What makes a good short film?
A short film has to essentially encompass all things a full length film normally would do: all within the space of, in our case, under 5 minutes. This is why it is so important to recognise all these factors and then try to apply to our own final task.
First of all I think it would be beneficial to identify what classifies a short film. Typically the piece gains the title short film if under 40 minutes, fairly often these films will be on a much lower budget than the types you would see on the big screen. Also there tends to be a unity of time and action in these films, wherein the location remains the same and is within a short period of time. Obviously this is not always the case; one of our ideas initially was to have a day-to-day until one day something goes wrong esque film. While I do still believe this could be a valuable idea, because of our genre focusing on horror, it would be much more impactful if felt in the moment; if you could live the scene along with the main character. Todorovs narrative theory should also come into play in a short film also. Todorov suggested that stories begin with an equilibrium or status quo where any opposing factors are in balance. This is disrupted by some event, setting in chain a series of events. Normally this is resolved in the end, but once again the genre of horror may disturb this theory; they tend to end somewhat unhappily, with the main character get slashed in the final moments or the ghost never truly leaving. It is also best if the audience can recognise the genre immediately.
Story arc
We quickly established that in order for us to create the best final product possible we needed to establish a story arc. This being somewhat similar to Todorov's theory, but perhaps simpler. There is usually a conflict, a challenge a climax and then a resolution. The best short films tend to have an unexpected twist at the end. Again it is not necessary to stick to this but we will try to as much as possible while still trying to convey the 'horror' we need to within the short amount of time that we have.
Tension
Of course tension needs to created throughout our film. This is what puts the audience on the edge of their seats, what makes them want to keep watching and have the desired effect. In order for there to be tension there needs to be character. In my eyes what makes a film particularly enjoyable is if you root for the character being presented to you, or if you relate to them. You therefore want them to succeed and if this doesn't happen you are even more shocked or upset. Putting yourself in a characters shoes is what makes a film so enticing to us as audience members.
Mystery
Mystery is intertwined with horror, this tends to be a given. Or at least it should be in my opinion, if you want to particularly freak them out. Who is the killer? Why? How did the paranormal activity start? What are they going to do? These are the questions that you are silently asking yourself when watching a film, and should especially consider as a creator. Even when in on the know it is vital to be able to watch your own film and still be on the edge of your seat and ask those questions.
Simplicity
You need a basic storyline to get the effect across. A stereotype is easy to base it on (babysitter alone in house with child asleep upstairs, teenagers getting themselves into trouble, hearing noises at night etc.) As long as tension and mystery are still present it is important to not overcomplicate things or the story may get lost and the scare may not have the full effect.
Characters
Only a few characters at most should be used in a short film. If you have too many people in a scene the audience becomes confused as to who the protagonist is, who they should root for etc. and so the tension no longer remains. I would say only two people are going to be used in my own film, with one main protagonist.
First of all I think it would be beneficial to identify what classifies a short film. Typically the piece gains the title short film if under 40 minutes, fairly often these films will be on a much lower budget than the types you would see on the big screen. Also there tends to be a unity of time and action in these films, wherein the location remains the same and is within a short period of time. Obviously this is not always the case; one of our ideas initially was to have a day-to-day until one day something goes wrong esque film. While I do still believe this could be a valuable idea, because of our genre focusing on horror, it would be much more impactful if felt in the moment; if you could live the scene along with the main character. Todorovs narrative theory should also come into play in a short film also. Todorov suggested that stories begin with an equilibrium or status quo where any opposing factors are in balance. This is disrupted by some event, setting in chain a series of events. Normally this is resolved in the end, but once again the genre of horror may disturb this theory; they tend to end somewhat unhappily, with the main character get slashed in the final moments or the ghost never truly leaving. It is also best if the audience can recognise the genre immediately.
Story arc
We quickly established that in order for us to create the best final product possible we needed to establish a story arc. This being somewhat similar to Todorov's theory, but perhaps simpler. There is usually a conflict, a challenge a climax and then a resolution. The best short films tend to have an unexpected twist at the end. Again it is not necessary to stick to this but we will try to as much as possible while still trying to convey the 'horror' we need to within the short amount of time that we have.
Tension
Of course tension needs to created throughout our film. This is what puts the audience on the edge of their seats, what makes them want to keep watching and have the desired effect. In order for there to be tension there needs to be character. In my eyes what makes a film particularly enjoyable is if you root for the character being presented to you, or if you relate to them. You therefore want them to succeed and if this doesn't happen you are even more shocked or upset. Putting yourself in a characters shoes is what makes a film so enticing to us as audience members.
Mystery
Mystery is intertwined with horror, this tends to be a given. Or at least it should be in my opinion, if you want to particularly freak them out. Who is the killer? Why? How did the paranormal activity start? What are they going to do? These are the questions that you are silently asking yourself when watching a film, and should especially consider as a creator. Even when in on the know it is vital to be able to watch your own film and still be on the edge of your seat and ask those questions.
Simplicity
You need a basic storyline to get the effect across. A stereotype is easy to base it on (babysitter alone in house with child asleep upstairs, teenagers getting themselves into trouble, hearing noises at night etc.) As long as tension and mystery are still present it is important to not overcomplicate things or the story may get lost and the scare may not have the full effect.
Characters
Only a few characters at most should be used in a short film. If you have too many people in a scene the audience becomes confused as to who the protagonist is, who they should root for etc. and so the tension no longer remains. I would say only two people are going to be used in my own film, with one main protagonist.
Excellent detail in your research so far - very impressed with how you have applied theory to your own opinions and ideas about horror.
ReplyDelete- Please check your understanding of Todorov though.