2020 Short Film Challenge Extra - The Short Before the Feature

Thanks to the Virus, I am at home. I don't have it, but the boss felt it was better to close down until 30 March. As a result, the 2020 Short Film Challenge has been halted, as I'm not at work to watch the films.

dem's the rules, folks.

So, let's go over some old ground, namely some of the best short films that I have already seen, but you may not have. And what better place to start than Horror.

So, this time, let's look at the short film that would spawn a feature! Yes, this is a thing.

Sometimes, studios require a short treatment of a film idea before they bankroll a feature. Most times, the creative juices of a film maker flow and the short comes to life with little worry about a feature. Here are six examples of short films in the Horror genre that were later made into a feature film.

How good or bad each is, is for you to decide. Please note, I have provided a link to each short film. Click on "Short" and you can see the film.


Mama (Short 2008, Feature 2013)

The tender touching tale of two little girls adopted by a couple. Unfortunately, not everyone is on board with this, including an evil spirit that follows the two. In some cases, the short is actually introduced by Guillermo del Toro, the executive producer of the feature. Please note, I have not seen the feature version of the short.


Nine (Short 2005, Feature 2009)

Mankind has disappeared. What is left is nine living doll-like creatures that are pursued by the thing that helped in human's downfall. The creatures fight a continuous battle with this monster. Both are written and directed by Shane Acker, who did visual effects for the short "Monster Roll", which I highlighted in a recent blog.


Cargo (Short 2013, Feature 2018)

From Australia, a father had been bitten by his turned wife. Soon, he will be a zombie. What to do with their little girl? The short is a rather bare bones treatment of the story, which works really well. The feature adds characters and backstory that seem to take away from the original expression of the story. Both are written and directed by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke. The feature stars Martin Freeman, who is best known for playing Dr. Watson in the BBC series "Sherlock". (Nothing else, just Sherlock...I said nothing else!)


Saw (Short 2003, Feature 2004)

A man has escaped from being captured and force to play a deadly game to get his freedom. James Wan directs, Leigh Whannell writes and stars in the short and appears in the feature. I have yet to watch any of the Saw franchise.


Excision (Short 2008, Feature 2012)

The examination of a girl's decent into madness, which is helped along by her sister's illness, her parent's lack of attention to her needs and her own transition into womanhood. Both are trippy, terrifying and maddening. Both should be seen. Alright, they scared the hell out of me. Richard Bates, Jr. wrote and directed both.


Zombie Musical (Short 2010, Feature 2018)

The zombie apocalypse occurs just in time for Christmas. Anna and her friends do what they can to survive. Often, they sing and dance. Made as the feature "Anna and the Apocalypse", both films have great music, good acting and excellent story lines. The short was directed by Ryan McHenry, who died before the feature was considered. Unlike others, adding characters and story to this enhances the short. Both films are a joy to behold.

So, there you have a small sampling of the short films that grew up to be features. My hope is that you find them interesting. Decide for yourself which was better.

Thanks to IMDb, Vimeo, and YouTube and to Ernie Fink, who wrote reviews on both Cargo and Anna and the Apocalypse for BloodyWhisper.com. (Wow, I've never been that self serving before. I might get to like it.)