A family living in the shadow of a space elevator struggles to survive in a dystopian future.
“This is science-fiction at its best.”
– Rob Munday (Critic: Short-of-the-Week)
“When we first saw Stuart Willis’ short film Payload earlier this year, we were blown away. It’s a fully-realized tale of tough frontier life.”
– Annalee Newitz (Editor: i09)
“A beautiful expression of desperation, and the lengths to which one might go for freedom.”
– Michelle Star (Writer: CNet Crave)
“Payload sets relatable characters in a believable future to deliver a compelling story about hard choices and sacrifice.”
– Marbelle (Editor: Director’s Notes)
“This is probably the best short film I’ve seen featured [on] AICN”
– LV426, (Ain’t It Cool News Saturday Shorts)
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
Best Short Film – Nominated : Cinely Awards, 2013
Best Live Action – Nominated : Short of the Week Awards, 2013
Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy : FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival, 2011
Best Short Film : Renderyard Film Festival, 2011
Bronze Medal : Australian Cinematographers Society (NSW), 2011
Best Director (Short Film) – Nominated : Melbourne Underground Film Festival, 2011
Best Actress (Short Film) – Nominated : Melbourne Underground Film Festival, 2011
Best Supporting Actress (Short Film) – Nominated: Maverick Movie Awards, 2012
Best Visual Effects (Short Film) – Nominated: Maverick Movie Awards, 2012
Finalist, The Great Film Competition : Short Of The Week, 2011
Most Outstanding Post-Graduate Student : Victorian College of the Arts, 2010
with
Dylan Russell | Margaret Rivette | Shane Nagle | Joanne Owen-Smith
Written & Directed by Stuart Willis [stuwillis.com]
Produced by Tom Bicknell
Director of Photography: Robert C Morton [robertcmorton.com]
Edited by Jimmi Fenton [jimmifenton.com]
VFX Supervisor: Alex Fry [alexfry.com]
Composer: David Barber [davidbarbermusic.com]
Sound Design: Leon East [noisepig.com]
Official Site: https://www.payloadfilm.com/
