quietearth [Celluloid 11.10.11] scifi horror



95% of the human genome is composed of redundant gene sequences. They appear to have no known biological function. Could a chance event reactivate them? Genetic freaks wander the streets courtesy of irresponsible pharmaceutical companies. Yes, this is a banger.

We've brought you firsts on many up and comers and we have a new one for you today: Matt Westrup. This little diddy was made for under $10 large and is so well written and directed, I'm sure we'll be hearing more from Westrup and producer Spencer Friend very, very soon. Just watch it. NOW.

Now if only we could get him to teach everyone else using bad cgi how to make proper films.



[Editor's note: We removed the original short and were given an abridged version as they'd like to enter the film into festivals.]

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Fred Levy (10 years ago) Reply

Best short I have seen in years!!

Dexter... (10 years ago) Reply

Then you have only watch this short in years...

(10 years ago) Reply

Ok it had some good effects.
But was this whole thing a PSA about the dangers are buying drugs online?

:S

st (10 years ago) Reply

clever, embarrassingly so.. similar to how i felt after watching blomkamp

(10 years ago) Reply

Very impressive. Does seem like a PSA at the end, but I don't think it detracts from the short.

My only criticism would be a little too much telling and not enough showing at the onset. But by the middle it more that makes up for it.

(10 years ago) Reply

I feel like I've been rickrolled

(10 years ago) Reply

Oh snap. I nearly fell off my chair during the first sequence with the screaming and the creatures. Jesus...

donc48 (10 years ago) Reply

Best short since Tag 23, I’ve had a similar idea rolling around in my head.

periklisb (10 years ago) Reply

Where could I watch Tag 23, which you mention?

(10 years ago) Reply

It's actually called Tag 26 and you can watch it here:

http://www.quietearth.us/articles/2009/12/25/Merry-Christmas-from-Michael-Bartlett-Andreas-Samlands-PA-short-DAY-26

periklisb (10 years ago) Reply

Thanks for your help. Unfortunately it seems that the short has been removed from Veoh. The only other link to see it seems to be: http://tag26.filmbinder.com/ (2$ for a two-day rent). Is there any other place where it might be available?

(10 years ago) Reply

you could probably find it "to rent" (add another r where the space is) on a different site ^_^

donc48 (10 years ago) Reply

I saw Tag 23 in QE I want to say over a year ago, and your right it's Tag 26 well worth a look.

(10 years ago) Reply

Really cool.
Perhaps running the info about unregulated pharmaceuticals at the beginning rather than the end would make it seems less like a "drugs are bad, kids", without spoiling the suspense?

(10 years ago) Reply

Awesome!
Does the director or the producer have a website or a facebook page to get in touch with them?

Xebeche (10 years ago) Reply

Someone was clearly a little disappointing with Torchwood recently, and decided to show them how to do it better.

(10 years ago) Reply

Video cuts out after the 8 min mark or so.

(10 years ago) Reply

Tag 23:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkvore_tag-26_shortfilms

Sully (10 years ago) Reply

Spine chilling, original, fantastc!! The direction shows great awareness of scale and colour and light. Knowing the Director though, I'm not surprised at all! Nice work Mr Westrup!!

Lycanthrope (10 years ago) Reply

That's the first pharmaseutically backed short film I've ever seen. It's amazing what alot of money, a big pharma company and control/paranoia can do for the film industry.

Blargh (10 years ago) Reply

I was planning on checking out the trailer, but it won't let me watch it because of my adblocker.

Dan S. (10 years ago) Reply

Loved it

Unlike most (apparently), I loved the PSA message at the end, gave the film some extra real-world impact

Stephen (10 years ago) Reply

Ok, the video just cuts out with about 1/5 to 1/6 left to go, when the one official wants to make a last comment about being diligent. It just stops cold.

Wondermonkey2k (10 years ago) Reply

Yeah, please fix this!

(10 years ago) Reply

Same thing happening for me, cannot view the ending no matter what browser I opening the page in.

quietearth (10 years ago) Reply

I'm about to put it up under dailymotion.

(10 years ago) Reply

I just checked it and it played through for me :/

(10 years ago) Reply

i can't seem to watch the last either.... please give a dailymotion link!

(10 years ago) Reply

That was great! Will be looking for more from Westrup.

Mn8 Multimedia (10 years ago) Reply

Excellent! Very well done camera work, editing, production, acting, 3d integration and match moving. As a VFX artist and cameraman, this has given me new ideas and perspective too. It was a very creative concept and delivery for this PSA.

agentorange (10 years ago) Reply

What do you mean? I see it.

(10 years ago) Reply

Yea, creative when its the pharma industry spreading there tentacles into every niche to get there greedy ideas across, only by from them! too bad....

(10 years ago) Reply

playback here is shitty....use vimeo

Phat (10 years ago) Reply

There are already several films calle The Gate. Hope the director used the title with permission.

rose (10 years ago) Reply

i cant view the video, its just a white box to me :(

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