Short Films Without Dialogue

I was checking out my Vimeo feed this morning and, coincidentally, I stumbled upon two very different pieces that do not feature any dialogue. These two examples made me think of how many times we've been asked to create something that transcends language - in other words, something that wouldn't require translations or subtitling.

Square Peg from Mighty Nice on Vimeo.

THE DIG – The First Film Shot on Sony’s CineAlta VENICE Full Frame Camera from Sony Professional USA on Vimeo.

† Carpenter Brut † TURBO KILLER †

Its like Sin City, in glorious VHS color

Gunship - Fly For Your Life

Very interesting animation style, hard to nail down how it was achieved, really dig the pacing and edit of this.

Bonobo - No Reason

All one take, no CGI, and one incredible set

Bonobo- No Reason (ft. Nick Murphy) from Oscar Hudson on Vimeo.

Naxxramas Trailer 2017

A teaser someone made for old content in World of Warcraft. It's just cut together real nice and TONS of effects added after the fact.

World Press Photo - 2017 Digital Storytelling Contest

While in Amsterdam, I had an opportunity to check out the World Press Photo exhibit. Founded in 1955, World Press Photo is an independent, non-profit organization based in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is known for holding an annual press photography contest. In addition to the photos, there was also the Digital Storytelling Contest.

“For the seventh annual Digital Storytelling Contest (previously known as the Multimedia Contest), the international jury selected 12 winning productions in four categories. This year, 282 productions were submitted to the contest: 135 Short Form, 54 Long Form, 62 Immersive Storytelling and 31 Innovative Storytelling.”

Here's the winners that I was able to catch during the screening (I even noticed a few familiar content creators like the New York Times and Great Big Story...

When the Spirit Moves Trailer from Jared Moossy on Vimeo.

SQUARESPACE x John Malkovich

I wanted to highlight this example based on some of our conversations related to the “engagement” film. While they're ultimately trying to sell a platform, it's kind of cool to see John's transformation from doing something that's emotionally draining to something for which he has passion. Although, admittedly, it doesn't really solve one of the issues we've been struggling with - how do we illustrate a character's transformation without them essentially quitting their job and “moving on to greener pastures”...

SQUARESPACE x John Malkovich from Miles Jay on Vimeo.

Now That's Democracy

The Truth is podcast on the Radiotopia network that specializes in short radio dramas. About four years ago they produced a piece called “Now That's Democracy”...

A little later, two filmmakers would adapt it into a short film...

That's Democracy from Cliff Traiman on Vimeo.

Then it comes full circle in this interview on The Truth with the filmmakers...

DOUBLE KING

Just a wild ride.

Dead Ed

Just sharing this here.

  Dead Ed from Chad Dankert on Vimeo.

Leon Bridges - River

The Most Unsatisfying Video in the World ever made

This made me feel things, mostly good.

I Just Want A Cup of Coffee

The frustration is palpable.

Sears - Home Appliance

This is the work of Scott Rench, a former co-worker of mine. I enjoy the ability to tell a good story and provide information in a tight 30 seconds.

Sears Home Appliance “T-Minus Two Weeks” from Scott Rench on Vimeo.

Sears Home Appliance “Two Weeks Notice” from Scott Rench on Vimeo.

Sears Home Appliance “Spinning in Confusion” from Scott Rench on Vimeo.

Sears Home Appliance “Cold Rinse” from Scott Rench on Vimeo.

The Receipt

I think this is an interesting example of the short storytelling that we all love that comes out of the restrictions like the 50 hour. But it also shows how companies can throw a lot of money at creative little (almost gimmick) projects. I say that but the filmmakers involved are odiously not small time and I am sure we would all love to have the chance to do something like this. Can't wait for the final shorts to come out so we can see what happens to that robot.
 

This is an addition to my original post.

Here are the 3 films they made. They are all very short, which is understandable, and they do feel a bit commercially. I am torn between two feelings about them. On one hand they took something very vague and made short simple stories about them. On the other hand they are very highly produced and look really good which makes them feel like commercials and a little less inspiring. One thing is for certain. They leave me wanting more and I have always felt that was a good thing in short stories. I think "Lost and Found" is my favorite. "Banana Town" is defiantly the weirdest. Guess who made that one.

Hong Kong Strong

A summation of an entire city with highly creative match cuts and transitions. Enjoyed the phases that it was segmented into.

Hong Kong Strong from Brandon Li on Vimeo.

A Writer and Three Script Editors Walk Into a Bar

I feel like we've been talking a lot about Story lately - be it at work, on the podcast, or playing D&D. And I think this short film does a great job of reminding me that you should never let the details (even though they may be important) get in the way of a good story.

A Writer and Three Script Editors Walk Into a Bar-HD from Craig Griffin on Vimeo.

C100 + FilmConvert

On the eve of the 2017 TCFF 50-Hour Challenge, I just wanted to share a little collection of short films shot with the C100 and grading using FilmConvert.

Invaders from Antti Raatikainen on Vimeo.

ITALIAN JUSTICE from marzio mirabella on Vimeo.

FIGHTER: Episode 1 / Josh from MAKE / DO / WITH on Vimeo.

NEVER A MOMENT OF STILLNESS from SODIUM on Vimeo.

Close To The Sun from Telefunky Films on Vimeo.

THE SEEKERS from Collin Sims on Vimeo.

Our Deepest Fear from Shawn Lovering on Vimeo.