Why Do We Like Short Films?

After reviewing several different websites as to the reason why and what type of people will watch short films I found that there were several points that seemed to appear as more prominent than others. These included:

 Ø Social Media

 Ø Actors

 Ø Budget

Social Media

Many sources collaborated on the effect of social media on short films. They stated how before social media short films could only really be seen at festivals or in a select few cinemas. This changed however when it became accessible for people of all ages to browse the web on social networking sites or ‘YouTube’ and quickly and freely watch nearly whatever short they want to. In relation to my short film I was hoping to have it published on some social networking site should my actors be in agreement. This also informs me that probably the biggest audience for short films will be those between the ages of 15-19 years of age. Therefore any references that I might include within my short film to anything 2000 or before will have to be made obvious so that the younger generation will understand it. For example I was considering putting in a reference to William Golding’s ‘The Lord Of The Flies.’ I have only heard of this novel through school whereas others may have not heard of it at all. Therefore if I were to pay homage to the novel I would have to make sure that it stands out instead of being hidden away to those who might misinterpret it as something else. Social Media is said to have been the biggest change to short films as it allowed actors to demonstrate their skill in a quick, cheap and effective way.

Actors

Another reason for why short films are worthwhile was considered to be due to the cheap and effective way in which actors can publish their work on screen for people to see while also stay in work. As well as this it also demonstrates to any employer that they have actively searched for a role to play and have built up a portfolio of the short films that they have been in. likewise short films could also be used for people who want to get into the acting business but however cannot start out in any major role. For my production the leading role is going to be played by a drama student whom I know would want to start building a portfolio of the various drama work he has done.

Budget

One more common agreement on the effect of short films was the idea that the budget to make such a short film was relatively small compared to that of a feature length Hollywood film. This being the case short films can be created in a month, week or even an afternoon compared to the months or even years it might take a film with a large budget and cast to do. Because of this many small time directors and actors can produce short films of their own ideas that they would not have been able to produce on the big screen. As well as this big Hollywood directors and actors might also create short films as a way of staying in the business between bigger budgeted movies.