What is A Short Film?
Defined By Length
Short films usually have a duration less than your standard feature film which stands at about 90 - 120 minutes. "The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science awards Oscars to short films of max length 40 minutes" (Vivienne Clark, (2007) Teaching Short Films, Page 9) . In modern education and society students make films of no more than 5 minutes in length.
Defined By Content
"The depiction of a carefully considered emotion or the capture of a particular moment" (Ibid, page 10) Short films are considered to be the equivalent of short literature story or poem. Even though they are short in length short stories still contain a narrative or a morale within the text.
Defined by Form
"The function of a short film should be recognized as multifarious." (Ibid, page 10) Short films are great when it comes to flexibility in idea and creation. Short films cross the boundaries in to all areas of film such as advertising, music, documentary and animation etc. Short films allow directors to be creative as they like.
Defined by Production
"Short sequence of moving images" (Ibid, page 10) Short film can be created through a variety of forms. They can be shot on film, digitally, created by 3D animation or hand drawn animation. The variety of forms allow directors to express themselves and their ideologies in any form they wish.
Target Audience
From my research into short films, as well as searching for short films my self, I have decided that there is a niche audience for short films. Short films are much less mainstream than Hollywood blockbusters and as a result appeal to less people. It is my understanding that the target audience for short films mainly include members of the film industry as well as people interested in art house cinema. I feel short films appeal to both genders and to individuals aged over 20. This is due to the fact that short films are more sophisticated and 'arty' and as a result don't appeal to the masses. As a result of this the mediums short films are shown through are less traditional to that of main stream films. It is my understanding that my short film will either have to be shown at specific art-house cinemas, internet viewing or television on demand eg. Virgin Shorts.
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