Here’s another reason to applaud YouTube: that site is a major factor in today’s short film renaissance. In our hustle-bustle era where every minute seems precious, short films can give viewers a lot of entertainment without breaking their time budgets. But the form is also crucial for filmmakers because making shorts is the most economical and efficient road to mastery. It also can lead into the world of feature filmmaking as happened famously when George Lucas turned his 15-minute student film “THX 1138” (1967), into the 95-minute feature version (1971) that launched his Hollywood career.
This brings us to Jacob Givens’ “Intermission,” a sci fi flick about space traveler who is teleported to the wrong planet. At 24 minutes, the movie runs longer than the usual movies featured at MobileMovieMaking.com. But there is so much going on in this film, we believe it’s worth your time whether you simply view it as an entertainment or treat it as a source of techniques that you can borrow.
If you’re going to study the movie, some elements to consider are the locations, the props, the use of long shots, and the dialogue. Because only a single character appears in the movie, this qualifies as a one-actor film even though a supporting actor is heard on the soundtrack.
One of the oddities of “Intermission” has to do with its credits. While the crew and the supporting actors are named—and while we learn that the movie was shot on an iPhone 8 Plus using the FiLMic Pro App—there is no mention of the lead performer. That actor, who appears in every frame, happens to be Jacob Givens. who does credit himself for writing and directing.
In addition to his filmmaking mastery, Givens uses the YouTube commenting section to engage viewers and to provide additional information. For example, in response to viewer queries, we learn that the production used the Zhiyun Smooth Q gimbal for stabilization and that the filmmaking took place in the Anza Borrego Desert in Southern California.
You can learn more about Jacob Givens via Facebook and Twitter.
“Intermission” was chosen by the editors of MobileMovieMaking.com as the Mobile Movie of the Week.
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Thank you so much for the wonderful article! So happy to be chosen as the short film of the week!
I first saw this film on YouTube and had no idea until the credits that it was shot on an iPhone. I really feel this film should be used as an example of what can be achieved using mobile devices for aspiring filmmakers.
As a one actor film, done so well, you forget that, really an incredible trip through lots of life experiences, friendship, addiction, childhood, and quite funny too!
It’s amazing that a film can look this good and be filmed on a phone. The scenery is so gorgeous that it really adds to the solitude of the character. I’m impressed that a single actor can be captivating enough to hold my attention for the whole film. I appreciate the simplicity of the story layered with the depth of emotions. Great flick!