1. From your studio, reflect on an aspect of two other students/group’s media work on the website in terms of specific insights they produced about a key idea addressed by the studio?
Unrequited
The short film Unrequited (2023), produced by Amanda Kezia Tanderitz, is about a girl that has previously lost her partner but still thinks and dreams about him. This film caught my attention because it focuses on the central concept explored within the studio: creating a creative short film with a micro-budget.
Firstly, the film revolves around the concept of found footage, featuring Amanda documenting her day. The decision to adopt a DIY approach was a deliberate and strategic choice, allowing Amanda to take on multiple roles and be actively involved in the production process. This level of self-reliance not only empowers Amanda but also helps minimise costs by eliminating the need to hire additional personnel and expensive camera equipment for filming. Further, the inclusion of found footage in the film highlights Amanda’s acquisition of excellent filming skills during her participation in the Art of the Micro-budget course, which extensively covered this aspect. Amanda’s proficiency in capturing footage in this style demonstrates her growth and expertise in the field, showcasing the practical application of the knowledge and techniques she acquired through the course.
Secondly, Amanda’s storyline was captivating with its compelling narrative and a poignant, yet impactful ending that evoked a deep sense of sadness. The plot was skilfully crafted to be easy to understand, allowing me to effortlessly follow Amanda’s journey from beginning to end. The emotional weight of the conclusion resonated strongly, leaving a lasting impression and eliciting a powerful emotional response. Ultimately, this serves as a testament to Amanda’s dedication and thoroughness in crafting her short film script, evident in its exceptional quality – despite being produced with minimal financial resources. The thoughtful attention she invested in the scriptwriting process shines through, resulting in a remarkable outcome that exceeds the limitations imposed by the limited budget. Amanda’s ability to create such a compelling and impactful film while working within these constraints showcases her talent and resourcefulness.
In summary, the short film Unrequited is a standout example of a creative micro-budget production, employing a found footage style that showcases Amanda’s self-reliance, excellent filming skills, and thoroughness in producing a compelling narrative with a touching ending.
Nose Candy
The Short film Nose Candy (2023), produced by Elias Tsourdalakis, is about a young man who resorts to transporting large sums of cocaine in a deal for money, to further support his cocaine addiction. This short film stands out as a testament to the core concept emphasised in the studio, as its production value defies its limited budget, creating an impression that belies the constraints of financial resources.
Firstly, the storyline captivated me with its gripping narrative, culminating in a satisfying yet intriguing ending where the demise of the cocaine smuggler left me craving for further exploration and revelations. This emphasises Elias’ dedication to crafting an enticing storyline that not only fits within the constraints of a small budget but also captivates the audience, showcasing his ability to create compelling narratives with limited resources.
Crafting a visual experience that challenge the expectations set by its limited budget, the film’s remarkable camera work skilfully created the impression of a high-end production, surpassing the perceived constraints of financial resources.
Overall, the short film Nose Candy surpasses its limited budget with a captivating storyline and impressive camera work, showcasing the filmmaker’s ability to create captivating narratives and visuals.
2. Choose one other studio then describe a key idea that you think the finished media/studio work communicated with reference to two specific examples.
People & Places
The final work showcased on the People and Places studio page embodies a central concept of capturing and exploring other people’s stories, demonstrating the student’s willingness to step out of their comfort zones. They ventured into unfamiliar territory, filming and interviewing strangers, all with the aim of creating impactful and high-quality media.
Evidently, students in this studio received comprehensive instruction on utilising high-quality cameras and effectively capturing interviews and footage throughout the course. Their proficiency in these skills was apparent, reflecting the valuable knowledge they acquired during their training.
Among the student works one that particularly captured my attention was The Travelling Shop (2023), filmed by Joe Lawless and Saskia Christensen. This piece revolves around the story of Rebecca Wilkins, an individual who never returns from her travels empty-handed. This film captivated me with its impeccable audio quality, steady and well-captured footage, and an enticing storyline that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Another film that was excellent was Does the Fog Whisper (2023), by Matilda Pridham. This film delves into the story of Scarlett Saunders, one of the few female balloon pilots in the Australian ballooning landscape. The visually stunning footage speaks volumes about Matilda’s diligent efforts in capturing every moment, as I couldn’t spot a single error throughout the film. The vibrant colours in the film made it visually captivating, enticing me to remain engaged and eager to continue watching. The audio was also perfectly balanced, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the stunning footage and the dialogue, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
In summary, the work produced by these students clearly reflects their attentive approach during classes, highlighting their dedication to learning and the acquisition of valuable skills and knowledge.
