Short Film - Structure and Aesthetics - Essay Example

Short Film: Structure and Aesthetics Student’s Name Institution of Affiliation Table of Contents Short Film: Structure and Aesthetics Introduction A short film can be described as a film that is not long enough to be regarded as a feature film. However, there is no distinctive boundary drawn between the feature film and short film; according to several studies, a short film is described as an original motion picture with a shorter length than feature film, usually 40 minutes or less[Cow05]. Short films can be either amateur or professional productions, and are normally screened at international, national, and local film festivals. They are often created by freelance filmmakers for non-profit. Filmmakers who create short films usually do so with either no budget at all, with a low budget, or in unusual cases with huge budgets. Short films are typically funded by personal funds, sponsor, non-profit organizations, or film grants[Isa08]. They are utilized by independent filmmakers to demonstrate their ability so that they can gain funding for future films from film studios, entertainment companies, or private investors. Short films are a regular first stage for upcoming professional filmmakers; however professional crews and actors also make short films as another way of expression. Creation of short films is increasing its popularity as more amateurs are creating movies and film making equipment are becoming cheaper[Rab13]. The low costs of producing short films often imply that they can be used to cover alternative subject matter as compared to feature films, which require high budget. In addition, unconventional film making methods, for example narratives or pixilation that are expressed without dialogue, are most frequently seen in short films than feature films. In most cases, short films are viewed to be of their own category, and are known for their entertainment and conciseness value[Rab13]. Structure of a Short Film A short film usually has three sections namely a beginning, middle and an end. However, its structure does not only involve discovering the three sections. In other words, structure is not just a thing to discover, it is a connection or relationship[Gia05]. Structure of a short film therefore refers to the relationship of the sections of your film, to the whole. It is how the middle relates to the end, the middle to the beginning, and the beginning to the end. This is referred to as the deep structure of a film, and all eye-catching and emotionally satisfying films have it[Cow05]. The starting point of shooting a short film involves finding an interesting idea or topic. This idea can be as simple as a line of poetry, a metaphor, an image or even a sentence. Whatsoever form it takes, the idea have to be small and be able to be explored in emotional depth, in a short period of time, usually less than 40 minutes. The filmmaker should think of his or her film as the visual expression of his idea. Therefore, it is very crucial for a filmmaker to formulate the basic idea of the short film as clearly and precisely as possible. There are different forms of structuring the material in a short film. According to Cowgill (2005), there are four forms of narration modalities in a short film that include: 1) the poetic narrative form, which is made up around visual poetic associations, 2) the episodic narrative form, which compares situations that do not have causal or narrative relations, 3) the discursive narrative form, which gives priority to logic, facts, and information, and 4) the linear narrative form, also referred to as classic Hollywood storytelling. The narration modalities which structure the filmed material involve the viewer in many ways. A deep structure of a short film is developed by three elements shortly put as a character, in a world, with a problem. A successful short film comprises of a character, in a world we understand, with a problem looking for a solution. These elements are the three basic building blocks to employ to create a deep structure, and therefore find an emotionally satisfying solution. As a filmmaker, you should always choose a character with whom you can identify, a world which you are familiar with and understand, and a problem which moves with you[Gia05]. The best thing concerning short films is that they can be anything because you do not have to deal studio execs. However, as a filmmaker one should not discard the practicalities of writing the script. The best short films are often played out as a single moment, however a single moment that has a story at its heart. In other words, a story that has a conflict to be resolved, where there is a dilemma on one hand, and a choice that the central character has to make on the other. It is necessary to always try to create a compelling story. Short filmmakers should avoid ideas that are concept-driven or just breaks the rules for the sake of doing so[Rab13]. Short films present a good opportunity of pushing the boundaries of what can be done by cinematic storytelling, but they have to engage your audience emotionally. Unless it is an extremely brief short film, a short film must have a central character or hero with an objective and an antagonist or obstacle in the way. Since short films have very little time to create an impression, the impact of first picture is very important. The ending of the film is also important because it is uncommon to truly feel moved at the end of a short film, therefore the filmmaker should work towards a purposeful satisfying ending. A short film should also avoid stereotypes except when a filmmaker has a fresh slant on them[Gia05]. One should always consider including what he or she is familiar with and what resonates with him or her instead of involving borrowed material from other films. Aesthetics of a Short Film Aesthetics can be simply be defined as the theory of beauty as it generally concerns the beauty of the film. Film integrates several diverse disciplines, where each may have varying rules of aesthetics. The aesthetics of filmmaking are closely associated with still camerawork, but the movements of the camera or the subject(s) and the placement, colors and intensities of lighting are very crucial[Isa08]. Mixing, editing, and sound recording are other critical areas of film, often closely linked with the musical score. Editing or montage is possibly the one discipline unique to television, video and film. The rhythm, timing and progression of shots build the definitive composition of the film[Cow05]. The camera plays a greater role in making a film. Its movements and angles are important for the degree to which one express antipathy against, solidarity with, respect for, etc., the individuals in the film. Normally, there are five basic angles in film making namely the low angle, the eye-level shot, the oblique angle, the high angle, and the bird’s eye view. Before shooting start, it is always advisable to agree on specific principles for operating the camera. It is always a good idea to formulate a set of rules, some aesthetic narrative guidelines concerning what one can do and cannot do[Isa08]. Color can be considered as a subconscious element in short film. Color is strongly emotional in expressive, appeal and atmospheric instead of intellectual or conspicuous. A number of psychologists have identified that human beings try to interpret the lines of a composition, on the other hand, accept color passively, allowing it to indicate moods instead of objects. Several filmmakers intentionally alternate episodes in white and black with sequences in color[Gia05]. Deciding the type or style of music to be used in a film is very time consuming. The filmmaker’s choice of music plays a crucial role in the whole impression of the film. Music is a significant factor when it comes to forming a mood in the short film, and choosing a bad music may ruin the production[Isa08]. Another thing that is useful when making a short film is the storyboard. Making a storyboard rather than improvising your way through helps the filmmaker have a high degree of control. Conclusion Short films are not very different from feature films; the main difference being the length, and are often created by freelance filmmakers for non-profit. They are a regular first stage for upcoming professional filmmakers; however professional crews and actors also make short films as another way of expression. Structure of a short film therefore refers to the relationship of the sections of your film, to the whole. It is how the middle relates to the end, the middle to the beginning, and the beginning to the end. The aesthetics of filmmaking are closely associated with still camerawork, but the movements of the camera or the subject(s) and the placement, colors and intensities of lighting are very crucial. Mixing, editing, and sound recording are other critical areas of film, often closely linked with the musical score. References Cow05: , (Cowgill, 2005), Isa08: , (Isaacs, 2008), Rab13: , (Rabiger & Hurbis-Cherrier, 2013), Gia05: , (Giannetti & Leach, 2005), Read More