- A collection of my short film projects -
Click the images to view the films
The 200 Million Year Secret
 Wildscreen short film competition finalist from 2008 under the topic of 'Bristols best kept secret'
Shot on Panasonic HPX 170

 

Wildscreen short film competition finalist from 2008 under the topic of 'Bristols best kept secret'. This film was shot in 1 day and edited in 5 hours (Rules for this film comp) and was shot with Panasonic HPX 170's supplied by Panasonic UK and Onsight the competitions sponsors. The 5 finalists films were screened to over 250 people at the Wildscreen closing party and the award was presented by BBC presenter Steve Leonard. A great experience all round, albeit a very tiring one!
Note : The film was pre-written / researched and organised before the shooting/editing days. I have also slightly re-cut the original edit since then.
Thanks for watching.

 
Symbiosis
 A 1 minute film shot for the Friends of the Earth 'Green' film competition.
Shot on XL2 - Fujinon Manualx14
I've always believed that the human race needs to see itself as a component of this planet and not separated from it. Symbiosis visualises this through a game of Jenga. We have the power to play with earths inhabitants like blocks in the game but we should understand as symbiant beings of planet Earth, what affects one affects all. - My thanks to all the cast and contributors.
The Heath
 A short film about heathland habitat and one of its most impressive inhabitants.
Shot on XL2/JVC HD 110 - Stock and 80-200mm 2.8
 

As filming experience's go, this was one of my best to date. The Adder is a rare and beautiful creature and fascinating to be around. Some useful background reading I managed to find where the snakes were most likely to be in the reserve. As long as my movements weren't to sharp they didn't mind my presence and apart from once when the female almost moved under my tripod I didn't feel bothered by them. It was all shot at my favourite reserve here in Essex with focal lengths of 50-200mm for the snake shots and an average working distance of about 1-2m. All in all I feel the piece came together well and I'm now hooked on the adder and snakes in general. I hope you enjoy my film!

 
The Fisher King
A short film that won the UWOL challenge film competition in Feb07.
Shot on XL2 - Stock and 300 F4 Lens
The kingfisher is a lifelong favourite of mine and spending time watching and filming this bird was a fantastic treat. Plenty of research was needed to find a location that would yield successful results. I was also lucky enough to meet Colin 'the conductor' who put on a great show for birds opposite.

This was the judges feedback on the film. Mat Thompson's "The Fisher King" demonstrated knowledge of composition and storytelling and, while it stayed inside the theme of the competition, it also conveyed the microcosm of the moment and the macrocosm of nature at large. By juxtaposing the fisherman and the kingfisher, he showed the extremes of fishing for recreation versus fishing for survival. I also enjoyed the subtle playfulness in the editing with choice shots of animal and man both coexisting and competing. The music worked seamlessly and helped to pull the film together quite well.
Home to Roost
A short film showing how a simple bird can put on a stunning performance.
Shot on XL2 - Stock Lens
The Starling roost is a true natural theatre performance. Line up, take your place and wait for the show to start. It was this feeling I wanted to get across in this piece.

  This and other footage is available, contact me for details
 Copyright  © Mat Thompson -