Short Film Research

What is a Short Film? any film that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, which possesses a beginning, middle and an end, including titles.  

Initially all films were short. Cinema audiences watched short films that would last up to 40 minutes and were often about circus performers, cities and people living the lives. This was normal, as longer films hadn't developed by this point. The first films shown were in 1894 through the kinetoscope, which involved the individual looking into the device to view the film. The 'shorts' were incredibly popular and were often used by the government during the war for propaganda, as a means of influencing opinions. In the early days people would often watch the features and shorts side by side whilst visiting the cinema - keeping the popularity alive. In the nineties short-films blossomed due to cheap digital recording, making them easy and inexpensive to film, due to short film's less demanding nature, a rise in them occurred. This didn't last long as demand pushed for longer films, such as feature films. The first long feature film was 'Birth of a Nation' (1915), from this point on short film's slowly reduced, as less short films are played at cinemas and those wishing to view them have to actively seek them out. They were initially popular, but as the film industry developed and new technology was designed short films were replaced. 

The genres focused on in the early industry were very similar to nowadays. Comedies were and still are the most popular of 'shorts' genres. Many well known comedians began their careers featuring in short films, such as Charlie Chaplin, and Laurel and Hardy.

'Pick A Star' Laurel and Hardy (1937)

Animated cartoons were popular short films, similar to nowadays, such as those before 'Ice Age'. In addition Disney produced several animated cartoon shorts, such as Donald Duck, Goofy and many more.

'Donald's Snow Fight' Donald Duck Disney Productions (1942)

'Man's Best Friend' Goofy Disney Productions

News Reels were also fairly popular within the cinema, particularly during the war. These days popular short films also include drama, sci-fi and action. The most noted popular short films are the works of Walt Disney Productions, Warner Bros. Cartoons and many others.

However, by the end of the 1950's short films become increasingly unpopular. Nowadays they are often produced by students and independent companies, and are usually, drama, action, and sci-fi genres.

'If not now, when?' BBC Film Network Short Film



Despite this some companies continue to produce short films before feature films such as Dreamworks animations and Warner Bros.

'Scrat - Gone Nutty' Ice Age 20th Century Fox



It is more common nowadays for short film's to be shown:
Online, on websites such as:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/
http://www.pixar.com/short_films/
http://www.film4.com/videos/film4-shorts

At festivals such as:
London Short Film Festival
Edinburgh International Film Festival

This is because there is less demand for short films, so there is limited availability and quantity of them. They are distributed where there is a demand, hence why there are so few played at the cinema.

Despite the lack of publication, distribution and advertising of short films, many are still produced.