This document discusses short films, including their history, why people make them, their strengths and weaknesses, ingredients for success, and target audiences. Regarding why people make short films, it notes they are easy to distribute online to wide audiences, help filmmakers gain credibility for future work, and can pass on messages in innovative ways. Both their online accessibility and potential to attract niche audiences are seen as strengths and weaknesses. Grabbing attention quickly and having relatable plots are highlighted as keys to success. Target audiences include film festivals, artists, general audiences, students and filmmakers.

1. Tamira Bello

2. When Articles were
published
 The long history of short films - 9:00AM BST 18 Apr 2010
 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-life/7593291/The-long-history-of-short-
films.htm
 The best short films on the web - Sunday 19 December 2010 00.04 GMT
 http://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/dec/19/short-films-documentary-animation-viral
 Witty or gritty? What ingredients make the best short films? - Friday 14 January
2011 16.29 GMT
 http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2011/jan/14/best-short-films-london-festival
 Britain enters a golden era of the short film - Sunday 19 February 2012
 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/britain-enters-a-golden-
era-of-the-short-film-7179535.html
 Filmmakers have lost the art of making a long story short - Monday 8 April
2013 11.48 BST
 http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/apr/08/short-film-makers-long-story

3. Why people go to the trouble of
making short films
There are many reasons as to why people would go to the
effort of making short films
“Now all you have to do, assuming you have internet access
and a passing familiarity with video-hosting websites, is
switch on your computer.” – This quote from the article is
highlighting that shorts are easily accessible so therefore
it is easy for film makers to share their films to their
audience
“Because the short has come to be viewed as a practice
space for student film-makers or a calling card to show
that those involved are fit to make a "proper" film, ie a
feature. ” – This is saying how it can help amateur
filmmakers gain credibility and respect in the film world.
By making shorts it will show audiences and companies
that they are skilled enough to make features.

4. Why people go to the trouble of
making short films
"People are looking for random little
moments to be inspired. The short film is
the natural medium for that world.“ –
Some filmmakers may make short films
to help pass on a message to an
audience in a innovative and creative
way.

5. Strengths of Short films
 Easy and cheap to distribute online, also
meaning wider audiences can easily
access your film online
 Can be made at up to 40 mins –generally
around 20 mins
 Anyone can shoot full-spec HD video on a
phone, upload it to a waiting website, and
build an instant audience through social
media. – Whilst this is a strength, it is also
a disadvantage as you can get
meaningless videos posted online

6. Weaknesses of short films
 A disadvantage of short films is that if
you share them online (which is where
they are most likely to be viewed you
are forfeiting money and profits to gain
publicity
 Hard to create a meaningful storyline in
such a tight space.
 Attracts a niche audience

7. Ingredients to make a
successful short film
Make films that are ultra-short but so
packed with detail that they demand to
be watched over and over.
“Grab the viewer's attention within the first
30 seconds and not letting go.” The
articles says that sex and gimmicks help
keep them interested.
A situation or plot that you can relate to,
will make the audience empathises with
the character and be more drawn in.

8. Who are the audiences
 Audiences at Film Festivals
 Visual Artists
 Popular within British audiences
 Film students
 Film makers