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Enter the short film: A great medium where movies must efficiently use a small amount of time to grab our attention, tell a story, and leave us wanting more (or resolve things if the director/creator isn't using it for his or her demo reel).



What's even better is that much of the back story and exposition that would normally be found in a feature film is bypassed; this gives the director/creator the benefit of the doubt for being a genius who would have TOTALLY nailed that part of the process.





Unfortunately, the small amount of screen time is also often accompanied by a small budget, making the larger than life spectacles we enjoy in a theater or on a DVD something that we don't necessarily expect to come across on Youtube (unless someone uploaded a movie and hasn't had their account banned yet).





Well fear not, fellow action movie lovers. Below are my Top 10 picks for short films that you can currently watch for free on the interwebs. They provide a theater worthy experience without the $8 popcorn and 14 year olds talking on their cell phones. You may not agree with all of my choices, but I think everyone will be able to find at least one that they truly enjoy. I'll also go give an analysis of each film some links to behind the scenes features for those of you (like me) that are interested in that type of stuff.





A quick warning: There's a lot of violence, a little gore, and a bit of cursing, so some of these entries may be a bit NSFW.



And now, onto the list:









10. Somnolence





Summary

In a dystopian future, the earth has exhausted all of it's natural resources. To remedy this situation, a group of scientists sends a bunch of guys back in time with guns to battle a giant robot. I'm really not sure how that fixes anything, but it definitely looks cool.













What's Good

When things pick up at about the 3:30 mark, this film is a lot of fun to watch. The effects on the giant robot, along with the sound editing and weapons effects, are outstanding.





What's Not So Good

At the point when one of the doctors randomly exploded, I was lost. I realize that a short film has a limited amount of time to build a back story or explain something as complex as time travel, but this one needed a lot more than it gave us.

Also, the acting (particularly from the main doctor character) was absolutely terrible.





Could It Work as a Standard Film?

Patrick Kayln , who is a great visual effects guy, showed that he can also do some great work from behind the camera, as well. If he's willing to get some writing help for the story and script, than this one could be a lot of fun to watch as a feature.





Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages









9. Code Hunters





Summary

In a dystopian future (again?), a band of misfit hunters protects the earth from hairy monsters and a corrupt police force that's in severe need of a better dental plan.













What's Good

The highly stylized animation never feels too "cartoony," even when the monsters show up.



Through brief moments and facial expressions, the main characters' personalities were strongly established, making you already want to root for them.





What's Not So Good

With a short film, it's perfectly fine to have an open ending as long as it leaves you wanting more. The ending to this one, however, just made my head hurt. Chop off the last minute or so and the product would probably be much better.





Could It Work as a Standard Film?

This was originally shot as a prologue to an international MTV series , so there are probably a lot of unused plans waiting to be mined for a feature film project. I'm not sure if the general American audience would take to the ultra textured 2D animation, but the action and incredibly likable characters could probably win them over.





Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages

Article from CGSociety.com













8. Portal: No Escape





Summary

Based loosely off of Valve's best selling ' Portal ' video game franchise, this film finds our heroine, played by Danielle Rayne , imprisoned a dystopian future (are you noticing a trend?). She has no idea how she got there, but after a training montage that goes on for far too long, she eventually finds a portal gun and begins to make her escape.

















What's Good

Director David Trachtenberg takes the concept of a popular puzzle game and somehow creates an action film full of atmosphere, suspense, and excitement. The cinematography by Keith Dunkerley is top notch and the special effects are outstanding (which are also well supported by some quality editing).





What's Not So Good

When your film runs a little over five minutes, it's not good for things to feel like they're going too slowly. Unfortunately, the opening of the film drags on long after it has established the main character's frustration and physical power.





Could It Work as a Standard Film?

I'm not sure how the marketing guys would sell "Girl vs. Wall" as a film. But with what little I know about the game and after seeing this film, I think there is definitely enough plot there to make a good movie. The problem would be how to alter the story for a mainstream audience (who may be hard to win over) while not alienating fans of the game franchise.





Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages

















7. Left 4 Dead: Impulse 76





Summary

Another film based off of a video game franchise, this one finds the rag tag Left 4 Dead team trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. (Another short film based in an apocalyptic future? You don't say...)





I tried to stay away from the more horror based movies for this list, but the great action sequences and the plethora of guest stars that begin showing up around the 6:00 minute mark make this one a perfect fit.

















What's Good



Director Aside from some "cloudy" blood splatters, the effects are fantastic. The sound editing is also far better than you will find on almost any fan film.Director Adrian Picardi transitions seamlessly from tension filled survival movie to knock down/drag out action flick. The cast does an excellent job in the opening scenes of using their brief dialogue to display the group's different personalities and general dysfunction.

What's Not So Good Some folks who are not hard core gamers may be a bit disappointed when what starts out as a tense survival thriller turns into a massive, over the top video game homage.

Could It Work as a Standard Film? No way. The licensing costs alone would make the budget way too big.

Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages













6. Round 6





Summary

I'm not sure if this one takes place in a dystopian future or not. It centers around a man nicknamed "Snap" who is playing his final round (which is the 6th one, if you needed some help figuring that out) of a game called "Fragball."



The game apparently involves a lot of running for your life from a walking abomination while trying to capture an under inflated football with lights on it.











What's Good The film immediately sets to work making you realize that there is a high degree of fear and stress from an unknown yet very powerful entity. The animation, particularly the lighting effects, are superb.

What's Not So Good The film's biggest weakness is also one of its strengths: By the time it was over, I felt like I had just begun to really enjoy myself. Clocking in at a little over three minutes, this one will definitely leave you wanting more.



The jerky camera work was effective at times, but it also detracted from some of the film's more tense moments.

Could It Work as a Standard Film?

I'm not sure about a feature film, but it would definitely make a great game. I know I'd definitely like to play Fragball again (from the comfort of my gaming system; not with a demonic centaur trying to crush me).

Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages Official Website

Development Blog







5. The Gift





Summary In a dystopian future (...), a Russian guy delivers a mysterious box to a wealthy man. He then decides to stab him in the neck and keep the box for himself. After he loses the box (due to being hit by a bus), the wealthy man's robot butler picks it up and begins running from the police.





Also, my apologies for the odd formatting of the video. The version that is not a giant advertisement for Phillips televisions will not allow me to embed it. You can watch that other version Look, I know it sounds like I just described the set up for a terrible 80's TV pilot, but it's good--I promise.Also, my apologies for the odd formatting of the video. The version that is not a giant advertisement for Phillips televisions will not allow me to embed it. You can watch that other version here , if you prefer.







What's Good





"What is that?" "A Unicorn." "Never seen one up close before." "Beautiful." "Get away." "I'm sorry ."



If I had made a film within those parameters, it probably would have ended up being a cautionary tale about cryptozoology and abstinence.



Phillips sponsored a movie project in which the films had to use these lines of dialogue:If I had made a film within those parameters, it probably would have ended up being a cautionary tale about cryptozoology and abstinence. Carl Rinsch , however, ended up creating an exhilarating chase sequence with an ending that left us wanting more and hoping for answers...along with a feature film and/or sequel.

What's Not So Good

I'd still like to know why the Russian dude with the box went all the way to the wealthy man's house just to stab him in the neck. Also, it may make me a bad person, but I have to admit that I chuckled a bit when he got hit by the bus.

Could It Work as a Standard Film?

Let's hope so; this would be a great one to watch.

Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages

Article at creativity-online.com.











4. Azureus Rising

Summary This film takes place in an advanced future (THANK YOU) and centers around a person inside of a cybernetic suit (and in desperate need of a hair cut) as he or she tries to evade law enforcement and giant robots...with style.









What's Good Just about everything. The animation is so good that at times it looks like a live action film, particularly during the fire and explosion effects.



The protagonist's movements always feel very real (despite his/her unearthly abilities) due to great editing and camera angles.



I know this will sound weird, but the constant breathing that we hear from the main character is also a huge plus. It keeps reminding us that we are dealing with someone or something that is a living being...and maybe even a human.



What's Not So Good The liberal use of slow motion took me out of the film a couple of times, particularly when most of my enjoyment was derived from the protagonist's incredible speed and precision.



Could It Work as a Standard Film?

This movie was done as a This movie was done as a proof of concept film , and so far the reception it has received has been fantastic . Considering that it was released in 2010, the technology should be there to make this into one heck of a feature if someone wants to do it.

Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages

Azureusrising.com

Azureus Rising Facebook Page









3. Losses



Summary No dystopian future here! The basic set up is a Jason Bourne-type character being brought in by his corrupt/evil boss, who is angry at him for not being worth the money they paid to train him. He then handcuffs the operative and gives him 5 minutes to reach his office if he wants a job and to continue breathing.

As you can imagine, this was a poor decision by Mr. Evil Bossman on a lot of levels.











What's Good



The film's cinematography looks like a million bucks, but the stunt work by his brother



Add in some incredibly well done special effects by According to director Ryan Connolly , he borrowed a Red Epic camera from someone, got a bunch of friends and family together, and somehow shot that 9 minutes of badassery on a budget of only $200.The film's cinematography looks like a million bucks, but the stunt work by his brother Josh Connolly (who plays the films protagonist) along with some excellent editing makes this seem like a top of the line Hollywood production.Add in some incredibly well done special effects by Michael Stark , and you've got yourself one heck of a shoot 'em up action flick.

What's Not So Good While the shaky cam (which was probably a byproduct of not having cranes or camera supports) was often put to good use, it made my motion sickness start to act up a bit by the end.



I'll need to take some benadryl before I watch this one again (which I most definitely will).



Could It Work as a Standard Film?

Absolutely, but that's not really the point of how great this film is. It's your basic Jason Bourne/Mission Impossible set up and fight scenes, but done on a shoestring budget while maintaining a very professional and high level of quality.

Behind the Scenes Goodness and Project Pages

Behind the Scenes of 'Losses'









