A Short History of Short Film

Logically, the first films ever made were by their very nature, shorts. It wasn’t until DW Griffiths mastered the new cinematic technology that the average feature film became longer and began to become a more effective device for telling stories, albeit without any sound.

However, let’s not forget that it was virtually unheard of in those days for films to be two hours long. The short was an excellent way for the major studios to experiment with new technology, especially with the growth and development of sound and animation.

The studios soon established departments specialising in shorts and these mini-movies were used regularly slotted in between the main feature or newsreels. But clearly once the feature film industry really took off, the short was relegated to scaled down departments and seemed to have no further place with the major studios.

The growth of television also didn’t help to further their cause. However, the medium was pounced upon by new independent filmmakers who saw a great the opportunity to showcase their abilities and hone their skills through making short films.

Experimentation, obviously vital to the growth of the short film is still something that sets it apart today. Coupled with the freedom of expression enjoyed outside the rigid studio system the ‘50s and ‘60s saw more experimental work and bolder subject matter.

The short film became integral to the agit-prop movement of political protest in the seventies. But, it was changed forever with the advent of multichannel television, in particular MTV, the music video and to an extent television advertising.

And now we have further technological advancements to reinvigorate short film-making again; the digital camera, the internet and computer editing facilities.

So, now you know a bit more about the history. Why not consider getting involved in the future of short film-making?