First Years Fifth Project - 30 Second Movies

For this brief we asked the students to research basic film making techniques, then study a specific movie genre (pulled at random from a hat) and then finally create a 30 second visual 'distillation' in film of said genre. Oh; they also had to produce a detailed storyboard before they started shooting any live footage. We generously allowed them two whole weeks in which to complete this massive challenge.

But hold on a minute we hear you shout (N.B. we don't really)... Graphic Designers and Illustrators making films? Are we mad?

No, quite the opposite. As technologies merge (these films were all made in Photoshop by the way!?) and, as TV and streaming media expand exponentially, who will be there at the cutting edge, producing well designed, intelligent content? Designers and Illustrators, of course

This project marks the start of a journey for those students who have a strong interest in exploiting video, film and animation as their chosen media. We'll be exploring further aspects after Christmas so stay tuned.

In the meantime; put you feet up, turn down the house lights, open a carton of Kia-Ora and smear Nachos down your front as you enjoy the fruits of their labour...

Maddison and Peter give you their take on the Spaghetti Western format.


Vincent and Sarah produce a 30 second tribute to the 'Swashbuckler' genre set in our Design & Illustration studio.


Mollie and Ben produce a 30 second tribute to Pathe News


Nathan and Laura give us 30 seconds of German Expressionism.


Rebecca and Zac proudly present a short Action Movie


Tanya and Iinu produce a 30 second tribute to 'Film Noir'