What is a Short Film

I felt that the first step I should take towards researching, is finding just what defines a Short film.

Defined by Length

In terms of length the term short film can be applied to any film which is under the usual feature film duration (90 - 120minutes). Around the start of the 21st century, a consensus started to form the idea that a short film should be no longer than 40 minutes. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences actually awards Oscars to short films based on the length. Another theory from 'A Guide to Short Film-Making in the Digital Age" is that a short film is a long film that finished earlier.

There are also even shorter short films known commonly as 'micro shorts' which are normally no longer than five minutes. This type of film is often distributed through the world wide web in digital formatting.

Defined by Content

Short films are sometimes considered as the literary equivalent of the poem or short story, if comparison a feature film would be seen as a novel. According to Gareth Evans, 'Crystalline creations of precise, prismatic intensity' is what defines the best short films. Good short films represent a refinement =of ideas and the distilled essences of their creators imaginations.

Defined by Form

The content of short films provides variety and diversity that the longer-length films can provide. Short films can be fiction or non-fiction, the can be individual enterprises or they could be collaborative endeavours. Ultimately, the forms and functions of short films seems to be its greatest asset. People would have lots of freedom to use whilst making the film.

Defined as Vocational

Short films have been described as a laboratory for experimentation and innovation. Creators of short films are often hired for the production of feature length films, in ways the Short Films that they have made have been the keys to success.

Defined by means of production

Short films are not have large in file sizes, making them much more convenient for digital technology to make use of. These means rather than just having stock film, the short film could be digital and then easily distributed across digital technologies.

Defined as 'Other'

Short films are frequently talked about in terms of what they are not. It is often given a bias comparison towards feature-length films. Short films are often associated with alternative filmmaking, both in terms of content and in the freedom that it allows. These films are often made without too much attention to the audience expectations and create them based on their own thoughts. Those who make short films are more likely to retain creative control.

Deciding on a Brief

I have learnt from my past year that the media course requires a lot more work than I put in last year. I was disappointed in myself as I believed that although it was group work I could have done much better. For A2 I now know that there is much more work to be done, however this time round I feel much more prepared and feel like I'll be able to do much better.

Selecting a Brief

This year there were multiple briefs to choose from. I found this decision to be difficult as I knew that once I had made up my mind I would have to stick with it, as there would not be enough time to change what I'm doing later on.

I narrowed my choice down to two briefs, Advertisements or a Short Film. Deciding between the two was really difficult, i found both briefs to appeal to my interests. I started out by looking at past students work in both areas and seeing what they did in the time given and how they went about it.

After looking over the past students I made up my mind and decided on taking the Short Film brief. I chose this as I felt this was the option which gave me the most creative freedom. I would be able to decide all the factors about the film.

The brief is as followed:

A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animation or a combination of both, together with:
- A poster of the film
- A film Magazine review page featuring the film

What I feel is most different from this year to last year is working on my own rather than in a group. I feel that this is both a good thing and a bad thing. I feel this is good as I will be able to make all the decisions myself, meaning their won't be risk of conflict between those creating the film. The downside is that theres no one else to help in the creation, all of the work load would be done myself.