we created the Big Shorts challenge because we wanted to push other storytellers to get out there and create. it can be scary at times, but taking that extra step is often followed by another, and another, and before you know it, you’re off to the races. it’s inspiring to see so many entries and so many valuable stories told and we’re honoured to have been a part of something so incredible.
the challenge had two categories, one for hobbyists and one for pros.
hobbyists were to use the song “Honey” by Sunbeam, the theme of family, and only ambient / nat sounds to create a 55 – 60 second film.
pros were to use the song “Building Houses” by Wesley Jensen, the theme of home, ambient / natural sounds and voice over or dialogue, including the line “my heart is” to create a 115 – 120 second film.
tonight at our livecast, in conjunction with the official release of SMAPP, we announced the winners! and we’re doing that here on the blog as well…
tonight (this post): we’re announcing the “best of” category winners.
tomorrow (friday): hobbyist winners
monday: pro winners
so onto the BEST OF winners, who each win a free seat to any KNOW tour stop – our 36-city educational tour this fall!
we were amazed to see that Empty Nest, a hobbyist film, won two BEST OF categories, despite being mixed in with other pro films in the running. that’s mighty impressive!
BEST OVERALL USE OF LIGHT and BEST OVERALL USE OF COLOUR – Empty Nest by Eric Kassel
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – Noah by Hampton Road Studios
BEST ORIGINAL CONCEPT – The Soundtrack of my Life by Marc Maurice
as we were judging the films, the SM team was also taking notes of critique so we could pass on some constructive feedback to the filmmakers who submitted. it takes a lot of time and energy to critique over 100 films, but we enjoyed every minute of it! over the next few days, we’ll be posting our feedback on the Big Shorts Vimeo Group for these films as well as the other winners. our aim is to foster a community learning environment where everyone can give and take a little, even those who may not have submitted a Big Shorts film.
thanks to everyone who joined us tonight for the livecast, and to everyone who participated in the challenge!
and for those coming to the KNOW tour, see you this fall!
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I am floored at what can be created with a simple story.. These films are simply
Beautiful….
Wow. Wow. Wow. I cried watching Eric Kassel’s Empty Nest. Sending our kids out the door to their lives. And again was moved to tears with Noah’s determination and heart. Beautiful films….amazing talent.
I feel the same feelings Giovanna ,really amazing artists
Hi guys i would like to thanks Stillmotion to challenge all of us to this nice and hard test.
I agree with the “best of” and the Pro winners and also the Hobbyist winner,
the only criticism i would like to make it’s about the sad and negative mood af 2nd and 3rd place Hobbyist, there are many others films with positive and nice feelings that i would have awarded, and also you said that the sounds should be treated carefully and i see out of sincro in Disapproving parents at min 00:51. Thats all.
Thanks
Angelo
Hi Angelo,
Casey and I both produced ‘Disapproving Parents’. Firstly, i’m not sure why the error with the audio is there, if you click the download link and download the video from Vimeo, the audio is perfectly in sync. Possibly there was a problem with Vimeo’s encoding process, but it was definitely out of our control.
In reference to the negative mood, we wanted to creatively use sound to evoke other kinds of emotions such as awkwardness and tension to enhance our story, which we feel was the purpose of the brief.
You can read more about out creative process below and we will also be sharing Stillmotion’s critique as well.
http://www.rogr.net/big-shorts-disapproving-parents/
i regret not doing this!