(Post 5) Why are there short films?

(POST FIVE)

WHY ARE THERE SHORT FILMS?

The given definition of a short film is: any motion picture not long enough to be considered a feature film. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short filmas "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits".

Traditionally, the short film is considered a stepping stone to making a feature, as well as this, shorts cost far less than features and so it is safe to explore and even fail. For example, if a person is given a million pound budget and the film fails, they will never be given that opportunity again, but if it is a no budget short film, there is room to fail. Also, I think that some stories cannot be made into feature films because they are more impactful when they are told in 10 minutes instead of 2 hours. The Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival champion it as an art form, place for information communications and a talent development space. It’s a flexible, powerful medium and has the ability to convey a bold idea in a contained space. Many of the short films I have researched seem to have a trending pattern of meaning behind the narrative. This is the aim of the directors, to convert their thoughts and opinions towards the audience, causing them to engage with the film. They are used to convey strong emotion to the audience. There are also stronger connections with the characters in short films because they generally have very small, restricted casts to make it as simple and meaningful as possible. 

Modern short films often focus on difficult topics which longer more commercials films usually avoid. Filmmakers benefit from larger freedoms and can take higher risks, but they must rely on festival and art house exhibition to achieve public display. 'Some people say that American short films are more likely to focus on character whereas European short films tend to depend more on visual art and plot twists.'

Short films are distributes, when distributor's source new films to represent in their distribution catalogue at film festivals and markets around the world such as Cannes, Rotterdam, Berlinale, AFM and sundance festivals. 

Short films began in America in the 1910's. It was when most feature films began to become longer in length. However, after the 1930's short films became less popular. By the end of the 1960's, rising inflation meant that short films were considered too expensive to be mae and they effectively disappeared. Short films began to rise in popularity again in the 1980's, with the term 'short subject' being introduced (definition- a contemporary non-commercial motion picture that is substantially shorter than the average commercial feature film.) Also, due to video cameras and other filmmaking equipment becoming more affordable, the amount of short films made by amateur filmmakers is increasing. Youtube and other video sharing websites are aslso providing easy and cheap ways for people to showcase their films. 

Who watches short films? 

Student film makers - to gather in inspiration or to help them with ideas and creative techniques. 

 Film festivals - Film festivals across the globe showcase many short films, from amateur to big budget. People who attend film festivals tend to be elite well-known figures or professionals. For instance, Cannes is reserved for film industry professionals only. 

 Young people - tend to watch short films as they are mainly distributed through the internet, on sites such as youtube. 

 Education - often short films will have a moral and educational purpose. They are used to help teach and educate students in particular situations.