Operator

Very professionally made. It was evident by the cinematography and background score that this film was made by professionals. Loved the atmosphere and ambience, the film brought out the claustophobic atmosphere and unsettling feeling of being stuck in an elevator. Good psychological horror. The highlight of this heat.

This film shined above the rest of the heat for its technical quality and its acting but, like many others, the story was weak. I didn't understand what the film makers were trying to portray with the elevator theme. I am aware that it was a one room film but it felt predictable and confusing. I was reminded of Saw by the concept of a guilty character unwillingly trapped in a room to learn a lesson but the story wasn't pulled off effectively. I also would have liked to know what the point of the whole movie was, it seemed to end without explaining anything.

Definitely one of the most professional efforts of the heat with a great look and acting. I also thought the use of the elevator for "One Room" was very original. Not entirely sure what the story was about but it definitely kept my attention.

Good film but anyone else think the elevator look was very reminiscent of 'Inception'. Very professional looking movie though with solid acting.

I loved how this film started out with an elevator in the middle of inky nothingness. It was just a shame that when the shots were taken from the inside looking out that we could see the outline of the room beside/behind the actors outside the elevator. An internally tortured Bobby is caught in a lift he can't escape until he can confront his shame and self blame over a previous wrong. The acting in this film was good and the idea of the story was great. The film felt pacey enough to keep you interested without feeling rushed at all. I was expecting a slightly bigger ending but thought this was a great use of the one room genre and surprised it was the only One room film I saw based in an elevator. Well done.

Very much a "Twilight Zone" type of film with a modern "Lost" feel. Bobby Young is stuck in a goods lift. Whenever he tries to get out, there's no solid ground (or floor) for him to step out onto. The writing has a made-for-TV kind of ending but otherwise, it is a good, atmospheric short with fairly high production values. Kudos on lighting, photography and music. But best of all, it draws you in and leaves you wanting to see more.

I loved the location used in this film! Very creative use of an elevator for a One-Room Movie. Very effective lighting and music (the music especially put me on edge each time the lift moved). Wasn't clear on the story and can't remember if the elements were used well, but it was technically put together so well that it hardly matters:) I was waiting for a jump-scare that never came, damn those violins:)

I really liked the 'feel' of this movie as the team produced a visually claustrophobic feel of the 'one room' genre. The lighting and camera effects as well as the grinding sound of the elevator really put the audience in parallel world. The movie would rate higher if they had a bit more clarity around the script and had more of a conclusion to an otherwise gripping story. Awesome acting from 'The Operator' too

[Watched this in the screening room] This was an entertaining and solid film from Craig Bickerstaff, it tells the story of Bobby Young who is trapped in an elevator, and interacts with two characters, "The Operator" and "Abigail", through which he explores his internal self, and overcomes emotional hurdles. From what I took from the film the characters he sees appear to be in his mind. I liked this film, It had a lot of good points, was well rounded, polished, and executed. The production values were spot on. The main actor here Anthony Zhou had an impressive subtle presence about him, he reminded me of Josh Hartnett in Sin City, and really pulled the character off well. A few minor errors in his accent aside, he was convincing and original. His wardrobe and appearance were spot on and fitted well with the overall feel and atmosphere of the film, and so did the look of both Tanya Christensen and Lise Baldwin so props to Kirsten Taiapa. Tanya and Lise both had believable performances here, commendable actresses who really portray their characters like they have been living them all their lives. Tanya impressed me with her gusto and fiery performance, and yet it was so carefully restrained that I never felt she was actually there, which could have been a problem with a more provocative stance... I felt like she was only an aberration of my mind; a perfect example of collaboration between director and actress. I really enjoyed watching Lise perform, her eyes, facial expressions, and the delivery of lines just drew me into the performance, hanging on her every word. I really commend all three actors here, some of the finest I have seen in V48 Hours. There are so many elements here that are just spot on there is no other way to describe them, from the beautiful cinematography of Luke Karamali that captured the feeling of being trapped in a lonely elevator, and sparks the imagination through lighting and unique camera angles (I loves the wide shot); to the original music of Carvin Knowles that fitted perfectly, not overshadowing the film but accompanying it in harmony with the visuals. Sound, editing, story and all other elements of this film seemed to mesh into one, a fine accomplishment by the director Craig Bickerstaff. In regards to sound, nice use of echoes, came in the second time just at the right time to remind me he is in an elevator. What stood out for me in "Operator" was to be honest the production quality's, and skill of the director. The story was solid, but did not grab my imgination in the same way the other elements did, and while the film was entertaining and very well made, I feel like it was lingering on the verge of being a masterpiece. Here is a bit of constructive criticism, which I hope your team take in so that next year your film is even more amazing. - Creativity: I felt that there was a spark missing, something memorable and new that leaves an imprint on the mind. Anthony Zhou did a brilliant job and is one of the main reasons I like this film, tapping into his talent a little more and showing a bit more emotion would have been great. The problem here was I instantly linked this film in my mind to "The Matrix" for various reasons, so wanted to see something new and unique (I was hoping the elevator would fall!) I suggest finding some crazy film student who is bubbling with creative ideas, and take a few on board. You guys have the skill and power to make ideas come to life, so use that! - Length and editing: I felt it was a little long, and a little action would have helped. Even if the action involved sharper faster cuts (in the editing booth) just to keep the audience visually stimulated (as we are seeing the same room for the whole time). - Story: Kinda goes hand in hand with creativity. I was hoping for something unique and exciting and got... good. But good isn't enough (unless your goal is just to win prizes), creativity is what makes film and art form. Your team has real potential, I think a story with a bit more ommmfh (for want of a better word!) could have really made your film memorable. All in all a really good job by Craig Bickerstaff and his team, a great film that made me think, smile, and stand in awe. Thanks to the performance of Anthony Zhou it is memorable in my mind, and rises above the masses of forgettable films. Keep up the excellent work Team Spielberg, your film have the right stuff, and could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood production! Chuck in a random creative guy and you will be away laughing next year to the finals.

[Watched this in the screening room] This was an entertaining and solid film from Craig Bickerstaff, it tells the story of Bobby Young who is trapped in an elevator, and interacts with two characters, "The Operator" and "Abigail", through which he explores his internal self, and overcomes emotional hurdles. From what I took from the film the characters he sees appear to be in his mind. I liked this film, It had a lot of good points, was well rounded, polished, and executed. The production values were spot on. The main actor here Anthony Zhou had an impressive subtle presence about him, he reminded me of Josh Hartnett in Sin City, and really pulled the character off well. A few minor errors in his accent aside, he was convincing and original. His wardrobe and appearance were spot on and fitted well with the overall feel and atmosphere of the film, and so did the look of both Tanya Christensen and Lise Baldwin so props to Kirsten Taiapa. Tanya and Lise both had believable performances here, commendable actresses who really portray their characters like they have been living them all their lives. Tanya impressed me with her gusto and fiery performance, and yet it was so carefully restrained that I never felt she was actually there, which could have been a problem with a more provocative stance... I felt like she was only an aberration of my mind; a perfect example of collaboration between director and actress. I really enjoyed watching Lise perform, her eyes, facial expressions, and the delivery of lines just drew me into the performance, hanging on her every word. I really commend all three actors here, some of the finest I have seen in V48 Hours. There are so many elements here that are just spot on there is no other way to describe them, from the beautiful cinematography of Luke Karamali that captured the feeling of being trapped in a lonely elevator, and sparks the imagination through lighting and unique camera angles (I loves the wide shot); to the original music of Carvin Knowles that fitted perfectly, not overshadowing the film but accompanying it in harmony with the visuals. Sound, editing, story and all other elements of this film seemed to mesh into one, a fine accomplishment by the director Craig Bickerstaff. In regards to sound, nice use of echoes, came in the second time just at the right time to remind me he is in an elevator. What stood out for me in "Operator" was to be honest the production quality's, and skill of the director. The story was solid, but did not grab my imgination in the same way the other elements did, and while the film was entertaining and very well made, I feel like it was lingering on the verge of being a masterpiece. Here is a bit of constructive criticism, which I hope your team take in so that next year your film is even more amazing. - Creativity: I felt that there was a spark missing, something memorable and new that leaves an imprint on the mind. Anthony Zhou did a brilliant job and is one of the main reasons I like this film, tapping into his talent a little more and showing a bit more emotion would have been great. The problem here was I instantly linked this film in my mind to "The Matrix" for various reasons, so wanted to see something new and unique (I was hoping the elevator would fall!) I suggest finding some crazy film student who is bubbling with creative ideas, and take a few on board. You guys have the skill and power to make ideas come to life, so use that! - Length and editing: I felt it was a little long, and a little action would have helped. Even if the action involved sharper faster cuts (in the editing booth) just to keep the audience visually stimulated (as we are seeing the same room for the whole time). - Story: Kinda goes hand in hand with creativity. I was hoping for something unique and exciting and got... good. But good isn't enough (unless your goal is just to win prizes), creativity is what makes film and art form. Your team has real potential, I think a story with a bit more ommmfh (for want of a better word!) could have really made your film memorable. All in all a really good job by Craig Bickerstaff and his team, a great film that made me think, smile, and stand in awe. Thanks to the performance of Anthony Zhou it is memorable in my mind, and rises above the masses of forgettable films. Keep up the excellent work Team Spielberg, your film have the right stuff, and could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood production! Chuck in a random creative guy and you will be away laughing next year to the finals.