Build Me Up (short science fiction film: in full).
In the distant, frigid future of a barren Earth, robot siblings Vera and Sprocket face the most human of challenges: grief. Their creator, the one figure who tethered them to any semblance of humanity, is no more. Navigating the weight of loss, the duo not only grapples with the emotional turmoil but also the looming external threats in a world bereft of warmth.
Build Me Up is a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the unexpected threads that bind us. While their circuitry might define their form, it’s their budding emotions that drive Vera and Sprocket’s journey. Their plight is not merely about survival, but about rediscovering hope amidst despair.
Steve Lawson not only brings the story to life but also plays the pivotal role of The Creator, acting as the magnetic north in the robot siblings’ compass of existence. Grace Wong seamlessly embodies both Vera and Sprocket, injecting the mechanical characters with a depth of emotion that is palpably human.
The film is a visual masterpiece, marrying the tactile wonders of puppetry and models with cutting-edge visual effects. Leading the charge, Claire Smithson and Jonathan Thrower, along with their talented team, breathe life into the post-apocalyptic world, making the desolation feel all too real yet eerily beautiful.
Under the Supervising Art Direction of Eve Bannister, the art department crafts a universe that’s as detailed as it is expansive. Every frame of “Build Me Up” is a testament to the seamless collaboration between art and technology. The visual effects, spearheaded by Jake Calcutt, further elevate the narrative, blending the physical and digital realms to a harmonious synthesis.
However, the heart of this short film beats to the rhythm of its music. Recorded at the iconic Air Studios, Lyndhurst Hall, the score swells and ebbs, perfectly accentuating the highs and lows of Vera and Sprocket’s journey. Each instrument, from Hannah Grayson’s evocative flute to Dave Brown’s resonant double bass, adds a layer to the film’s rich tapestry of emotions.
“Build Me Up” isn’t just a sci-fi tale of robots and a barren Earth. It’s a universal story of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit that urges us to find light even in the darkest corners. Prepare to embark on a journey where circuit boards meet soul, and where memories become the very fuel for survival.
