. The production company behind the Short film ‘cubs’ is a company called Free Range Films, the company has been described as ‘sometimes serious, sometimes fun but always thought provoking’. The company is based in England and has produced only English films, although mainly producing feature lengths such as straight heads and history boys the company also takes time out to produce short films. It is very rare a production company will focus just on short films.
Exhibition
Where mainstream feature length films are generally exhibited in cinemas, with large cinema chain deals and with a huge marketing budgets short films are generally only exhibited at film festivals with the awards from the film festivals being the only real marketing tool a short film will get. It is very rare that short film will ever be exhibited in a cinema. Due to film festivals being the only real exhibition for short films directors are making sure their work will be noticed by film festival organizers by making it as different and as creative as everything else out there, directors will also generally begin by targeting smaller festival with their work and using awards from those festivals as a factor to be recognized by larger festivals.
Distribution
Distribution is mainly where the money is at for mainstream films, after box office sales, DVD and merchandise sales is where the profit is made, due to desire for recognition over profit by short film directors the lack of any kind of profitable distribution in short film does not pose any threat to the industry. Where there is some proof of short film collection DVD sales rising majority of short film distribution is through online websites such as YouTube. There are some sites which specialise in distribution of short films such as Depict! A site that showcases only short films less than 90 seconds, the site can be used by any member of the public and the site is recognized by more professional directors and festival organizers. Another site specialized with short film distribution is the BBC Network, based on specifically British short films the site has hundreds of short films opened to any member of the public divided into the categories animation, artist moving image, music, drama comedy and documentary.
History of Film Continued
After the inventors of film, experimental directors and artist using film as part of Avant Garde the next group of people to use short film as a channel to express emotions and to get across a message to a wider audience were activists. Feminists, Green peace, animal rights and other activist groups used film to showcase effective footage which carries a message with hope that they will change its audience’s perspective on the relevant political subject. Towards modern time short film uses all of the previous techniques and with no written codes and conventions or required budget anyone can write and direct a short film. Nowadays I believe short films use some if not all of the factors short film has gained and used to evolve since the beginning of film, modern day directors and aspiring directors experiment with short film to showcase new and exciting concepts with as much creativity as possible much like Avant Guarde and classic shorts directed by Stephen Spielberg, George Lucas and Martin Scorsese were used to experiment with film. Many modern day shorts also tackle social and political issues with the contents of their short films a technique foreseen by video activism.
From the history of short film I think it is clear that the short film industry has evolved rapidly much like other aspects of film media however in my view short film is slightly ahead of mainstream/ feature length film this is down to the lack of constraints that mainstream films are tied back by and also believe that mainstream film relies on the short film industry for its technology and creativity, many ideas, shots and techniques used in feature length film today originally started from short films and therefore as long as there is film there will be short film to inevitably push the boundaries of the industry.
From the history of short film I think it is clear that the short film industry has evolved rapidly much like other aspects of film media however in my view short film is slightly ahead of mainstream/ feature length film this is down to the lack of constraints that mainstream films are tied back by and also believe that mainstream film relies on the short film industry for its technology and creativity, many ideas, shots and techniques used in feature length film today originally started from short films and therefore as long as there is film there will be short film to inevitably push the boundaries of the industry.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Directors
Chris Cunningham
Chris Cunninghamm was born in Reading in 1970 and is recognized for his sinister creativity in directing. Initially prenound for his music videos Chris has also worked on commercials short film and photography and is the genius mind behind the short film “rubber johnny” originally a music video for Aphex Twin. Chris started his career building animatronic robot arms and sculpting caricatures for films such as Alien 3, Judge Dread and A.I although it wasn't long before Chris decided to peruse his own careers in directing. His initial directing started with music videos working with names such as Madonna and Bajork which result with Chris winning an MTV music video award for best breakthrough video and a nominee for a Grammy award for best short form music video. Chris also worked on television commercials with named brands such as PlayStation, Levis, Nissan and Orange.
2005 saw the release of one of Chris’s most famous work “Rubber Johnny”, described as “a Looney Tunes short for a generation raised on video nasties and rave music" the 6 minute short film shot in DV night vision see’s a servely disabled man being firstly interviewed before being left alone where he raves out to a soundtrack by Aphex Twins. The experimental piece was shot in Chris’s basement where it took over three years to make. The final long version edit was released in 2005.
Shane Meadows
Shane meadows first encounters with the world of film was in 1994 where he began working for a film and video company for free in exchange for lending of recording equipment. Shane put the borrowed equipment to use by filming short films with the help of family and friends but with no way to exhibited the work his friends set up a local event title at the time as “six of the best” where his work was exhibited along with other locals short films, today the same event is known as “Flip side” and is a recognized film festival held at Plymouth every year. Shane Meadows first short films where created in 1994 with the film “where’s the money Ronnie” giving Shane the recognition he needed to be bumped up the media ladder and have the ability and resources to make more films. A documentary based short film made in 1995 named “king of the gypsies” was based around Bartly Gorham; an infamous bare knuckle boxer in the gypsy society was Shane’s first work to be broadcasted on television, I feel the documentary shone light on to a world unknown or stereotyped and portrayed as a strong family based society that depend on one another and believe strongly in honour, love and family rather than the low life’s gypsies are portrayed as in other media. Whilst still directing short films Shane went on to make feature lengths in 1997 with “Twenty four seven”, one of the most popular feature lengths directed by Shane Meadows is the film”this is England”. From all of Shanes work it is clear that he uses common themes of crime, violence and common issues all surrounding working class families.
Shane meadows in my eyes is someone that portrays what film is all about, it isn’t about the extremely high budget, all star cast or box office figures it’s about being able to create something from nothing and using the resources you have to create exactly what you want. This idea is shown with the short film “the stairway” a 15 second short filmed with just an Iphone, Shane was also recorded in one interview saying that he filmed the entire feature length “Dead men’s shoes” with nothing more than a camera and tripod. In the same interview Shane claims that all his work is improvised meaning he doesn’t use scripts, a factor that is key when asking major distributers to fund a film, in his own words “my dream is to be able to create feature lengths without scripts”. I think Shane is a director the industry needs more of, not someone who moulds their ideas around the industry and limits their creativity to the distributors requirements, but someone who plans and shoots exactly what they want resulting with award winning films such as “This is England” and “Dead man’s shoes”. Shane Meadows is living proof that anyone with enough enthusiasm and love for film can make it in the world of media.
Chris Cunninghamm was born in Reading in 1970 and is recognized for his sinister creativity in directing. Initially prenound for his music videos Chris has also worked on commercials short film and photography and is the genius mind behind the short film “rubber johnny” originally a music video for Aphex Twin. Chris started his career building animatronic robot arms and sculpting caricatures for films such as Alien 3, Judge Dread and A.I although it wasn't long before Chris decided to peruse his own careers in directing. His initial directing started with music videos working with names such as Madonna and Bajork which result with Chris winning an MTV music video award for best breakthrough video and a nominee for a Grammy award for best short form music video. Chris also worked on television commercials with named brands such as PlayStation, Levis, Nissan and Orange.
2005 saw the release of one of Chris’s most famous work “Rubber Johnny”, described as “a Looney Tunes short for a generation raised on video nasties and rave music" the 6 minute short film shot in DV night vision see’s a servely disabled man being firstly interviewed before being left alone where he raves out to a soundtrack by Aphex Twins. The experimental piece was shot in Chris’s basement where it took over three years to make. The final long version edit was released in 2005.
Shane Meadows
Shane meadows first encounters with the world of film was in 1994 where he began working for a film and video company for free in exchange for lending of recording equipment. Shane put the borrowed equipment to use by filming short films with the help of family and friends but with no way to exhibited the work his friends set up a local event title at the time as “six of the best” where his work was exhibited along with other locals short films, today the same event is known as “Flip side” and is a recognized film festival held at Plymouth every year. Shane Meadows first short films where created in 1994 with the film “where’s the money Ronnie” giving Shane the recognition he needed to be bumped up the media ladder and have the ability and resources to make more films. A documentary based short film made in 1995 named “king of the gypsies” was based around Bartly Gorham; an infamous bare knuckle boxer in the gypsy society was Shane’s first work to be broadcasted on television, I feel the documentary shone light on to a world unknown or stereotyped and portrayed as a strong family based society that depend on one another and believe strongly in honour, love and family rather than the low life’s gypsies are portrayed as in other media. Whilst still directing short films Shane went on to make feature lengths in 1997 with “Twenty four seven”, one of the most popular feature lengths directed by Shane Meadows is the film”this is England”. From all of Shanes work it is clear that he uses common themes of crime, violence and common issues all surrounding working class families.
Shane meadows in my eyes is someone that portrays what film is all about, it isn’t about the extremely high budget, all star cast or box office figures it’s about being able to create something from nothing and using the resources you have to create exactly what you want. This idea is shown with the short film “the stairway” a 15 second short filmed with just an Iphone, Shane was also recorded in one interview saying that he filmed the entire feature length “Dead men’s shoes” with nothing more than a camera and tripod. In the same interview Shane claims that all his work is improvised meaning he doesn’t use scripts, a factor that is key when asking major distributers to fund a film, in his own words “my dream is to be able to create feature lengths without scripts”. I think Shane is a director the industry needs more of, not someone who moulds their ideas around the industry and limits their creativity to the distributors requirements, but someone who plans and shoots exactly what they want resulting with award winning films such as “This is England” and “Dead man’s shoes”. Shane Meadows is living proof that anyone with enough enthusiasm and love for film can make it in the world of media.
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