POTS N' TOTS
Under 15 Minutes
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Comedy, Short Films, 04-May-2020
The bond of a ceramics duo is threatened by a conniving pottery studio head. “Pots N’ Tots,” directed by Kati Skelton, is an absurd tale of love, artistic collaboration and the powers that be. Margot and Billy are inseparable lovers and partners and the ceramics they create point toward a “grand artistic future together.” But the top brass at their art studio (the titular Pots N’ Tots) have other ideas for them. When it comes time to submit work for the National Ceramic Arts Studio award, a fishy turn of events has Margot questioning everything. Both over-the-top and grounded, the film hovers around parody while demonstrating a genuine affection for its medley of tropes and narrative twists. (It’s easy to forgo story and form when dealing in such absurdism, but here the plotting and execution is impeccable). Skelton continues to improve — her sketch-like earlier work was great, culminating with 2017’s “Business,” but she’s leveled up significantly with “Pots N’ Tots,“ coloring in new layers of character and motivation while maintaining a signature energy and playfulness. -KA. Writer/Director: Kati Skelton. Cast: Ruby McCollister, Andrew Ryder, Abbey Siegworth, SJ Son, Steve Arons. DPs: Daniel Johnson, Eric Schuman, Ben Mullen. Producers: Chris Osborn, Breanne Thomas, Debbie Fong. Production sound mixer: Allistair Johnson. Art Director: Brad Johnson.
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