Film Studies: Why are there Short Films?
There are several elements to why Short Films are made and produced, however to understand and answer this question there are several different elements that during this Blog post I plan to explore, learn and explain.
What is the Point of Them?
There is a variety of explanations and reasons why Short Film are produced and in particular the question above. One of the main reasons and points for them being made is to give young, up and coming directors an opportunity and platform to showcase their talents. Whilst also allowing them to build their reputation, status and overall portfolio as a director as they show and portray there style and potential throughout the film. Another possible point to why Short Films are produced is to allow young directors to gain important industry experience, so their more prepared and confident when other, more challenging productions come their way.
This can also be done to allow a director to portray a message, educate and teach the audience about something personal or a relevant political, cultural or social issue which they may or may not feel connected to. With Short Films being on a small scale and stage they naturally gain less attention than other big budget hollywood films, this in term makes them a great opportunity for directors and film companies/producers to practise and explore more experimental plans/ideas. With their being less of an impact if the production wasn't successful or well received. Additionally this ties in well with the fact that Short Films can often be produced to also secure larger funding from investors for future projects. With it allowing directors, producers and companies to gain the trust of established investors who have the power and ability to bring their story alive and to the big screen.
Who makes them? who is in them?
Similar to what i explained and explored above, Short Films are made from a variety of people spanning from young directors, students or in general, people whose hobby and interests lie in portaing and telling a story. With Short Films being a quick, possibly less stress free and easy to produce option. Short Films can also be produced by Short Film Production Companies such as Trett Films, Short Form Film Company and Aura Films. With companies like these being a great example of industry and short film experts with really potential and talent, with some being used for projects such as Adverts and Promotion Videos for firms such as Sainsbury's and Barclays Bank.
As for who is in them, likewise to the above it can allow and give young actors the opportunity to show their ability and talent on screen at a smaller level, as they look to progress and gain more industry experience throughout. Furthermore its likely that on smaller productions such as Student made short films, friends, relatives, drama students or even the public can be used.
How and where are they Exhibited?
It's clearly stated that Short Films dont have the big stage or audience that other Cinema, Blockbuster films have, however it still doesn't stop them from bring the Big-screen Cinema feel and atmosphere to their own productions.
Their is however, still a wide variety of platforms to allow directors and small film producers to showcase their projects and work. One of these great platforms which enables people to do this is Youtube with it having over 1 Billion potential watches and still allowing creators and producers to get payed and recognised for their work. Nowadays also, Youtube is often used by Film directors and Companies as they look to scout potential employees. Making it not only a great platform to showcase producers work but also to gain extra opportunities which maybe other platforms don't/can't offer.
Another Platform in which Short films can be watched and Exhibited is Netflix a world-renowned streaming service with over 3'000 films. Many in which are Short Films allowing for extra opportunities for young directors and short film producers work to become recognised.
Similar to the above a more tailored platform in which other Short Films can be exhibited is Film4Shorts, with it allowing for producers to sell their productions and receive money, Whilst still being included, shown and exhibited. With the Collection of Short Films then being owned by Channel 4.
However the most Popular place in which Short Films can be exhibited either on a local, national or even international level is Film Festivals. Often organised by Film Critics they attract a huge audience, ranging from fans to potential future investors they are a great platform to allow producers to showcase their work and talent. Popular Festivals in particular include BFI London Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival as they, like any other can allow producers to get paid if they win any awards and a chance to receive funding from the Institutions such as the British Film Institute for future projects.
Has this always been the case?
Its fair to say that the History of Short Films is varied with their being several rises and falls throughout their History. After conducting research, what is mainly seen as the Golden Era/Start of the Short Films being produced since the work of Charlie Chaplin during the 1910s. In Productions such as "Laughing Gas" and "The Champion".
However it wasn't until the Explosion of Music Television (MTV) during the 1980s that saw money starting to be poured back into Short Films. It wasn’t long before acts like Michael Jackson were employing the services of A-List Hollywood directors to shoot their short films. Additionally with the increase of International Festivals and award ceremonies which started to include awards for Short Films their popularity naturally increased further. However it wasn't until 2010, the same time inexpensive cameras come onto the market, that Short Films were easy to make. Due to this Short Films could be shot and filmed on Smartphones accompanying that with the advances in Technology and introduction of growing platforms such as Youtube, it wasn't long until, like today, around 10 Million Shorts were being produced every year. When taking this all into account its inevitable that they'll become mainstream soon.
Who Watches Short Films?
Their is a wide variety of people who watch Short Films from fans to Students looking for inspiration for their own projects. With even future investors, producers and film companies watching them to get a more firm understanding of a directors style, talent and potential. With Critics and Reviewers also watching them. This is something in which happens a lot and is the sort of variety of viewers that Short Films attract, showing the increasing growth and popularity of them.
Comments
Post a Comment