Last week, I did a London Short Film Festival Pick ‘n’ Mix. Seeing as our short film fund opens soon, I thought I’d do another film special. This week, it’s Smile for London – an idea from the people behind public art company Meme Partnership to liven up the hell hole that is the London Underground in January.

From today, you’ll be able to see 50 20-second animations/films on tube screens including Liverpool Street, Oxford Circus, Euston, Piccadilly Circus, Victoria and Waterloo. They’ll also be showing at the Museum of London.

It’s curated by graphic designer-extraordinaire Neville Brody, the peeps from Vimeo, Creative Review and onedotzero and there’s also work from the likes of music video maker Saam Farahmand, Aardman Animations and advertising agency Tomato to name a few.

I had a look at the line-up and chose my favourites, it’s actually really interesting to see how much can be done in 20 seconds of film.

Technicolor Leak by Tripp/Jenna Watt

I love this, but gee, I really wouldn’t want to be confronted by a cinema screen of it on the way back from the pub after a light ale, as my father would say. It reminds me of what happens when you push on your eyelids for ages. Trippy.

Technicolor Leak from Tripp/Jenna Watt on Vimeo.

Lazy by Ayakaya

Can I go and live in this paper world please? A slightly more pleasant trip that the one above, this is more of a soothing yet feverish dream. It’s like looking at my Mum’s curtains on Amyl Nitrate.

Lazy from ayakaya on Vimeo.

The Black Hole by Phil and Olly

This must be one of the most famous shorts around (8,402,628  views on YouTube at last count). It’s a shortened version, but the idea remains comprehensive. If you’re thinking of entering our Shorts Fund (opening soon – five grand for five minutes), see if your plot can be conveyed in 20 seconds. If it can it’s a good idea.

The Black Hole from The Smalls on Vimeo.

The Poor Elderly Cassette Tape by Miriam Ella

I think this is my favourite of all the films. It just works doesn’t it? Tapes were shit. Well-done Apple for slaying them. The end.

The poor elderly cassette tape. from miriam elia on Vimeo.

Sneeze by Kit Lynch-Robinson

This does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s kind of funny watching a pretty girl with tones of snot shooting out of her nostrils in slow motion. Not so good for the OCDers on the tube watching this as they desperately pull their sleeves over their hands whilst trying to hold on to the “infected” hand rail.

Sneeze for Smile from Kit Lynch-Robinson on Vimeo.

Photograph of Jesus by Short and Sweet

Wow, my university library would have been much more interesting if this stuff was going on. Can paper cut outs “make love”? No matter, it’s time-travel through the medium of paper…

Photograph of Jesus (Excerpt) from Short & Sweet on Vimeo.

Saam Farahmand Klaxons vid

Saam is famous for making famous music videos. He’s signed to Partizan and has made his name making films for Simian Mobile Disco, The Klaxons, The xx, Alexander McQueen and Puma. His work will also be showing on the Underground too. Check out his most recent video for The Klaxons – what do you think? I’m not convinced, it seems a bit slimy, and not in a good way?

www.smileforlondon.com

More Pick 'n' mix:

LSFF

Paper