Snap Shot Shorts: The collective creating its own opportunities in film
Elizabeth Hodgson starring in one of the short films, Height for Dummies
On a dusty Saturday afternoon, I sink into my couch, craving a dose of culture. Whilst Below Deck Med season 4 is normally my first pick, I opt for my other guilty pleasure: YouTube short films.
An hour and a half later, I am immersed in a melodramatic world filled with kumara fries and gas lighters, couch rivalries, werewolves and door dash, a tearful trip to Mars and ice cream — all captured through the familiar lens of Wellington’s CBD.
The cinematic escape came courtesy of Snap Shot Shorts.
Founded by Massey grad Elizabeth Hodgson (Lizzo) and fellow film maker Shayden Lowrey, the collective challenges the exclusiveness of the film industry, with over 150 Wellington creatives bringing its productions to life.
The need for a collective community arose from the difficulty of securing a film-based job without connections in the industry.
Lizzo, who was formally the co-president of Massey Wellington’s student association, tells me, "If I had a dollar for every time a tutor has said ‘it's all about who you know’, I would be able to pay off my student debt.”
“We just wanted something more sustainable and accessible for young creatives.”
Snap Shot Shorts created a season of 12 short films in 18 months, celebrated by a showing at the Embassy Theatre on July 21st. The showcase celebrated with 500 attendees.
But filming 12 short films in less than two years brought many challenges for Lizzo. The biggest challenge lay with juggling four films at the same time and not prioritising one over another.
“It's like having twelve kids and trying not to have favourites."
Despite tight deadline turnarounds and working with such little time, the wide array of talent across different skills and backgrounds is the highlight for Lizzo. “They don't only talk the talk, but they walk the walk, and it was a huge pleasure to experience."
Lizzo advises those wanting to pave their way in the industry should start saying “yes” to opportunities... but also know when to say “no”. "We have to look after ourselves as creatives", she says.
So, with season one under wraps, what's next?
Lizzo and the crew are taking a much-deserved break from production until the start of next year with a promise of exciting collaborations. “We have a layout of bangin’ scripts and stories for next season. It’s going to be crazy.”
Massive’s favourites
Kumara Blues
Heartbreak, kumara chips, anxiety, first dates. Guaranteed to make you cry (just a tad).
Kumara Blues, directed and written by Paris Renalson, explores the haunting struggle to let go of a past relationship. When the protagonist ditches on a first date, they are plagued by the ghost of their ex-partner eating kumara chips in their passenger seat. The film explores the guilt-ridden feeling of seeking solace in a romanticised version of an unhealthy relationship. Kumara Blues questions if our delusions are providing a safe space for our anxiety to grow and stop us from moving forward.
Lizzo says, "Kumara Blues just sticks with you and is one of our stronger films. It is such a beautiful story, and has great storytelling, and performances. I think that was the point in the series where we were like, 'Oh, we can make really cool stuff'.”
The Couch
White vans, flat made feuds, the cultural importance of paper scissors rock. Guaranteed to provide a few giggles and gratitude for your green couch.
The Couch, directed by Georgia Cotterill and written by Haleigh Hook, is a vibrant tribute to Wellington's street stealing culture and one degree of separation. In this spirited tale, two groups of flat mates battle it out to take home the perfect green couch, only to discover their lives are more intertwined than they think. The film is quintessentially Welly and draws on banter between broke students as its driving dialogue and conflict. Leads Kate Silcock and Sarah Penny infuse their performances with lively energy, capturing the thrill of scavenging for roadside treasures.
The Departure
Really nice glassware, apocalypse and a failed elopement. Guaranteed to give you a deep recollection back to 2020 lock down months.
Directed by Daniel Robinson and written by Alexander Walker, The Departure is a Wellington-based Sci-Fi Drama set at the end of the world.
As three friends share a final dinner, they wait for a crucial text to determine whether they remain to die on Earth or leave for Mars for survival. The film mirrors the anxiousness of the lockdown months and the immense amount of comfort that is found in friends and ice cream. The film ultimately focuses on the human capacity to find humour and solace in our friendships, even in the most desperate of times.