Cofilmic Films: My Thoughts

Today Liam and myself headed to the Cofilmic event at the Gumption Centre which was an interesting six hour event where we saw some interesting improvisation, heard some poetry and scripts acted out, and heard from people involved in the comedy world, as well as having the chance to ask questions and hobnob and get some good contacts for learning more about the art of scriptwriting. Oh, and some Southern Comfort. We also got to see a selection of films that have won competitions or been nominated. But which were the best in my opinion? Coffee

A very short sketch but a great way to start the film showing as the joke is a very good twist on a familiar scene often seen in sitcoms and other shows. (8/10) Truth Prism

Both mine and Liam’s favourite film don’t let its boring title put you off. This spoof documentary is up there with ‘Look Around You’ in the humour stakes and was the only film to have everyone in the audience laughing all the way through. Very well put together with some good pay-offs. (9/10) Publishing A Piece

A short piece and one that doesn’t show off how funny it’ll become in the first thirty seconds. The reader’s face after his final guess in the main sequence is corking as the camera holds on him and it’s a brilliant piece of delivery from both leads. (8/10) We Are What We Drink

A beautifully shot and composed film with a great pay-off line but the direction it was going in was obvious as soon as the customers enter the coffee shop and the ending is disappointing as it just repeats the joke and I wanted retribution for the lead, but the concept is great and well-acted by all involved. (7/10) Boxed

A pilot for a sitcom I’d want to watch, it’s a little bit scattergun in the first half with a series of scenes that sometimes don’t connect but the final half is fun and the main two characters are well drawn, with some funny scenes. (6/10) Ball Street

One of my least favourites, the South Park animation style has its moments and there are some funny surreal sections based around Philip the cat but overall it’s a little bit uneven for my liking, but if you like your animation wacky and off the wall then you’ll enjoy this. (5/10) The Bronte Sisters

A film that is better than you first think with some Two Ronnies style misheard words, the ending isn’t a particular fun payoff but the explanations behind the weird titles are great with some memorable moments from the ‘moor’ bits to Anne’s head. (6/10) Buzz Dish

Another sitcom pilot, featuring Dave Spikey, the co-writer, in a small role, certainly has a range of interesting characters and set-ups with some good funny moments but it does, until nearer the end, seem like a collection of unconnected sketches shoe-horned together. (5/10) The Office Orphan

A great premise and well-acted and shot with a neat end, but not as overtly funny as many of the other pieces. (6/10)

Sadly my scripts didn’t get into the top three of the competition but there’s certainly inspiration above to help me improve my own writing!