Automation (2004)

A lonely parking garage attendant tries to contact someone after a power outage but is frustrated by an automated, impersonal world.

Director:

Todd Albright

Writer:

Todd Albright

Stars:

Sean Everett, Carla Rudy, Mike King

1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Sean Everett	...	Norman Strong
Carla Rudy	...	Neighbor / Voice of Candy
Mike King	...	Mr. Lytton (voice)
Teresa Tharp	...	Greta / Capital Power Intercom (voice)
Stephanie Waters	...	Miss Beaufort / JoAnn Steele (voice)
Matthew Testa	...	Capital Power (voice)
Ed Diaz	...	Capital Power (Spanish) (voice)
Todd Albright	...	Lifestyles (voice)
Jeff Holman	...	Male Operator (voice)
Melissa Brandzel	...	Operator (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Elizabeth Woodward	...	Ticketbooth Lady

Storyline

The power cuts out, and Norman Strong is left in darkness. Nothing that a simple telephone call won't fix. Or so he thinks. So begins the story of a lonely man who finds himself living in an automated world, a world of touch-tone menus and recorded messages, a world where no one ever answers. From a tale of familiar frustration comes a most unusual character, whose need for human contact is much greater than the problem at hand. As Norman tries in vain to connect with someone, the truth about himself becomes painfully clear, and leads not only to a disturbing decision . . . but to a final phone call.

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Taglines:

Reach out and touch no one

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Genres:

Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 June 2004 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$41,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Flim Flam Productions, American Film Institute (AFI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

26 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The exterior of Norman's house is a reversed shot, the address numbers were actually hung backwards to give the illusion of the correct screen direction.

User Reviews

The one that got away

I have a hard time not liking this movie. I want to hate it, because I think it's the one that got away. It sits in that nasty zone where you almost hate it more because it was so close. But as you can tell from the score I gave it I must have like some aspects. It has a deeper meaning, yes. It is absolutely reliable, yes- who has not been in a situation where you are stuck, desperately seeking a human being. I just moved, and setting up all of my services was a freaking nightmare. But I think we begin to sneak in to some unfamiliar territory as this short progresses. The picture just leaves me saying what the...I just can't understand out of all the possible pathways how do we end up here. Now there is redemption. The lead is outstanding, the production value is strong for the budget, it is funny, and really engaging, you begin to really feel his madness. It is shot well, with some interesting directorial choices. It does have a pop to it. All in all worth its weight in film stock and sweat.