This is immeasurably different for Short films which main intended audience are often simply film festivals goers and film critics that could aide the director in making a transition from short films to either advertising or feature-length films. Thus further highlighting the uniqueness of Short films as many directors see it as a way of promoting their talents and ability in the hope of being selected for a larger project.
Often Short films are also produced by a director who is experimenting with a new technique or theme. An example of this is “Alive in Joburg” directed by Neil Blomkamp released in 2005 and was an experiment of exploring themes of Apartheid through the use of extraterrestrial visitors and their ensuing clashes with the local population. “Alive in Joburg” formed the basis of Neil Blomkamp 2009 feature length hit “District 9.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alive_in_Joburg) Thus “Alive in Joburg” intended audiences was mainly film festival goers so he could judge the audiences reaction to this theme being explored in this way, while also acting as means of promoting his concept to producers to gain funding for his project.
The use of short films as being targeted at producer and institutions as their intended audience as a means of promoting a director is similar with director Fede Alvarez’s and his short film “Panic Attack” which resulted in the Uruguayans director being offered an £18 million contract. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8417789.stm) And has been commissioned to produce a feature-length Sci-Fi film also set in the capital of Uruguay Montevideo.
And so it is clear that the vast majority of Short films have a very limited audience, namely that of film festivals, and are used as a way of emerging directors to promote themselves to producers, or experiment with new techniques.
It is important to note however that this is not always the case and sometimes although very rarely short films do have a very general mainstream audience and do achieve commercial success. This is most evident in Steven Spielberg’s’ “Twilight Zone” released in 1983. It was a collection of Sci-Fi Short films and experienced box-office takings of ($29,500,000) This very unusual for short films and perhaps the main reasons this collections of short films managed to secure levels of funding that short films never manage to secure. However the main reasons “Twilight Zone” managed to gain this level of funding and a commercial release is largely due to the fact that it was partially written and produced by Steve Spielberg, and so traded on the directors name as it was released in 1984 after a series of hugely successful films by the director, Jaws, close encounters of the Third Kind and so many of the general public would have went to go see the film simply because it was directed by Steven Spielberg.
However the traditional intended audiences of Short Films have changed a great deal in recent years. And the Internet now plays a major role in the distribution of short films, whereas before the arrival of video-sharing sites like “Youtube” it was very difficult for the general public to access this media. But now simply searching short films on “Youtube” returns “Millions” of short films (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=short+films&uni=3) and some of which have received over 10 million views. This was simply unimaginable 10 years ago. Moreover Youtube is not the only provider in this type of free video distribution, there are countless other similar sites:
• http://www.blogger.com/www.megavideo.com
• http://www.blogger.com/www.dailymotion.com
• http://www.blogger.com/www.google.com/video
• http://www.minimasterpieces.org.uk/
Also even the BBC has a dedicated short film area (http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/browse/). The effect of these types of these types of sites on the intended audi
ences of Short Films is immense. As previously directors would aim at audiences of a few hundred or sometimes thousand, but now Short Films can, and often do reach audiences of millions. And thus means short film directors are often aiming at more general mass audiences on a global not local scale, as they previously would have. Also it makes it easy for unknown directors to promote themselves to the larger film industries and make a name for themselves and possibly even be offered a contract. A prime example of this is Fede Alvarez who we have already discussed, he uploaded his short film “Panic Attack” was uploaded on “Youtube” on Thursday and by Monday he already had offers from Hollywood studios in his inbox.
More recently there has been another shift in the intended audiences of Short Films. An excellent example of this is Tiffany Shlain’s film “The Tribe” which was released for sale on Itunes in 2007 and in October was in the top 10 most popular downloads. http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-10-22/entertainment/17266479_1_short-films-film-festivals-independent-filmmakersate.com/2007-10-22/entertainment/17266479_1_short-films-film-festivals-independent-filmmakers). Thus another shift has occurred in the intended audiences of short films as now it is possible for short films to reasonable profits, and so attract greater funding, whereas previously Short films were normally funded by their director with little chance of them recuperating costs in terms of sales, but in the hope that hey will led to them being offered a lucrative contract for another project, thus meaning they have very little funding. But now that these short films can be sold and distributed via hugely popular download sites like Itunes has meant that it is now financial beneficial for Short Film Directors to have a mass global mainstream and/or niche audience as their intended audience. A trailer of the short film "The Tribe" can be found below.
More recently there has been another shift in the intended audiences of Short Films. An excellent example of this is Tiffany Shlain’s film “The Tribe” which was released for sale on Itunes in 2007 and in October was in the top 10 most popular downloads. http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-10-22/entertainment/17266479_1_short-films-film-festivals-independent-filmmakersate.com/2007-10-22/entertainment/17266479_1_short-films-film-festivals-independent-filmmakers). Thus another shift has occurred in the intended audiences of short films as now it is possible for short films to reasonable profits, and so attract greater funding, whereas previously Short films were normally funded by their director with little chance of them recuperating costs in terms of sales, but in the hope that hey will led to them being offered a lucrative contract for another project, thus meaning they have very little funding. But now that these short films can be sold and distributed via hugely popular download sites like Itunes has meant that it is now financial beneficial for Short Film Directors to have a mass global mainstream and/or niche audience as their intended audience. A trailer of the short film "The Tribe" can be found below.
Another purpose of short films is for education, these films are sent to schools for teachers to use as a resource to teach their students as due to the short length of the films it allows the teachers to show the video in the classroom and then be able to discuss the issues all in a short space of time. So this also has an impact on audience as if the film is udes for educational purposes, the audience depending on the themes are likely to be that of secondary school and college age, e.g. a Short film about gun crime e.g. gravity would likely be shown to pupils between the ages of 11 and 18, but depending on the way the film explores the issue most likely those in the upper school and college so 14-18.- Film Festival goers – to gauge their reaction to our shooting/technique
- Producers- to advertise ourselves with the intention of future employment on a larger project.3. Mass Global audience (Via Youtube) – To gauge audience reaction to the themes explored in the film, and to the various techniques we are experimenting with. Also to advertise our shooting style to producers on a global scale with the intention of employment on a larger project.
- Students; If our short film has an educational purpose, it could also be shown in schools to help raise awareness of issues and promote debate and discussion.
- Mass Global audience (Via Itunes) – To advertise ourselves and gain recognition from our work on a global scale, also to recuperate the costs of funding and secure funding for a future project through any profit created.
Thus it is important to consider the guidelines of videosharing websites, such as youtube. There guidelines on the content of videos that can be uploaded, can be found at:
The guidelines that affect our short film are:
- Don't post videos showing things like animal abuse, drug abuse or bomb making. Thus limits drug taking from being a theme in our short film if we intend to show it.
- Graphic or gratuitous violence is not allowed. If your video shows someone getting hurt, attacked or humiliated, don't post it. This limits our short film from depicting acts of violence.
- Respect copyright. Only upload videos that you made or that you are authorised to use. This means don't upload videos that you didn't make or use content in your videos to which someone else owns the copyright, such as music tracks, snippets of copyrighted programmes or videos made by other users, without necessary authorisation. Read our Copyright Tips for more information. This limits us from featuring any copyright material, especially in the sense of songs.
However we may also decide to have our film viewed at various film festivals and so it is also important to note that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) certificate affects potential audiences for our short film, as depending on the age rating given it immediately reduces the potential audience, or themes that can be explored, if shown at a film festivals. The BBFC guidelines on certificates can be found at http://www.bbfc.co.uk/ and are as follows:
Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for a younger audience. Infrequent use only of very mild bad language. Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context. Mild
sexual behaviour (e.g. kissing) and references only (e.g. to ‘making love’). Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take account of the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring. No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless there is a clear educational purpose or clear anti-drug message suitable for the audience.
Universal All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.
Universal All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.
Parental guidance All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 13 Where more serious issues are featured (e.g. domestic violence, racist ab
use) nothing in their treatment should condone the behaviour. Mild bad language only. Natural nudity, with no sexual context. Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only. Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its setting (e.g. historic, comedy or fantasy). No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons. No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.Any references to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
12 accompanied Suitable for those aged 12 and over.Those aged under 12 are only admitted if accompanied by an adult at all times during the performance (replaced the standard 12 certificate for cinema releases only in 2002) Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. The use of strong language (eg 'fuck') must be infrequent. Racist abuse is also of particular concern. Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them. Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated. Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only. Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or instructional.
12 Suitable for those aged 12 and over
No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD or game (home media only since 2002)
15 Suitable for those aged 15 and over
Nobody younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD or game. No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
There may be frequent use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (e.g. 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable. Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief. Dangerous techniques (e.g. combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
18 Suitable for those aged 18 and over.
Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD or game. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
• Where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
• The more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work' as defined below.
Restricted 18 Suitable for those aged 18 and over. May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over. The following content is not acceptable:
• Any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959.
• Material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (e.g. paedophilia, incest, rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults.
• The portrayal of any sexual activity, which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent.
• The infliction of pain or physical harm, real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for mild consensual activity. Penetration by any object likely to cause actual harm or associated with violence.
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse, which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.
12 accompanied Suitable for those aged 12 and over.Those aged under 12 are only admitted if accompanied by an adult at all times during the performance (replaced the standard 12 certificate for cinema releases only in 2002) Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. The use of strong language (eg 'fuck') must be infrequent. Racist abuse is also of particular concern. Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them. Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated. Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only. Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or instructional.
12 Suitable for those aged 12 and over
No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD or game (home media only since 2002)
15 Suitable for those aged 15 and over
Nobody younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD or game. No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
There may be frequent use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (e.g. 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable. Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief. Dangerous techniques (e.g. combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.
18 Suitable for those aged 18 and over.
Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD or game. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
• Where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
• The more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work' as defined below.
Restricted 18 Suitable for those aged 18 and over. May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over. The following content is not acceptable:
• Any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959.
• Material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (e.g. paedophilia, incest, rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults.
• The portrayal of any sexual activity, which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent.
• The infliction of pain or physical harm, real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for mild consensual activity. Penetration by any object likely to cause actual harm or associated with violence.
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse, which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.
These BBFC ratings have an affect on our film as although the purpose of our short film is experimental and we have already stated a videosharing website like youtube will be the main means of distribution, we may still intend to show our short film at various film festivals.
This is important as depending on the type of film festival the BBFC rating will be very important, an example of this is last year me and my group atempted to enter a trailer we produced ourselves into a local film festival in Ealing, but our film was deemed to be unsuitable to be shown as there would be young primary school children attending, thus this particular film festival would be unlikely to show a short film recieving a certificate rating above 12a. Whereas in leicester square there was a horror film festival thus because of the conventions of a horror genre short films recieving a rating below a 15 certificate would be unlikely to be shown, with the vast majority of films being shown recieving an 18 certificate.
So after consideration myself and my group have came to the decision that we would aim for a short film to recieve a 12a or 15 certificate BBFC rating, and are fully aware of the resulting constraints on themes already disclosed in the BBFC ratings.
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