Experiencing Interruptions?

Fool's Errands

A series of absurd, pointless, useless undertakings...

‍FOOL’S ERRANDS is a 60-second film by Bristol-based animator Reuben Armstrong that uses unusual techniques to imagine surreal objects that are only possible in a digital space.

The film captures a mischievous sense of humour inspired by the pranks played on apprentices, interns or new starters. Each practical joke is based on wordplay unique to a job and industry: anecdotes collected from tradesmen, chefs, engineers, gardeners and coastguards and many more.

Painted in virtual reality using Oculus Quill, the animation retains the craft of three-dimensional stop-motion with a handmade, illustrative charm.

Voices from across the United Kingdom provide an eclectic narration, set to quirky sound design and music from Margate-based composer Jamie Frye.

  • Reuben Armstrong
    Director
  • Jamie Frye
    Sound Design
  • Clive Tyldesley
    Voiceover
  • Christopher Tester
    Voiceover
  • Charlotte Neale
    Voiceover
  • Jamie Neale
    Voiceover
  • John Gray
    Voiceover
  • Gill Gray
    Voiceover
  • Breeshey Gray
    Voiceover
  • Peter Marsden
    Voiceover
  • John Gibbons
    Voiceover
  • Neil Atkinson
    Voiceover
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Genres:
    comedy, animation, micro short, 60 seconds, surreal, animated
  • Runtime:
    1 minute
  • Completion Date:
    June 13, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Animated in virtual reality
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Reuben Armstrong

Reuben is a tall man making short films.

He works as a freelance Director across animation, event visuals, promos and documentaries. His work has been featured in film festivals internationally and he has worked for clients such as BBC, Channel 4, Nike, The Guardian & the United Nations.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This is a project I have wanted to make ever since I was an intern, as these kinds of practical jokes and mischievous wordplay have always played to my sensibilities. I wanted to find a way of actually making these impossible items – so to have finally achieved it thanks to the wonders of virtual reality is somewhat cathartic!

Since completing the film I have had loads more 'confessions' from other people who've fallen prey to these kinds of pranks... at some point I may have to make a sequel!