Prey- BDC Brit School Students

Prey from BDC on Vimeo.

This short film was effective because the main character was addressing the audience directly and she is a relatable character. The storyline was based on events and can relate to real life. The film was more engaging to watch as it had a purpose and an aim. The transitions between shots were always good and visually interesting. When she was talking to the audience the camera was facing towards her at an angle. Later on she talks about discovering a bruise the next morning, she then turns her head to reveal the bruise which added to the shock as it had been there all along and the audience didn’t suspect a thing. 

Bouncer- Ray Winston

This short film reveals bouncers in a way the audience wouldn’t perceive them. They are seen as innocent vulnerable victims and this is made clear because we can hear his thoughts. The story is told in a flash back style. In this short film we see a bouncer being murdered and his work colleagues gain revenge by murdering the people who killed their friend. It wasn’t until the end we discover the two bouncers telling the story are in prison. 

Rubber Johnny- Chris Cunningham

In my opinion this is an abstract film and can be interpreted in many different ways. I personally didn’t enjoy it. It was filmed in darkness which added to the mysteriousness and made it harder to tell what was going on. After researching it, I found out it was produced to promote a band and was banned in some locations. I understood why especially as the beginning was controversial. It opened with a condom being pulled off a man’s penis. It was rated unsuitable for some viewers.

Horny- Stephen Hopkins

Micro short films are less than 5 minutes

I felt that this was a successful short film because it was humorous, engaging and interesting to watch. The storyline revolved around a young woman who embarrasses a business man by flirting with him. What made the short film so engaging was that the main character was addressing the audience and it is a situation that could arise in real life. Another aspect that added to the humour was when the business man had to think of other things in order to stop thinking about the woman in front of him. His thoughts were shown onscreen and made the audience laugh as it made us feel as though we were seeing something we weren’t supposed to.  It is shown clearly that the main character is seducing the business man for a laugh and we are invited to laugh with her.

Conventions of Short Film

Short films are usually: 

• 55 minutes or less
• Based on reality
• Screened before a featurette
• Can be fiction/non-fiction
• Small set of characters
• Low budget
• Abstract
• Range of editing techniques
• Targeted at a niche audience
• Used for a purpose, for example, political or charity etc
• No boundaries and controversial
• Can be shocking
• Gains recognition at film festivals
• The genre is less specific
• Not cliche
• Tells stories
• Made to entertain the viewers
• Exhibited online 
• Mainly produced by amateurs

Differences between mainstream and short film

Slower moving pace/narraitve : Faster moving pace/narrative
Large budget : Small budget
Star cast : Aspiring actors
Large audience : Niche audience
Special effects : A few/no special effects
Large production team : Small production team
Conventional : Abstract
Long time in production : Small production time
Cinema exhibition : Online exhibition
Profitable : Not profitable
Preffesional equipment : Amateur equipment
Glamourised : Gritty


Catherine Des Forges: 'Spare economic narratives, interesting storytelling, well structured work which draws in the audience quickly.'


Gareth Evans: 'Short films are long films that end earlier. A good idea, succinctly told, less is more'