Hello ladies and gentlemen, Muldoon here with an extra special edition of SATURDAY SHORTS. Personally I like genre block screenings, like "All action" or "All comedy," but I also want to keep you fine folks on your toes and give you something you might not be expecting. This week I have just that, a crazy assortment of wonderful genre gems. So if you like horror, you're in luck. If you like comedy, I've got just the thing. If you like... you get the idea. So hell, let's get this screening underway!
One note - Each one of these shorts was submitted by a fellow Ain't It Cool Reader, (one of us) and they just might be lurking in the back of the theater paying close attention to audience reactions, so if something struck you or you really dug a flick - spread the word about it or shout out in the Talk Backs below. On a similar note, if you're going to try to troll here... just don't. Be excellent to each other. "____ sucks and stole precisely ____ minutes of my day" does nothing for anyone. If you think something's flawed, back it up. In an age where Twitter and Facebook almost prod you to give your opinions on things, it's too easy to turn to the dark side and tare something apart. Filmmaking is hard work on ANY level and we're lucky to be able to screen these. I'm a fan of every damn filmmaker I've gotten to showcase, so you know where I stand.
Go grab yourself some popcorn, lock your kids in a closet, kill the lights, relax and check out this little weekly film fest we've got ourselves here:
CHIMERA
(Science Fiction)
TRT: 6:34
Up first is director Josh Oakhurst's post apocalyptic sci-fi love letter to MAD MAX.
Check out the behind the scenes of CHIMERA here and be sure to follow the guy on Twitter: @joshoakhurst
MY CONSTELLATION
(Adventure)
TRT: 7:00
Here we have an atypical adventure... Well actually I take that back, this is a rather pure adventure film from director Toby Morris. It's a beautiful story that I think everyone can relate to.
"A young boy goes on an epic adventure, leaving a trail of lightbulbs everywhere he goes..."
I feel like so many films these days are so dark and gritty, I sort of miss the more carefree, feel-good films that I grew up on (Forrest Gump, any Amblin film). And so wanted to create a sort of 'classic Hollywood' film. The scale of this short was enormous from the start, and upon completion of the script several people simply labelled it as impossible without a huge budget. And I probably should have listened to them - creating this short film was the hardest thing I have ever done, but seeing it complete makes it all worthwhile.
Toby, whatever you were trying to do - you totally succeeded, man. I love MY CONSTELLATION.
THE SUPER LIST
(COMIC BOOK)
TRT: 12:30
This one's interesting, it was shot in by the film's composer (William Gallego) and feels right at home here in the safe confines of Ain't It Cool.
"About a young boy, an avid comic book fan and his on-going struggle with neighborhood bullies. When he finds a checklist of super-hero powers published in his favorite comic book he sets out to evaluate himself for super abilities. What he discovers exceeds everyone's expectations - including his own."
VAMPIRE
(COMEDY)
TRT: 2:33
Okay, this one might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure as hell is mine. This is the kind of humor that cracks me up. It might not immediately stab you with laughter in the first 30 seconds, but trust me - it will leave you with a smile on your face (albiet slightly confused smile). This one's great. Director Phil Healy is my kind of funny.
BAM! Take that boredon! So there we have it ladies and gentlemen, four shorts that should get your motors running (I don't really even know what I mean by that, but whatever - let's have fun). Seriously, I dug these shorts and hope you did to.
But wait, what's that you say? You want to see more shorts from other talented filmmaking beasts? I've got you covered, just cick on any of these fine links and get taken to a world of awesome cinematic love.
If you have a short and think it belongs here or are on the fence about whether to send it in, please do send it in - I'd love to see what you've put together. I've already seen hundreds of fresh new filmmakers' shorts and like any good addict, I need more!
Shoot me an email at "Mike@aintitcool.com"
In the subject line include:
“SHORTS” + “Your film’s name” + “The film’s genre”
Then, in the body of the email, please include a synopsis of the film and any contact information you might think I need or would want published.
Please don’t feel the need to submit multiple times. I swear to each of you I truly check every email I get, and sending the same short a few times just makes it a bit messier.
Remember, the filmmakers might still be in the audience, so feel free to share your thoughts in Talkbacks below. (JUST DON'T BE AN ASSHOLE). I picked them, so you know I think highly of all of these, but how about you fine folks? How'd you like 'em?
- Mike McCutchen
"Muldoon"
Mike@aintitcool.com
