Film Junk » The Short Works Of http://www.filmjunk.com Blog and Podcast Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:09:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en The Short Works Of… Neill Blomkamp http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/05/04/the-short-works-of-neill-blomkamp/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/05/04/the-short-works-of-neill-blomkamp/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 17:23:03 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=20138 The Short Works Of… is a semi-regular feature on Film Junk where we spotlight commercials, music videos and other short form work from a well-known director. With the recent release of the first trailer for District 9, arguments over the talent and skill of director Neill Blomkamp have resurfaced across the blogosphere. Blomkamp is perhaps best known for the movie he never directed: Halo. Peter Jackson chose him to direct a blockbuster movie based on the popular video game franchise despite the fact that he had never directed a feature film. However, it is his short form work that landed him the job, so I figured it would be a good time to look back at his impressive resume and show why this guy is the real deal.

Citroen Commercial: "Alive with Technology"

You can't start a discussion about Neill Blomkamp's work without talking about this amazing car commercial, which won a VES award for Outstanding VFX in a commercial. If this commercial didn't exist, Michael Bay's Transformers never would have happened... plain and simple.

Alive in Joburg (Short Film)

This is the short film upon which District 9 is based. Aliens crash land in Africa, only to end up being taken advantage of and basically enslaved by the human race. The documentary feel and subtle CG helps evoke the brilliant allusion to Apartheid.

Halo 3: Landfall (Short Film)

After the Halo movie fell apart, Blomkamp was hired to direct a few web shorts to promote the release of the Halo 3 video game. This is perhaps the closest thing we have to imagining what his Halo movie would have looked like... and it's pretty damn impressive.

Nike Commercial: "Crab"

This commercial is another example of Blomkamp's skill integrating photorealistic digital effects into a live action environment.

Adidas Viral Ad: "Adicolor: Yellow"

Another breathtaking short about an intelligent robot living in human society, this was created as part of a series of viral ads for Adidas themed around different colours.

Tetra Vaal (Short Film)

Perhaps Blomkamp should have been given the reins to the Robocop reboot as well?

Nike Commercial: "Evolution"

A morphing shoe.

Tempbot (Short Film)

Another short about robots in the workforce, this one guest starring Lynda Carter aka Wonder Woman!

Crossing The Line (Short Film)

This is footage from a short war film that Peter Jackson shot with the Red camera to see how it would hold up in a professional environment. Blomkamp is only credited as an "additional director" on the project, but I thought some people might be interested to check it out nonetheless.

LiveonRelease - "Let's Go" Music Video

Okay... so not everything he has done is groundbreaking. Hey, you gotta pay the bills somehow, right?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> The Short Works Of… is a semi-regular feature on Film Junk where we spotlight commercials, music videos and other short form work from a well-known director. With the recent release of the first trailer for District 9, arguments over the talent and skill of director Neill Blomkamp have resurfaced across the blogosphere. Blomkamp is perhaps best known for the movie he never directed: Halo. Peter Jackson chose him to direct a blockbuster movie based on the popular video game franchise despite the fact that he had never directed a feature film. However, it is his short form work that landed him the job, so I figured it would be a good time to look back at his impressive resume and show why this guy is the real deal.

Citroen Commercial: "Alive with Technology"

You can't start a discussion about Neill Blomkamp's work without talking about this amazing car commercial, which won a VES award for Outstanding VFX in a commercial. If this commercial didn't exist, Michael Bay's Transformers never would have happened... plain and simple.

Alive in Joburg (Short Film)

This is the short film upon which District 9 is based. Aliens crash land in Africa, only to end up being taken advantage of and basically enslaved by the human race. The documentary feel and subtle CG helps evoke the brilliant allusion to Apartheid.

Halo 3: Landfall (Short Film)

After the Halo movie fell apart, Blomkamp was hired to direct a few web shorts to promote the release of the Halo 3 video game. This is perhaps the closest thing we have to imagining what his Halo movie would have looked like... and it's pretty damn impressive.

Nike Commercial: "Crab"

This commercial is another example of Blomkamp's skill integrating photorealistic digital effects into a live action environment.

Adidas Viral Ad: "Adicolor: Yellow"

Another breathtaking short about an intelligent robot living in human society, this was created as part of a series of viral ads for Adidas themed around different colours.

Tetra Vaal (Short Film)

Perhaps Blomkamp should have been given the reins to the Robocop reboot as well?

Nike Commercial: "Evolution"

A morphing shoe.

Tempbot (Short Film)

Another short about robots in the workforce, this one guest starring Lynda Carter aka Wonder Woman!

Crossing The Line (Short Film)

This is footage from a short war film that Peter Jackson shot with the Red camera to see how it would hold up in a professional environment. Blomkamp is only credited as an "additional director" on the project, but I thought some people might be interested to check it out nonetheless.

LiveonRelease - "Let's Go" Music Video

Okay... so not everything he has done is groundbreaking. Hey, you gotta pay the bills somehow, right?

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/05/04/the-short-works-of-neill-blomkamp/feed/ The Short Works of… Zack Snyder http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/03/02/the-short-works-of-zack-snyder/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/03/02/the-short-works-of-zack-snyder/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:40:19 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=16451 The Short Works Of... is a semi-regular feature where we spotlight commercials, music videos and other short form work from a well-known director. I don't think anyone will be too surprised to hear that Zack Snyder, director of the upcoming Watchmen, has a background in TV commercials. His movies are chock full of eye candy and flashy visual FX, and ever since 300 he has become known for his use of green screen technology and slow motion. Regardless of what you think of his skills as a feature film director, the man has done some groundbreaking commercials, many of which you probably didn't even know were directed by him. He produces them through his own company, Cruel and Unusual Films. Check out a sampling of Zack Snyder's short form portfolio below and see if it changes your perception of his talent.

Miller Lite Commercial: "Break From The Crowd"

This 2007 commercial features a 60 foot tall giant made up of hundreds of people clumped together walking through town, and was a collaboration with Method Studios. Precisely the kind of visual effects wizardry you'd expect to see from Zack Snyder.

Budweiser 9/11 Commercial: "Respect"

Much more subtle visual effects here, creating a classy Super Bowl commercial paying tribute to the victims of 9/11. From what I understand, it only ever aired once.

The Lost Tape: Andy's Terrifying Last Days Revealed (Short Film)

This 15-minute short film was included in the special features for the Dawn of the Dead remake DVD release. The mock home video style may have even given George Romero the idea to do his own Diary of the Dead.

Jeep Commercial: "Frisbee"

I had no idea Snyder directed this commercial, but it's a personal favourite of mine. Both breathtaking and clever, it won a Clio award back in 1997.

Soul Asylum - "Somebody to Shove" Music Video

Not a particularly innovative video, but the song was everywhere back in the early '90s. Weird to think that this was one of Snyder's first professional gigs as a director.

EB Beer Commercial: Generals' Party

This offbeat European commercial was originally set to Sid Vicious' "My Way", and was deemed too controversial for TV. As a result, it only played in movie theatres at the time.

Budweiser Commercial: "Replay"

Yes, Snyder has done a lot of car and beer commercials... but are there really any other kinds of commercials worth doing? Another classic and memorable Budweiser Super Bowl spot.

Michael Jordan's Playground

Perhaps the strangest entry in Zack Snyder's filmography, this Michael Jordan video combines clips of on-court footage with a fictional storyline about Jordan helping a kid who lacks self-confidence. It isn't really short form per se, but this musical interlude is a definite highlight (not to mention the shots of Jordan dunking in front of a sunset).

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> The Short Works Of... is a semi-regular feature where we spotlight commercials, music videos and other short form work from a well-known director. I don't think anyone will be too surprised to hear that Zack Snyder, director of the upcoming Watchmen, has a background in TV commercials. His movies are chock full of eye candy and flashy visual FX, and ever since 300 he has become known for his use of green screen technology and slow motion. Regardless of what you think of his skills as a feature film director, the man has done some groundbreaking commercials, many of which you probably didn't even know were directed by him. He produces them through his own company, Cruel and Unusual Films. Check out a sampling of Zack Snyder's short form portfolio below and see if it changes your perception of his talent.

Miller Lite Commercial: "Break From The Crowd"

This 2007 commercial features a 60 foot tall giant made up of hundreds of people clumped together walking through town, and was a collaboration with Method Studios. Precisely the kind of visual effects wizardry you'd expect to see from Zack Snyder.

Budweiser 9/11 Commercial: "Respect"

Much more subtle visual effects here, creating a classy Super Bowl commercial paying tribute to the victims of 9/11. From what I understand, it only ever aired once.

The Lost Tape: Andy's Terrifying Last Days Revealed (Short Film)

This 15-minute short film was included in the special features for the Dawn of the Dead remake DVD release. The mock home video style may have even given George Romero the idea to do his own Diary of the Dead.

Jeep Commercial: "Frisbee"

I had no idea Snyder directed this commercial, but it's a personal favourite of mine. Both breathtaking and clever, it won a Clio award back in 1997.

Soul Asylum - "Somebody to Shove" Music Video

Not a particularly innovative video, but the song was everywhere back in the early '90s. Weird to think that this was one of Snyder's first professional gigs as a director.

EB Beer Commercial: Generals' Party

This offbeat European commercial was originally set to Sid Vicious' "My Way", and was deemed too controversial for TV. As a result, it only played in movie theatres at the time.

Budweiser Commercial: "Replay"

Yes, Snyder has done a lot of car and beer commercials... but are there really any other kinds of commercials worth doing? Another classic and memorable Budweiser Super Bowl spot.

Michael Jordan's Playground

Perhaps the strangest entry in Zack Snyder's filmography, this Michael Jordan video combines clips of on-court footage with a fictional storyline about Jordan helping a kid who lacks self-confidence. It isn't really short form per se, but this musical interlude is a definite highlight (not to mention the shots of Jordan dunking in front of a sunset).

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/03/02/the-short-works-of-zack-snyder/feed/ The Short Works Of… Ridley Scott http://www.filmjunk.com/2008/10/08/the-short-works-of-ridley-scott/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2008/10/08/the-short-works-of-ridley-scott/#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:31:38 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/?p=11018 With Ridley Scott's latest film Body of Lies hitting theatres this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to bring back The Short Works Of... feature to explore some of the stuff he has directed outside of film. As many people know, Scott started his career in graphic design and advertising, before eventually transitioning to TV and movies. Here's a collection of some of his best short form material from over the years, hinting at the talent that would eventually produce Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator. 1984 Mac Ad Let's start with the best. This landmark ad is widely considered one of the best commercials ever made. It aired during Super Bowl XVIII and is an early example of Apple's brilliant marketing. The spot likens their competitors IBM to a dull, grey dystopian world, with Apple coming in to save the day and smash the system. Hovis Bike Ride Ad (1973) Another classic that was recently voted Favourite Advertisement of All-Time in the U.K., this commercial simply shows a boy delivering bread on a cobbled street. Not very flashy, but obviously quite effective. Nissan 300ZX Super Bowl Commercial (1990) Cool car commercial that really emphasizes speed. It supposedly aired during Super Bowl XXIV, and was never seen again because it was thought to promote street racing. Short Film: Boy and Bicycle (1975) A short black-and-white student film shot on 16mm, "Boy and Bicycle" stars Ridley Scott's younger brother Tony as a kid who decides to skip school and ride around town on his bike instead. Orange Telecom: Future Thoughts Commercial (1998) Clever ad for Orange Telecom with plenty of cool imagery. Pepsi Miami Vice Commercial (1985) An 80's commercial for Pepsi during their "Choice of a New Generation" campaign, starring Don Johnson and Glenn Fry from Miami Vice. The lighting is just classic Ridley Scott! Barclays Bank Query Ad This was part of a series of Blade Runner-esque spots that Scott did for Barclays and it could very well be the coolest commercial ever made for a bank. Roxy Music - "Avalon" Video (1982) Believe it or not, the only music video Ridley Scott has directed to date. And it has a falcon in it. W.R. Grace Deficit Trials Commercial (1986) Another commercial that uses a sci-fi angle to take a somewhat dull topic and make it memorable. According to Time, it cost about $300,000 to produce at the time. There are plenty of other Ridley Scott commercials out there, but I'll leave you with this one: a 1969 Luv Ice Cream Commercial starring a really young David Bowie!

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> With Ridley Scott's latest film Body of Lies hitting theatres this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to bring back The Short Works Of... feature to explore some of the stuff he has directed outside of film. As many people know, Scott started his career in graphic design and advertising, before eventually transitioning to TV and movies. Here's a collection of some of his best short form material from over the years, hinting at the talent that would eventually produce Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator. 1984 Mac Ad Let's start with the best. This landmark ad is widely considered one of the best commercials ever made. It aired during Super Bowl XVIII and is an early example of Apple's brilliant marketing. The spot likens their competitors IBM to a dull, grey dystopian world, with Apple coming in to save the day and smash the system. Hovis Bike Ride Ad (1973) Another classic that was recently voted Favourite Advertisement of All-Time in the U.K., this commercial simply shows a boy delivering bread on a cobbled street. Not very flashy, but obviously quite effective. Nissan 300ZX Super Bowl Commercial (1990) Cool car commercial that really emphasizes speed. It supposedly aired during Super Bowl XXIV, and was never seen again because it was thought to promote street racing. Short Film: Boy and Bicycle (1975) A short black-and-white student film shot on 16mm, "Boy and Bicycle" stars Ridley Scott's younger brother Tony as a kid who decides to skip school and ride around town on his bike instead. Orange Telecom: Future Thoughts Commercial (1998) Clever ad for Orange Telecom with plenty of cool imagery. Pepsi Miami Vice Commercial (1985) An 80's commercial for Pepsi during their "Choice of a New Generation" campaign, starring Don Johnson and Glenn Fry from Miami Vice. The lighting is just classic Ridley Scott! Barclays Bank Query Ad This was part of a series of Blade Runner-esque spots that Scott did for Barclays and it could very well be the coolest commercial ever made for a bank. Roxy Music - "Avalon" Video (1982) Believe it or not, the only music video Ridley Scott has directed to date. And it has a falcon in it. W.R. Grace Deficit Trials Commercial (1986) Another commercial that uses a sci-fi angle to take a somewhat dull topic and make it memorable. According to Time, it cost about $300,000 to produce at the time. There are plenty of other Ridley Scott commercials out there, but I'll leave you with this one: a 1969 Luv Ice Cream Commercial starring a really young David Bowie!

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2008/10/08/the-short-works-of-ridley-scott/feed/ The Short Works Of… Garth Jennings http://www.filmjunk.com/2008/05/12/the-short-works-of-garth-jennings/ http://www.filmjunk.com/2008/05/12/the-short-works-of-garth-jennings/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 18:44:12 +0000 Sean http://www.filmjunk.com/2008/05/12/the-short-works-of-garth-jennings/ A while back, Jay started a feature on Film Junk called "The Short Works Of...", in which he examined some well-known directors and showcased their work in other short-form mediums like music videos and TV commercials. In recent years, a background in music videos has come to have negative connotations, thanks to the overabundance of flashy, overstylized action and horror films flooding theatres. But that's not necessarily fair, because some of the most respected directors in the biz have started out doing music vids, and there is some brilliant stuff out there. With the U.S. release of Son of Rambow, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the previous work of British director Garth Jennings. In addition to directing The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, he has done plenty of stuff with his producer Nick Goldsmith under their company name Hammer & Tongs. You can see most of their work in the Cinema section of the official Hammer & Tongs site, Tongsville. Here are some of the highlights: Blur - "Coffee & TV" One of the first videos he became well-known for. In typical Jennings fashion, it's got some cute animated characters mixed with live action. Short Film: The Pool Cleaner Strange little mockumentary that features an interview with Jon Bon Jovi's pool cleaner (or is it?). R.E.M. - "Imitation of Life" A definite classic. Beck - "Hell Yes" Dancing robots. Awesome. Fatboy Slim - "Right Here Right Now" Evolution never looked so weird. Da Ali G Show - Intro Yep, Jennings directed the brilliant title sequence for Sacha Baron Cohen's show. BT Broadband Commercial Lots of crazy visual effects in this one. Dolphin Singalong - "So Long and Thanks For All The Fish" From the end credits of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Hot Chip - "Boy From School" Another weird and surreal video. Vampire Weekend - "A-Punk" The most recent Hammer & Tongs video release to date.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> A while back, Jay started a feature on Film Junk called "The Short Works Of...", in which he examined some well-known directors and showcased their work in other short-form mediums like music videos and TV commercials. In recent years, a background in music videos has come to have negative connotations, thanks to the overabundance of flashy, overstylized action and horror films flooding theatres. But that's not necessarily fair, because some of the most respected directors in the biz have started out doing music vids, and there is some brilliant stuff out there. With the U.S. release of Son of Rambow, I thought it would be a good time to take a look at the previous work of British director Garth Jennings. In addition to directing The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, he has done plenty of stuff with his producer Nick Goldsmith under their company name Hammer & Tongs. You can see most of their work in the Cinema section of the official Hammer & Tongs site, Tongsville. Here are some of the highlights: Blur - "Coffee & TV" One of the first videos he became well-known for. In typical Jennings fashion, it's got some cute animated characters mixed with live action. Short Film: The Pool Cleaner Strange little mockumentary that features an interview with Jon Bon Jovi's pool cleaner (or is it?). R.E.M. - "Imitation of Life" A definite classic. Beck - "Hell Yes" Dancing robots. Awesome. Fatboy Slim - "Right Here Right Now" Evolution never looked so weird. Da Ali G Show - Intro Yep, Jennings directed the brilliant title sequence for Sacha Baron Cohen's show. BT Broadband Commercial Lots of crazy visual effects in this one. Dolphin Singalong - "So Long and Thanks For All The Fish" From the end credits of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Hot Chip - "Boy From School" Another weird and surreal video. Vampire Weekend - "A-Punk" The most recent Hammer & Tongs video release to date.

FOR MORE DAILY MOVIE GOODNESS, VISIT FILMJUNK.COM!

]]> http://www.filmjunk.com/2008/05/12/the-short-works-of-garth-jennings/feed/