Short Films: A Great Future.

Short films play an important role in demonstrating the talent of new filmmakers

From the early days of silent movies, short films have always played an integral part in cinema, but they play an important role today for new filmmakers, in particular. Rather than expect to get engagement for a first feature without any previous experience, a short film is a form of ‘calling card’ for a filmmaker to show investors and producers of what they are capable.  A short film speaks so much louder than any number of exploratory meetings and frankly will, in most cases have a higher expected return for success. Rather than saying what you can do, a short film shows what you have accomplished.

So, what is a short film? Well, there is no clear definition other than to say it would be too short to be considered a feature film. The Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences defines a short film as ‘an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits.’ Shorts generally feature concise storytelling, great performances, and stunning visuals. In common with any great film, they need a great, original script.

I recently attended the Performance Insurance Short Films Awards evening. The films of the category winners were shown in full and I’m glad to report that the standard was exceptional. I make particular reference to the best documentary ‘Alsama Project’ directed by George Parker and produced by Will Cammegh. Centered on a Beirut Refugee Camp for young people it was both poignant and will stay in my memory for a very long time.

Alliotts has been a sponsor for the past two years of the BFI Future Film Festival for 16-to 25 year-olds. This year there were over 1000 entries competing for nine categories. Prizes totallin £18,000 were awarded to the category winners, along with opportunities for mentorship by industry leaders. Once again, the standard was exceptional. Alliotts sponsored the award for best director, which went to Bonnie MacRae for ‘All Up There,’  an amazing film.

Finally, it is worth considering the many great filmmakers whose careers have kicked off with a short film. ‘Andulusian Dog, made in 1926 was the first Luis Buñuel film.  Buñuel directed, produced, edited and co-wrote the screenplay with Salvador Dali. And here’s a message to anyone trying to get finance for their first short; it was financed by his mother. Yes, family and friends are a good first port of call!

Other luminaries who made shorts early in their careers are Ken Russell for ‘Amelia and the Angel’ in 1958, Ridley and Tony Scott for ‘Boy and Bicycle’ in 1965, Todd Haynes for ‘The Karen Carpenter Story’ in 1987 and Jane Campion for ‘A Girl’s Own Story’ in 1984.

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