For a few months now, Vimeo has been hosting a video contest called “The Story Beyond the Still.” OK it’s hosted by Canon, but on Vimeo. It’s a wonderful mix of user-generated content and crowdsourcing, in that users are challenged to create a two- to four-minute HD clip that tells a story, prompted by a single still shot. The first chapter is provided by Vincent LaForet, and from his final still, the story continues. You can browse the contest rules and finalists at the contest’s group page – it’s fun to look at the different directions the story has been taken by different filmmakers. The only part I find a bit confusing is that each filmmaker, of course, has to use different actors (but I confuse easily).
The quality of the filmmaking, besides making me jealous, reminds me why I spend so little time watching television – here on Vimeo you can find countless 3-4 minute gems – I could sit and watch them for hours.
Take a look at the finalists so far – there will be 7 total:
Chapter 1: The Cabbie from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.
Job Security from Runner Runner on Vimeo.
Chapter 3: The Beach from M. Keegan Uhl on Vimeo.
Chapter 4: Allison from Jeff Turick on Vimeo.
Chapter 5: Miracle from Ryan Booth on Vimeo.
Chapter Six: Fool Circle from Marc Jonathan de Jesus on Vimeo.
Chapter 7: Exit Interview from Tony Leech on Vimeo.
