2013 Post 16: Why make a short film? Who is the target audience?

Task A: Why Make a Short film?

• Read the following 2 Telegraph ArticlesThe long history of short films and Short Films That Launched Big Names Telegraph Article
• Write a short summary of the articles which also reflects your opinion as to why short films are made and why it could be a useful tool for you.

Task B: Who is the target audience for a short film?
You need to discuss:

• The demographic and pyschographic of the short film audience.
• What distribution methods are avalible for short films and how this effects the potential target audience you are aiming for?
• Film Festivals - specialist short film festivals and bigger festivals with short film categories.

Here are a few links to get you started but you will need to search a little more to help you discuss who your target audience might be:

Slide Share Short Film Target Audience
Independent Newspaper article
The Golden Era of Short Film

• Outline who you think the target audiences are for short films, support with examples, internet research and possible useful internet links.

Task C: How are short films distributed?
i) Research: How are short films distributed? The main area for you to research is short film festivals, identify a number of festivals, what categories they have and current/past short films? You can use the booklet I gave you before I left but if you choose this route you'll need to put your synthesis hat on.
ii) Write in your blog about the festivals and discuss some of the films you have watched in your research. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What genres of short films are popular? and, how does this research influence your thoughts on script?
• How long are the films? You have a maximum of 6 minutes so what do you need to think about in writing your scripts?
• How are the films structured? What effect does the film have on the audience? What effect do you want on your audience?