short film research Kate Allen

What is a short film? Short films are films with a running time of 40 minutes or less, although most short films are approximately 5-15 minutes in length. They often have a strong storyline with a message underlying the plot. They are shown at film festivals or used to promote or advertise campaigns such as charities.

Analyzing short films : Lights out Tension builds throughout the entire film and climaxes at the end. The audience know something is going to happen, but do not know when, which keeps the audience engaged and scared. Anticipation is created throughout the film, never showing what is actually in the dark until the very end. Structure Close-ups are used to focus on the woman’s expression, so we share her fear and panic. A pan is used to reveal the monster at the end; the slow movement of the camera builds the tension and the actual shot of the monster flashes away quickly and cuts out, to leave the terrifying image in the audiences mind. Cinematography A continuous shot is used to show the woman turning the light on and off and the shadow in the dark. The tension isn’t broke by lots of editing, it keeps the audience engaged and paranoid. Editing The location is set up like a regular home; a modern bedroom, a narrow hallway, props such as plug sockets and light switches adds to the realism, which makes the audience scared further. The woman hides under her duvet; this hints her child-like state, as this is common for children to do when afraid. Mise - En- Scene The absence of sound is a typical convention as it creates an eerie atmosphere where the audience are waiting for something horrible to happen. Diegetic sound included the creaking of the door, the light switch and the bulb buzzing. These sounds set the scene and bring the audience into the life of the film. Sound Target audience for this film would be an older audience. The plot is easy to understand, however it would too scary for children to watch. I believe the short film has used conventions of the horror genre to target the specific audience. Audience

Analyzing short films : The Ellington Kid Cyclical structure; begins the same way as it ends. This makes the conflict add up and helps the audience understand how the events link. There is tension throughout until the line ‘Why do you think I only have chips?’, where the tension drops, to hint at a joke. However, the end shot leaves the audience in suspense, meaning the tension instantly arises again. Structure Effective cinematography – a two shot of the boys quickly establish a relationship between them. The close-up of the knife at the beginning foreshadows the events that follow; the stabbing and the reference to cannibalism. Tracking shots are used to follow the ‘kid’ to the shop, as if the audience are his attackers. Cinematography Representation of time shown by editing; jump cut between the boys in the shop and the ‘kid’, to represent flashbacks and the telling of a story. Knives are bought out in slow motion to emphasize the danger and tension. Editing Costume helps the audience understand the characters. The gang are dressed in tracksuits and bandana’s to hide their faces, which communicate the threat of their presence. When the kebab shop is shown, it is brightly lit, which contrasts to the dark background. This could represent the safety of the shop. Mise - En- Scene The sound of the knife cutting the meat switches between diegetic and non-diegetic, and is emphasized and distorted to be louder. This could foreshadow the importance of the knives later on in the film. When the story is being told, the music builds and gets louder, raising suspense, but is cut immediately when the scene switches back to the boys in the shop. This adds a comedic feel and hints that the story was all a joke. Sound The target audience for this film would be young people, possibly from the ages 13-25, as there are a lot of references aimed towards young people. Teenagers from around London could probably relate to the film, as crimes such as these are common. The film is relatable, and therefore is effective for the target audience. Audience

Analyzing short films : Operator The story is told in chronological order and is set in one place. Throughout the film, the tension rises and doesn't’t drop; the tension keeps the audience hooked. We focus only on one character, which forces us to imagine the situation she’s in and what’s happening to the woman on the phone. Structure The shots focus on the expressions of the Operator. The close-up shots clearly communicate the stress she is under and the panic she feels, even though she is trying to keep the lady on the phone calm. The only lighting used are the screens of the computer, which light up the Operator’s face. This adds to the realism of the scene. Cinematography Long sequence shots are used; if short snappy shots were used, it could possibly break the tension and the relationship between the audience and this character would be ruined. Shorter shots are used for the close-ups, to represent the struggle of the situation. Editing A workplace setting is used; the lady wears her uniform and a headset for answering calls. This clearly shows her role in the office. She is surrounded by computers and is constantly checking them; this tells the audience her job is complicated and hard to keep up with, as the situations she deals with can change rapidly. Mise - En- Scene The absence of a soundtrack in this film makes the situation real for the audience. Over the phone, the crackling of fire and sirens are heard, which forces the audience to picture what is happening. The Operator’s breathing is emphasized to communicate her anxiety and fear for the lives of the woman and her son. Sound A more mature audience would be needed for this film, as it deals with disturbing themes and sensitive content. Audience

Analyzing short films : the black hole We are instantly introduced to the main character and follow him through the journey of his greed. Structure An effective shot is used at the end of the film, when the camera is on a dolly and is being pulled away from the object of focus (the safe that the man gets trapped in). This almost suggests that the man deserved his fate due to his greediness and that the audience are backing out of saving him. Lighting is dim in the office environment, which suggests the dull life the main character lives. Cinematography Shots are generally short and are taken from lots of different angles. This could be to encourage the audience to view the situation from different perspectives, and force us to think what we’d do if we were in the main characters shoes. Editing Office-style clothing and an office setting including props such as a printer, cups, desks and chairs set the scene and help us understand the story. The lighting is dingy and the emptiness of the office suggests the main character feels isolated and lonely, which drives him to be greedy; he may think the money would save him from his boring life. Mise - En- Scene Sound Only diegetic sound is used; for example the sound of the photocopier and the buzzing from the black hole. Nothing is over exaggerated, which builds tension and adds realism. I think any audience is suitable for this film as it teaches a valuable lesson about greed, and how it isn’t a good quality for a person to have. Audience