WHAT IS A SHORT FILM?

WHAT IS A SHORT FILM?

In order to be able to make a short film I need to be able to distinguish between a short film and a feature length film. There are certain conventions that come with a short film. I want to research these in order to explore them and decide which ones I wish to use in my own short film.

A short film is:

• "A Short film is any motion picture 40 minutes or less which is too short to be considered a feature length film." - As defined by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
• In industry terms "Short" refers more to a snippet a director has made of a longer feature length film to present the idea.
• Often Short films are self-funded or funded by sponsors/ film grants or non-profit organisations
• Short films are usually screened at film festivals
• Short films often contain only one character with one goal or one issue they are trying to resolve

A feature film is:

• The term "Feature film" used to refer to the main, full-length film in a cinemas program. This was often accompanied by a short film and a newsreel
• According to The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences a feature length film is any motion picture 40 minutes or more. However other sources state a feature film must be 75 minutes minimum
• Often feature film contain a 5 act structure and multiple main and secondary characters

INITIAL COURSE OF ACTION:

INITIAL COURSE OF ACTION:

To start off my film journey I will study the listed short films in detail to pick out bits I liked about each.

The things I will focus on are:

• microelements
• Themes
• Aesthetic feel to the film
• Use of cinematography
• Use of mise-en-scen
• lighting 
• props
• acting

Then:
I plan to then focus on other things which inspire me such as:

• Books
• Historical events
• Other short and feature length films
• Tv shows

Then: 
I need to create my screenplay and do research into how this is formatted. I will create:

• Create multiple drafts of my screenplay 
• Create a location plan 
• create a shot list
• Storyboard my film
• complete a risk assessment 

Finally: 
I need to write up my evaluation of my film and assess whether I have reached the aims I have set up now.


By the end of my project I aim to have:

• A completed and polished short film
• A film which conveys how I have used my research and put together ideas
• An aesthetically challenging or interesting film
• A wide range of cinematographically and editorial skills shown/used
• New found skills in operating a camera and using editorial software
• Improved my directorial skills