Student Short Film 'Shortcut' featured in Troy, New York film festivals

Published in The Tropolitan on Sept. 15, 2022

A new short film, “Shortcut” is a slasher film filled with humor and nostalgia, produced by Troy University students and receiving attention from multiple film festivals.

Two Troy University students produced this film in just five days alongside a larger team under the name Markerboard Productions - Nathan Hobbs, a junior graphic design major from Black, and Howard Purvee, a junior graphic design major from Hartford.

Hobbs worked as one of the directors and producers on the project. He describes the process as rushed but was thankful for the cast’s flexibility and aid during the filming.

“We spent the first day and a half writing everything so we could really nail down what we had to shoot.” Hobbs said. “After the script was finalized, we spent anywhere from 5 to 8 hours a day in the Troy Arboretum filming, which was a very hot and exhausting process.”

Purvee worked as the co-director and cinematographer for the project. “

It was the most fun I've had working on a short film because of the group we had,” Purveee said. “The filmmaking process is so much fun when there's a good size group with a common goal.”

Hobbs describes the film “Shortcut” as an “80's style slasher comedy” with a major influence from Director Sam Raimi, who directed recent movies such as “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “Umma.”

“It was incredible, I've made short films before, but nothing like this.” Hobbs said. “Working with a cast that was all there for the same reason helped streamline everything and really made it worth it.”

“Shortcut” has been accepted into two film festivals, with hopes to be received well by audiences from Troy to New York.

“Seeing something that I was a part of on a theater screen with a crowd of over a hundred people was just phenomenal.”  Hobbs said.

The YellowHammer film festival will be taking place in Troy, while the Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF) will be a virtual festival based in New York. “Shortcut” has been stated to be in the running for Best Picture at SWIFF.

“It's kind of crazy to think that people anywhere in the world could be seeing something I worked on. It's intimidating and thrilling at the same time.” Purvee said.

“My biggest hope for this film festival is just that it gets a good reaction. If we were to win anything it would be a cherry on top, but I'm more than happy with it now.” Hobbs said.

“I feel like it will get a good reception from everyone that sees it, it has so far.”

Troy students, faculty and others can watch “Shortcut” on YouTube on the Art & Design at Troy University YouTube channel, or by searching "Shortcut by markerboard productions."