Research Into Short Films

Initial Knowledge on Short films

The Academy of 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.'' Elements included within most short films, include a development on a character or characters features. Also, development of a narrative structure, either following Todorovs Narrative Theory or disrupting this. Todorovs Narrative theory:

Here I have created a clear image, using Microsoft Publisher, to display in a simple and easy way of what Todorovs theory is. This is the basis for any short film. Either disrupting the theory or following through it. Todorov's theory implies that a story starts with an equilibrium, which means all is as it should be within the scene and at a 'normal' state. A disruption then occurs, evidently disrupting the equilibrium. In between disruption and resolution, a recognition of the disruption is made which can also be considered as another stage within the theory when going into more depth. Followed by a restored order, with the disruption being resolved therefore returning back to the narratives equilibrium.

Research Into Existing Short films

Dipper- By P.J. HarlingBait - By Tom Shankland 

Summary

The short film is about the dipper who essentially makes a fatal mistake. Throughout it shows development of character and narrative structure. I really like this short film and as a viewer you really become engaged into the male character and his witty personality yet with a hint of sinister. It has a good twist with a good range of camera angles. The edits also make it more interesting to watch. It is a real life take on a 'goody' catching a 'bady'.

Bait- Directed by Tom Shankland

 

(No link as we watched the film on a dvd in lesson)

 

Summary

Todorovs Theory:Equilibrium- establishes characters and initial situation; interior, no money. Disruption- Cafe, street shop with interview-Exterior. Hope and emphasis on importance of the job. Drunk man takes the bait (given to him). Next/Resolution- Long wait for the father, doesn't get the job, starts to fight the man then realises he is less fortunate (possibly how low he has got). Resolution- Back to the two characters, shown walking past the motorway to show hey couldn't even afford any transport. The short film is very emotional and powerful for a short film. It has effective shots that reflect the story very well.

 Directors Intentions For Bait:Watching the directors video after watching the short film, was a good way of learning more about the meanings within the film portrayed in effective ways to show this. The director wanted to create '' A hopeful film about relationships.. and the goodness of humanity'' showing ''love will win''.
This also is beneficial, for learning more basic skills in which I will need when going on the plan, organise and film my own short film for the media product. The director briefly speaks about the first steps within making a short film, elaborating on how you need to think about what you want to say within the film being a large importance when planning.

Gravity- By Colin Hutton

Summary

The film is really effective to what the moral is. I like how the title of the film isn't shown till the end, to emphasise why it is called 'Gravity'. The shots in the film are very good with a large variety, following the youths in what is like a documentary style capturing their every move, making you feel more involved within the story. However it doesn't follow Todorov's theory as it starts as an 'equilibrium', goes into the 'distruption', however doesnt go back to any resolution.