Influences: Jojo in the Stars

The final of the Studio AKA short film trilogy: Jojo in the Stars delivers as a heartfelt tale with fantastic visuals.

"In a bleak and desolate world, a small creature seeks out the woman of his dreams: a high-flying circus performer with a cruel and possessive ringmaster".



I wouldn't say the story is as engaging as their previous short films, but Jojo in the Stars still has many endearing qualities. It's slightly difficult to pin point the targeted audience here, as some content is quite dark and atmospheric (this should be my speciality!) but I think children of young ages could sit down and watch this; yet they would have some difficulty in understanding the story. As for the visuals, again unconventional for an animated piece (not bright or colourful), with some similarities to the tenebrous style of Varmints.

As a self-confessed film geek, there were some very nice camera angles, and the overall lighting of the piece was incredible. We should be very careful not to replicate the style of this film for Splay - there are some elements such as the monochromatic tones or the grading which would suit the film but we should aim to create something which is refreshing and not an immediate copy of another film or style.

I like the first few establishing shots - a world drowned in darkness and tormented by dust storms (setting the overall mood perfectly). The camera very slowly tracks forward and then cuts to a closer shot of the building, tracking closer once more and then for a third time to the lit entrance of the building with all these tiny dark creatures entering. The use of ambience and a kettle drum beat with each cut is also effective. Its a collection of a few shots, but opens the film nicely, emphasising just how important establishing shots can be.