Feedback from Roxy 5 Film Competition Judges: Post #1

Film name: DIFFERENT

Filmmakers: Kate L, Lily H J,   Olivia M, Pretorious H,  Wills F, Ellen H, Daniel A,  Sophie G, Annika L-B, Walt H     

The opening shots of Different are terrific, creating an interesting dystopian world and a solid beginning to the film. We find ourselves instantly embroiled in the story, the pace is good, and the editing is well timed. The use of monochrome really adds to this effect - it’s dramatic, and disturbing.

You’ve employed a good range of cinematography throughout to tell the story well, presenting these young people as robotic-automated, and subservient, which was a really unusual and unique angle to take. Climbing over the chains is an inspired visual choice, as was the “uniform” of the students to help imply the uniformity, along with the glasses.

The ‘switch’ from monochrome to colour over the black and white bark was a good decision - it’s a seamless transition, which is very hard to pull off. Along with this, losing the score at the same time accentuates the un-settling change taking place.

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We really enjoyed the opening and closing credits - they are absolutely brilliant and it’s a shame there’s no award this year for Best Credits (we didn’t even think of that!). It’s a great piece of illustration and wonderful use of typography, with a lot of energy and expression.  For example, having the title backwards was genius. Well done Team Harmony!!

Overall, Different is a well compiled short film, using some excellent elements of film making in an interesting way to create drama. He mihi atu ki a koutou katoa mō tō mahi pai. Keep it up, and we’d love to see you in the Roxy5 Competition next year!