Short Films and Art

Although the short film form failed to compete with feature length films, it found alternative arenas in which to operate, normally away from the mainstream. While short films struggled to become to compete in the field of entertainment, it already had some of the properties to be able to make it in the form of Art. It was a media form easily available to artists with a moderate income, who could either work on their own or with a group who share similar ideas. Avant-garde and experimental cinemas have traditionally taken a strong interest in short film, however chances for theatrical exhibitions of non-narrative dwindled from from the 1950s onwards and remain very limited within the mainstream. Maya Deren's experimental films, from the early 1940s until her death in 1961, displayed highly indivualistic sensibility towards the form of short film. Her work created a trend in American avante-garde filmmaking and to this day still remains as an influence on modern day avante-garde short film makers.

Short Films and Hollywood

During the initial emergence of the more dominant mode of film production: the classical narrative, feature-length film. This dominance was then reinforced by the genre production of the Hollywood Studio system and attempts by other national cinemas to compete with what has become the imperial currency of cinema admissions. Cinema exhibitors require films to conform to the 100-minute 'directive'  (Films shown in cinemas must be equal to or longer than the time of 100 minutes). Under such circumstances, screenings of film can be scheduled into blocks of time, always longer than the film itself to allow customers to purchase food drink etc, as well as to show advertisements of sponsoring products / services and upcoming films. These factors worked against the viewing of short films. This first started from the 1930s onward, short film production, in terms of commercial at least, became a marginalised activity, operating under budget restraints or only with the view to mainstream film production. Industrial factors influencing short films has led to the form holding a near-invisible status within the realm of pop culture.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) established awards (Oscars) in short film categories. The two categories in which they were judged are 'Short Subjects:, Comedy' and 'Short Subjects, Novelty'. Nowadays Hollywood no longer follows the studio system of production, this has left short films as a form of experimentation for those normally making feature-length films, where they are able to make lower budget short films, and be able to take risks, without creating a negative impact on the financial returns. Studios have now also developed a system for scouting new directors by creating various film festivals were they can see the quality and popularity of directors films.

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.