Over the past three years, we’ve been inspired and delighted by the originality and ingenuity of the 1000+ films created by animators, editors, and filmmakers from around the world using NASA archival footage for the annual CineSpace Short Film Competition (check out the 2022 competition here). This year will be no exception. However, as we continue to stay home and practice safe social distancing to stem the tide of COVID-19, we ask: “What can CineSpace teach creators about staying innovative and resourceful in the face of unprecedented creative constraints?”
Since the beginning of time, constraints have been an integral part of the creative process. Even the Big Bang probably had some constraints to contend with. Whether these constraints are societal, material, budgetary, logistical, or brought on by a global pandemic, the fact remains that a critical part of a creator’s job is to problem-solve and find ways to bring a project to life without sacrificing story or emotional impact.
In response to COVID-19, and the limitations currently placed on film productions everywhere, the CineSpace judges have created a new Special Category for “Best Film Using Exclusively NASA Archival Footage.”. If you are planning to submit to this year’s CineSpace competition, but your original idea has been impacted by COVID-19, we encourage you to take this time to reimagine your approach and find new ways to create and virtually collaborate with others. This may be your opportunity to try something completely new, surprising yourself along with the CineSpace judges. There’s still plenty of time to mull over your creation as submissions are due noon PT on July 15th.
As you’ll see from our selection of CineSpace short films below, there are many ways to execute exciting, brilliant ideas on a smaller scale – using limited resources, but not limited imagination – by editing pre-existing footage, using a variety of practical or VFX effects, relying on character-driven VO, leaning into a lo-fi aesthetic, or any number of other techniques.
Spacecraft
1st Place, CineSpace 2018
By Jan Turek
Using a meticulous blend of repurposed papercraft, collage, and hand-held props, filmmaker Jan Turek takes us through a journey across time and space, through the symbols of ancient cultures to the scientific discoveries of Galileo and finally to the moon-landing. With a soundscape as vibrant as the visuals, we’re entertained by the casual intercepts between Mission Control and the astronauts.
The Traveler
Finalist, CineSpace 2016
By Duncan Elms
Inspired by the track ‘The Traveler’ by L’Orange and Kool Keith feat J-Live, the video uses themes of travel, space and time to create a hypnotic and trippy journey across the globe. Using NASA footage plus kaleidoscope motion graphics, this highly stylized mood piece is a great example of a hyper-focused concept that feels elevated and exciting. We also love the (almost) black and white color palate.
Postcards From Miss Universe
Finalist, CineSpace 2019
By CG Foisy
Composed entirely of NASA archival footage, and deftly utilizing engaging character-driven voiceover work, Postcards from Miss Universe is a humorous short documentary-fiction mashup that recounts the story of the Pioneer Plaque while unfolding like a lost segment of the hit podcast Welcome to Nightvale.
The Visitors
3rd Place, CineSpace 2018
By Horacio Rodriguez
Through the use of simple practical effects and green screen techniques, along with clever 60s mod costume design and the intercutting of real-life clips showing the shenanigans that took place during the first moon landing (Buzz Aldrin trying to perfect his golf swing in low gravity), Rodriguez creates a comedy about how a married couple – recent transplants on the moon – deal with their new, disruptive neighbors.
The Space Between Us
Finalist, CineSpace 2017
By Jesse Vogelaar
The Space Between Us tells the story of a jaded astronaut left drifting alone in space. His only point of contact is a sarcastic helpline technician who has very little power to help him. This film gives us perspective on the mundane nature of day-to-day life and tells an emotional story in an unlikely location. With the use of green screen effects and carefully chosen music and sound effects, filmmaker Jesse Vogelaar conveys the physical and emotional distance of his protagonist.
NASA 1991 Youth Recruitment Reel
Best Film Using The Most Unusual or Obscure Imagery From NASA, CineSpace 2019
By Juan Pablo Jaramillo
This fictional “lost” NASA recruitment reel from the year 1991 is a delightfully campy short that seamlessly blends archival footage, VFX work, and modern-day actors to embody the joy of NASA employees working and supporting the shuttle from all aspects of the mission. If you’re scratching your head wondering how they did it, you’re in luck! All is revealed in the creative team’s accompanying BTS YouTube video.
Living on An Island
Finalist, CineSpace 2016
By Kuesti Fraun
A man climbs a ladder way above the Earth’s atmosphere to fetch his kite in this vertical, avant-garde tale.
Want to see more cleverly engineered CineSpace shorts? Head on over to our gallery of past CineSpace finalists and winning films that showcase exceptional storytelling and originality using novel approaches and techniques you can achieve from home using the tools you have at your disposal.
What techniques are you thinking about implementing for this year’s CineSpace? Tell us in the comments below!
