TRICK METER: Hell Is A Half Pipe

Written and directed by Simeon Duncombe and starring Jack Fagan, Trick Meter is an action packed four-minute adventure into another (quite nightmarish) dimension. It tells the story of a young skateboarding enthusiast who quickly finds himself in a deadly game of survival. With only three minutes on the clock, does he have the skills to make it back to reality?

Trick Meter isn’t like most short films. Firstly, it relies solely on sound effects to drive the narrative. It manages to effortlessly convey everything we need to know through, without the need for dialogue. There isn’t much substance in terms of a story line, but it’s a hell of a lot more than just a skateboarding showcase. Duncombe invites us into an alternate reality with a mysterious parking meter serving as a sort of villainous kidnapper. Sounds silly right? The best part is that it’s still a really brilliant short film. It’s creepy, as a boy is in a life or death situation and the only way out is to perform a series of skateboard tricks in an allotted time.

The film follows a video game style, which makes us as the audience feel part of the action. It uses all of the common conventions; for example the set amount of lives and the levels which must be completed. It’s like watching a friend play a video game. You want to help, but it’s their game and there’s nothing you can do.

Another aspect of Trick Meter that helps it stand out is the stunning visual effects. We rarely see this amount of VFX in a short film and most shorts don’t necessarily need it, as most are more dialogue-driven pieces. However, this particular short film does need it, and it utilises it brilliantly. With the use of 3D computer graphics and stop motion, the film transforms into a sinister fight for survival. It really adds to the overall 4 minute spectacle that Trick Meter is.

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(top image source: Simeon Duncombe)