What is Short Film?

Short film is defined by its length. Short films are under 50 minutes long, apart from Micro Shorts, which are under 5 minutes in length. They usually have a small budget, meaning small cast. Short films are usually experimental with content and techniques, attracting a niche audience. Young students and aspiring directors usually make short films. This is usually a calling card by making a name for themselves, getting recognition for their work and also develop a unique style. Short films are usually realistic and grainy, portraying real subjects. Most short films can be seen in film festivals, art galleries, awards ceremonies (BAFTA's), internet, specific TV channels like Channel 4 and in the cinema.

In comparison....Mainstream cinema has feature length films with more surreal narratives, making the films more commercial attracting a wider audience. With a larger budget, more marketing is avaliable, which means advertisments on TV, Newspapers, Radio and Billboards, hence the larger audience. A larger budget means well known actors, with funds to employ extra's. Mainstream film's will also take longer to film, as they are longer and will have more 'glamorous' locations, with differnt settings. Mainstream makes more profit as it is more commercial, but watchers may be passive rather then active, as some Mainstream films can be similar.