FIELDTRIP: Exploring the Uncharted Frontiers of Science Fiction

“FIELDTRIP,” a 25-minute science fiction, multiple award-winning short film, stands as a testament to the creative ingenuity and collaborative spirit of filmmakers Paul Arion and Soren Bendt. Shot against the stunning backdrop of Iceland and the UK, this dark comedy delves into the surreal narrative of a man trapped in his own minefield, navigating through the perilous landscape in a robotic spacesuit with a mind of its own.

The genesis of “FIELDTRIP” traces back to Paul Arion’s transformative journey through Iceland, where he was captivated by the otherworldly landscapes that served as a perfect setting for his cinematic vision. Teaming up with Soren Bendt, a Danish storyboard artist and filmmaker renowned for his acclaimed short film “Hum,” the duo embarked on a six-year journey to bring their vision to life.

Drawing inspiration from gritty science fiction of the 70s and 80s, Arion and Bendt sought to create a narrative that explored the symbiotic relationship between man and machine in a dystopian future. The protagonist, a soldier named ‘Q,’ finds himself marooned in his own minefield after a catastrophic crash, trapped inside a robotic spacesuit controlled by an artificial intelligence with a mind of its own.

Despite the constraints of a low budget, Arion and Bendt pushed the boundaries of filmmaking on a limited short-film budget, which managed to incorporate a real plane wreck and a Russian amphibian vehicle into the narrative to enhance the authenticity of the setting. The filmmakers utilised exclusively VMI equipment to capture the breathtaking landscapes and immersive atmosphere of the film.

“FIELDTRIP” embarked on a remarkable journey through the festival circuit, garnering over 50 official selections and accolades along the way. The film’s success is a testament to the creative vision and dedication of its creators, who seamlessly blended their decades of experience in blockbuster movies, music videos, and short films to craft a cinematic experience that resonated with audiences worldwide.

As Paul Arion and Soren Bendt continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, “FIELDTRIP” serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring allure of science fiction in the realm of cinema.

What does it take to make a short film like FIELDTRIP?

• 6-years of planning.
• Kickstarter fundraising
• Concept Art…

Check out their BLOG to see what they did!

ABOUT The Film Makers

Paul Arion and Soren Bendt are two film makers from the UK. They have combined 30 years of experience working on high end blockbuster movies, while making music videos and short films in their spare time.

Soren Bendt (IMDB)is a Danish story board artist and film maker who wrote, animated, and directed the acclaimed short film ‘Hum’.

His artwork has been featured in various books and films.

Paul Arion (IMDB) is a Romanian Director of Photography and photographer who has created multiple short films and music videos.