N.I.L.ionaires

A short drama written by Phillip Buchanon, directed by Clark Birchmeier and starring Afolabi Oyeneyin, Emily Goodwin, Clinton Portis and Imani Vaughn-Jones.

In the United States, a new programme enables university athletes to get payed handsomely. That programme is the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) and quarterback sensation Ace (Oyeneyin) is being offered the opportunity to join. Meanwhile, Taylor (Goodwin), another sports star, gets involved in the programme and transfers from a university in Louisiana to Hollywood University in Florida, where Ace is. As the two of them cross paths, Ace must consider his future.

The impressive production value of this short is to be acknowledged. Viewing this short gives the impression that a great deal of creativity was put into it, along with significant efforts to make it a project of high standards. Firstly, the cinematography by Paul Krumper looks terrific and there are some outstanding aerial shots. Also, the addition of news reports and interesting music add extra value. The story is decent enough and Oyeneyin makes a likeable protagonist.

As good as the above aspects are, the ending does not match them. The film's end feels anticlimactic and abrupt and generally incomplete. A more conclusive final would probably had benefited this short.

Played convincingly by Oyeneyin, Ace is a professional athlete who finds himself in a situation where he is unsure what the next step is, what would be the best choice and he is worried. His confident associate, CP (Portis), tries to convince him that all will be well and so does Melissa (Vaughn-Jones), who works for NIL. Unlike Ace, Taylor is cheerful and confident about the programme's prospects.

The plot focuses on being in a life-changing phase, coming across new opportunities and facing difficult decisions. It explores the world of professional athletes, future prospects, self-esteem and choosing wisely.

A well-made short with a story about sports and decision-making. The ending may not be very rewarding, nevertheless, this is an intriguing and thoughtful viewing.