What is a short film?

A short film is a production that is too short to be considered as a feature film which is less than 40 minutes including the credits. Additionally, a page of script typically equates to one minute of screen time therefore thirty-five to forty pages is generally the limit of a screenplay. However, there are also a lot of technical differences that define the medium comparatively to that of a feature film.

As a result of less run time, short films are required to be either very specific in one aspect or extremely broad and generalised in its character development unlike a feature film which can indulge more in building layered characters. Timing is very different in each medium with a short film being required to introduce its concept or inciting incident quickly. Features are slower in their pace and instead implement twists and red-herrings earlier on.

Aspiring directors also use the short film medium as a means of creating a portfolio allowing them to progress in their career and have the opportunity to work on feature films. This I because it costs far less than a feature and requires far less equipment, costumes, crew, etc. There are many examples of famous auteurs who started off their careers with short films such as Wes Anderson who filmed 'Bottle Rocket', Martin McDonagh who filmed 'Six Shooter' and John Lasseter who animated 'Luxo Jr'. All these directors would go on to direct award winning films.