What makes a good short film - Research

Short films are of small duration, meaning the film doesn't consist of normal principles that would be included in a feature length film. Because of the length, short films commonly for example do not have the time to introduce characters, they are simply used as tools to put a message across rather than to be the central significance within the film, although one main character may be portrayed. Due to these reasons, short film usually intends to explore a moral dilemma within a certain context, perhaps furthering a campaign within society which is of common interest relating to its audience, this comes off as more impactful which is vital for the films short duration needs to make a impression quickly amongst its target audience.

Common Themes
- Suburban
- Subverese
- Metaphorical
- Campaigns
- Drama
- Social Snapshots

Story wise, it is important for the writers and directors to emphasise the problem at hand, and how the audience can relate to it. Rather than the genre and tone of the film having a primary significance, it is the events which occur within the film which are seemingly important. It is important to ensure that the audience can relate to the characters and whatever is being displayed on screen, the character should drive the drama in the film with a clear narrative; an obligation, a want or goal. But this pursuit must have some kind of difficulty within reaching, to create the problem at hand, further emphasising the dramatical narrative. This problem is the main factor in which the target audience can relate to, the film needs to be set up so the audience can understand why the character needs to fufill their goal with the concept of how high the stakes in the story are, so they can further understand what it would mean to not achieve this goal and its consequences.

Nigel R Smith, a short film producer made his own short film distrubution guide in which he states the main properties of making a short film production.

Length: Optimum length ten minutes. This is enough to tell a good story and hold the audience’s attention. It also fits in neatly with film festival time slots.

Theme: Theme is crucial. Something that you are concerned about. Something that everyone can relate too. If you look at short films that win prizes, themes involving wars and kids are popular. People like films that feature children in peril!

Characters: Very strong central character with a very clear central goal. A clear nemesis. Only use a few characters because there is very little time to get to know them.

Location: As with characters, little time for audience to familiarise themselves with locations so only use a few, unless the character is going on a physical journey e.g. a road trip. Try to use a very specific, unusual location unfamiliar to most audiences. An unusual story world can make something ordinary appear extraordinary.

Setting: Present day. Historical / futuristic settings are expensive and a lot of work to create.

Structure: Standard linear narrative, 3- act structure. Have a strong beginning, get into story and character quickly. Set up active questions so that the audience wants to know what happens in the next scene i.e. dramatically withhold information. Twist in the tale endings are perfect for the short film.

Dialogue: Type of dialogue must be appropriate to the film. Naturalistic (this is a dialogue form, it does not mean talking naturally). Make everything that is said count. Don’t over explain things in the dialogue. The audience likes a bit of room to figure out for themselves what is going on.