MAKE IT SHORT | EPISODE 20

Hello and welcome to yet another thrilling installment of Make It Short! Once more, we've assembled an exceptional team of industry experts eager to delve into the intricacies of filmmaking and dish out some yummy insights on a carefully selected short film. Our objective, as always, is to provide constructive feedback and craft an enriching learning experience rooted in the narratives and shared by our featured filmmakers in their involvement in creating a short film. In this episode, I'm joined by the incredibly gifted Bernhard Pucher, a filmmaker himself and co-founder of CenterFrame, along with our special guest for a second time, Jörn Threlfall, a writer-director with a BAFTA nomination to his name. So, without any further ado, let’s jump right into today’s short film!

 The Premise  

Jettison is a remarkable monochrome science fiction short film created by the multi-talented JJ Polack, who wrote, directed, and edited this cinematic gem. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a futuristic Earth, a characteristic milieu frequently embraced within the science fiction genre. However, what quickly differentiates Jettison from the usual colorful sci-fi neon flick is the deliberate choice of employing black and white cinematography, which not only adds a distinct aesthetic charm but also fills the storyline with an evocative sense of timelessness.

The story revolves around a young woman who embarks on a journey into the cosmos by enlisting in a spacefaring military expedition. Her mission requires traversing the vast distances between solar systems at the speed of light. It is at this moment that the fundamental principles of physics come into play, causing her personal timeline to diverge from the temporal progression experienced by those she has left behind on Earth.

This temporal disparity is the core of the protagonist's inner conflict, as she grapples with the existential challenge of maintaining connections to the world she knows and cherishes. The enduring theme of distance in both space and time resonates throughout the narrative, prompting viewers to contemplate the profound implications of relativistic physics on the human experience. Jettison invites us to reflect upon the age-old questions of identity, belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of the cosmos' vastness and the unstoppable march of time.

 What Makes It Distinct 

During our exploration of Jettison, we delved into the protagonist's journey and acknowledged that the overarching storyline might not break new ground in the realm of science fiction. Indeed, the theme of temporal consequences resulting from interstellar travel has been recurrent in the genre. However, it is the creative decisions made in the execution of the narrative that distinguish Jettison. This short film, as Jörn and Bernard agreed on our conversation, exhibits a remarkable level of ingenuity that yields a compelling and emotionally resonant outcome.

Jörn's commentary highlights the great production values inherent in Jettison. The cinematography, in particular, warrants recognition for its ability to captivate the viewer with its stunning visuals. Additionally, the lead actress's performance garners praise for its exceptional quality, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact. Bernard further underscores the film's originality, emphasizing its focus on the intimate personal narrative. This focus, coupled with the deliberate choice to employ a black and white visual palette, serves to alleviate the reliance on elaborate visual effects and infuses Jettison with a distinctive and evocative atmosphere.

To complete our discussion, we had the chance of engaging in an insightful interview with the film's creator, JJ Polack. This conversation shed light on the myriad deliberate choices and creative considerations that informed the film's production. Such revelations provided valuable insights into the artistic process and the motivations that underpin the creation of this thought-provoking work of cinema.

 The Many Uses of Black and White 

In the case of Jettison, the use of black and white served multiple purposes. Maybe the most obvious was the construction of a timeless aesthetic: black and white cinematography can imbue a film with an ageless and classic feel. It can transport viewers to an era reminiscent of early science fiction cinema, harkening back to iconic films like Metropolis or The Day the Earth Stood Still. This timeless quality can add a layer of sophistication to the production, making it appear more visually compelling. Also, with the absence of color, the focus shifts to other elements of filmmaking, such as composition, lighting, and contrast. A well-framed black and white shot can be visually striking and create a sense of depth and atmosphere without relying on expensive special effects.

And that brings us to another very useful characteristic of black and white in films: to conceal budget limitations. It can certainly minimize the need for complex, color-dependent visual effects, which are often costly. Instead, the focus can be placed on practical effects and creative lighting techniques, which can be more budget-friendly. All of that while creating a stark, dramatic ambiance, ideal for sci-fi settings. This way, the atmospheric quality can be achieved without the need for extensive sets or high-tech props.

It's worth noting that the decision to use black and white should align with the narrative and thematic elements of the film. When chosen thoughtfully, it can enhance the storytelling, and even a small budget production can benefit from the artistic and budget-friendly advantages of this classic cinematic approach. Fortunately, that was the exact case of Jettison, where the use of black and white helped to achieve an interesting artistic vision while also hiding a lack of expensive special effects.