Short Film (Research)

The narrative structure of short films differs from film to film, for example some films such as 'Double Take' by Toa Stappard have a non-linear structure and others such as 'For The Love' by Chtis Sherriff have a linear structure. Short Films can have open endings or can be closed ended. Todarov came up with a 5 part narrative structure; Equilibrium, Disequilibrium, Recognition of disequilibrium, attempt to resolve disequilibrium and Resolutio, with a new equilibrium. So the narrative structure of short films is the same as regular full length feature films except it is achieved in a shorter period of time.

The themes of short films are very different from feature films as there is more freedom for directors to explore events that affect society such as war (Cherries by Tom Harper), immigration (For The love Of by Chris Sheriff), etc.

The genre of short films is often social realist or depict a dystopian future as the genre often reflect problems happening in society.This isn't true of all short films as some follow genre that reflect their countires film industry such as 'Veronique' by Patrick Bergh, this short film is a romantic comedy and this is associated with British film. Short films have a low budget that is very different from the budgets of hollywood films, for example 'Attaque De Panico' by Fede Alvarez had a budget of only $300 and relied on the directors skills with CGI. The low budgets often work to the social realist themes of these films as they give them a gritty look.

The low budgets of the film will of course affect the equipment used and therefore affect the sound, editing, cinematography and mise en scene. There will be some hand held camera work and unless the director has experience in special effects there will often be none. Editing will be done with a high standard software but not quite professional and the score will usually be a free download that dosen't go against copywrite law as the budget isn't big enough for copywrited music.

The purpose of a short film isn't always to reflect on society but also to show off the director. Short films are usualy shown at film festivals such as Cannes and bring forward up and coming directors. 'Alive In Joburg' by Neill Blomkamp was made to show off his idea for 'District 9', and 'Attaque De Panico' by Fede Alvarez was show off his CGI skills, his video went viral and he was offered to make a film with a $300 million budget compared to his $300 budget film. Short films give up and coming directors to show off their creativity and to be experimental rather then being given a strict formula like hollywood films.