G324: Advanced Portfolio in Media: Audiences and Institutions

How can a Short Film be defined?

The term Short film (abbreviated as "Short")was given in the early period of the cinema in North America, however the name Short Subject is also used.

There is no set time limit as to how long a Short Film is. In Northern America the definition usually refers to between 20 or 40 minutes. However, in British Film Shorts are more likely to be between 5 to 10 minutes. Furthermore in New Zealand a Short is anything from 1 minute up to 15 minutes. In the Modern Era (from the 1980's till now) a Short Film is anything up till 45 minutes.

Why a short film is made?
There are various different reasons why a Short Film is made:

To act as a "Showcase" for Cinematographers and Commercial Directors
A short version of a feature film used to market a film
To convey a message, which an advertisement usually would but is too long for commercial use

Short Films usually have to rely on alternative ways of being advertised. As they are too short for theatrical releases - which are given to feature length films. Therefore, Shorts rely on Film Festivals and Art House showings. However, some short films can be displayed via Internet. Or in some circumstances used as fillers on television.

Pixar for example use Short Films, to advertise new releases they have and show them before one of their own Movies in the Cinema

There are several categories of Short Films