Short Films

The difference?


Some of the qualities of a short film are:

• less characters
• simple storyline
• straight forward
• less props
• lower budget
• define characters quickly
• original film
• having a niche audience

Feature length film:

• more characters
• more complex storyline
• expensive funding
• possibly part of a sequel

When making a short film it is important for the characters to be established much more quicker than say a long feature film. The clothing, attitude, and body language are all things that will help the audience define the characters when a film is of a short length.




Short films can be professional or amateur productions. Short films are often screened at local, national, or international film festivals. Short films are often made by independent film makers for non profit, either with a low budget or not budget at all, and in rare cases big budgets. Short films are usually funded by film grants, non profit organizations, sponsor, or out of pocket funds. These films are used by indie filmmakers to prove their talent in order to gain funding for future films from private investors, entertainment companies, or film studios. Short films do qualify for Academy Awards if screened in Los Angeles.

IMR

IMR stands for the institution mode of representation. All films use this and the same way to communicate to their audience.




Continuity editing is the process of making a cut scene look as if time is flowing in a realistic manner. The cuts should be logical and justified in order for it to be continuous.


A simple cut should logically follow what the audience expect to see next, as apposed to something random. This clip from Wuthering Heights shows constant cutting between scenes that causes confusion.




Montage editing is the cutting between scenes to portray symbolic meanings. For example a rotting apple after a couple arguing may connote the dying out of their relationship. This type of eiditing occurs many time in Wuthering Heights.


Another example is the scene from the film Physco 1960, the cuts are fragmented. The scene suggests that the lady is being stabbed in the shower however the fragmented shots make it very unrealistic. The montage editing occurs when it cuts to her dead in the shower, then a close up of the water spiralling down the drain. This symbolises the loss of her life.