4 - Commercial Short Films

This session highlights commercials. Of course, I always like to add variety. Scroll down to read info on all the films for the session and click on the link to view. Some notes are after the link and are best read after viewing that short film.

When it comes to defining a short film, commercials serve as an intriguing example of thinking outside the box. They face the unique challenge of conveying a compelling message in just 30 seconds. It's not uncommon for me to be captivated by entertaining commercials, yet struggle to recall the product or service they're promoting. Comedy often takes the spotlight in commercials. I have four commercials in my collection, primarily sourced from Europe. We all have fond memories of proudly showcasing our new homes or apartments when we first moved in.

https://youtu.be/S1ZZreXEqSY?si=eFWgQUj5Rt0DnLni

Now, I'll be playing the next three commercials in succession.

https://youtu.be/h4ZONLanbgk?si=ByJPbYEGhJCrJrIV

https://youtu.be/2t4zJH29n40?si=SAqC7BB3SpC4OJFi

https://youtu.be/xZ9nvYCDUUw?si=21z8hk5KbZ2g0cGs

Next up, we've got an IKEA commercial. This particular ad highlights the remarkable skill of advertisers in tugging at our heartstrings.

https://youtu.be/ecTUnfHyj8k?si=nW6Avlrb16NC0TMv

I find that commercial absolutely brilliant. Notice how the advertisers skillfully manipulate your emotions, even through an utterly absurd storyline.

Coca Cola Europe
Coca-Cola boasts a rich tradition of delivering captivating advertisements. I can vividly recall a moment from the early 1970s when they released a commercial featuring a group of singers on a hillside, harmonizing "I Want to Teach the World to Sing." Does that ring a bell?

Numerous marketers strive to associate positive imagery with their products. This practice is often prominent during the holiday season. Year after year, Budweiser airs a heartwarming commercial, featuring the Clydesdale horses gracefully prancing through the snow.

This European Coca-Cola commercial follows a similar approach, utilizing the holiday season's spirit to bolster the perception of their product. Clocking in at a full two minutes, it resembles more of a short film than a conventional advertisement.

https://youtu.be/EvtVxcEsojc?si=vr1YdXskGIJZ5_xF

Coke Commercial - Mean Joe Greene
A Coca-Cola advertisement from 1979 remains among the top five most beloved commercials of all time. This particular commercial has ties to Pennsylvania and the Steelers. Does that one ring a bell for you?

https://youtu.be/xffOCZYX6F8?si=kvADN2K3-2LqR9Dy

Apparently, Mean Joe Green used a few takes to get his lines just perfect. They figured he drank two and a quarter gallons of coke before the final take. 

Benford's Law - 5 Minute's - British
This video isn't laden with flashy effects or extravagance. Its selection was based on its subject matter, content, and clarity. The topic revolves around numbers and mathematics – there's no need to fret.  My introduction to Benford's Law dates back almost 15 years when I first encountered it on a podcast. I was truly astounded and came to realize that the world was more intriguing than it appeared. While Benford's Law may seem perfectly rational to math enthusiasts, for those of us who aren't math aficionados, like myself, its principles can be quite eye-opening. I embarked on a quest to find a video that would present Benford's Law in an engaging and accessible manner, and this video is the result.

https://youtu.be/vIsDjbhbADY?si=9gJIK4IYcCUZA2-A

The Greatest Olympic Record - 3 Minutes
AmericanAs I've mentioned previously, I'm a passionate sports enthusiast, and I've had the privilege of witnessing some remarkable sporting achievements over the years. One question that has always intrigued me is: What constitutes the greatest sports accomplishment within my lifetime? This concise documentary delves into that very achievement. While dedicated sports aficionados might be well-acquainted with this event, more casual fans may not be. Allow me to drop a few hints. It unfolded during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, specifically in the realm of Track and Field. The entire feat transpired in a mere six seconds.  After presenting this brief documentary, I'll provide some additional context.

https://youtu.be/DEt_Xgg8dzc?si=FwXwFSOQssETXkGR

Jesse Owens, a true legend among American athletes, established the long jump record in 1935 at an astonishing 26 feet and 8 inches. That record endured for over a quarter of a century until it was finally surpassed by Ralph Boston during the 1960s. Interestingly, Ralph Boston, who happened to be Bob Beamon's teammate, was the clear favorite to secure the gold medal in the long jump at the 1968 Olympics. By the time the 1968 Olympics rolled around, the world record had inched forward to 27 feet and 4 inches. In roughly 33 years, the record had inched up by just under 9 inches. In 1968, if Bob Beamon had merely surpassed the world record by 3 inches, they would have marveled at how he "shattered" the world record. However, Bob Beamon didn't just surpass the 28-foot mark; he astonishingly soared past 29 feet and 2.5 inches. He obliterated the world record by a staggering 22 inches. It was nothing short of breathtaking. Eventually, Mike Powell managed to break his record by a mere inch or two in 1991, and that record has held strong for 33 years to this day. During 1968, there were no significant financial rewards in track and field, so Bob Beamon didn't profit financially from his extraordinary achievement. Instead, Bob Beamon returned to education and completed his college degree, dedicating much of his career to working with children at a recreation center in Florida. A truly remarkable and inspirational story in the world of sports.

The Eleven O'Clock - 12 Minutes Australia
Notably, this film received an Oscar nomination in 2017 within the short film category, marking it as a clever and lighthearted comedy.

https://youtu.be/d3LJN1AZ2zg?si=qXMM4-Cjw-DWFOmN

The Magic of Chess - 5 Minutes American
Running a combined duration of 6 hours, the Quest programs prompted me to seek out a few additional films over the summer. Among the discoveries I made during this season, one film particularly stood out, meeting my exacting standards. This film is refreshingly straightforward, featuring interviews with elementary school children discussing the intricacies of a rather complex game - chess. While some of the children's dialogues might pose a challenge for listening, if you happen to have grandchildren, it could give you an edge. Ultimately, it's a charming little film.

https://youtu.be/z-f0V7ew2Ks?si=wV6uKCof8mqQ4MJ-

You can see how these children play chess, but turn that experience into life lessons.

Sign Language - 5 Minutes - British
My wife would certainly be dismayed if I omitted a romantic-comedy from our program. In 2010, this film claimed the grand prize at multiple film festivals. It falls under the category of a "mockumentary" or "docucomedy," a style of film making that portrays fictional events in a documentary format. For those of you who appreciate British shows, your familiarity with British accents might come in handy. The film revolves around a man's final day on the job before embarking on a new career.Be sure not to miss the film's conclusion, as the plot continues even as the credits roll. If I may offer a recommendation, one of the finest "mockumentary" feature films I've ever seen is "Best in Show." It delves into the world of dog shows and the eccentric characters that populate it.

https://youtu.be/9TN3VtWwks4?si=8EKKVgc95xEV9MR1Read more