Pit Stop
A flying saucer carrying a school football team home makes an unscheduled pit stop on Planet Earth,
but their landing spot is not what they think it is.
Animation’s an indispensable genre. Whether 3-d or traditional, animation allows us Earth bound humans to explore ANYTHING our minds can envision – no matter how “out there” or absurd. Even better, animation shorts don’t require expensive film crews, makeup artists or stunt doubles; just a few of those crucial must-haves in the live film making universe. Nope, with animation all you have to bring is passion, pen and paper – or the right software – and the artistic know-how and time-intensive work ethic to bring wild and crazy stories to life!
In Fiona Faith Ross’ Pit Stop, the characters are alien – and in a spaceship, no less! (Paging ILM – how many days would it take to pull that off?)
Especially given what unfolds next: a game of football. You heard that right kiddies (and animation loving adults) – they’re playing FOOTBALL. The Zarg County Lizards are on on their way home after winning their World's Champion Cup. Which puts them in the running for the Top Life-Forms League – so they’re practicing to keep skills sharp.
Until… uh oh, the hyperdrive’s on the fritz. Sports teacher Alioth expresses concern, but Ymir the copilot assures him they’ll just need to pull over on the nearest planet for repairs. He’ll have it all fixed up in a jiff!
You can guess what planet’s on this exit ramp, amirite?
Sooner than you can blurt out “Klaatu” and “Gort”, the ship lands on Earth. Despite the mechanical difficulties, Ymir couldn’t have found a better place to set down.
RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of a vast, smooth green stadium.
Excited, the kids pour out and start putting that stadium to good use. It’s a game of the century (or is that universe?): Team Zamra against Team Dobut. Like any sports competition, it quickly evolves into a passionate head to head which everyone with a sport-loving soul is sure to root for, no matter what species scores last touch down.
Soon all’s fixed, and winners crowned. No need for celebrations or extra bathroom breaks – time to get back on that intergalactic highway and head home!
Except… something’s about to happen that might just change the Life-Forms League’s fall lineup.
With a game-changing ending that’ll leave audiences surprised, Pit Stop is a cute little gem that animators - including animation students - are sure to love. Showcase YOUR talent with this short, and maybe you’ll be the one bringing the (animation) World Cup home!