What Are The Potential Audiences for Short Films? by Myles McCaulskey

Consider the institutional implications here in terms of funding and distribution?

Funding:

Short Films are generally produced with a low budget by an independent company or director.  Through analysing some short films it can be seen that the average fee of short films is anywhere between 1p-£1500. This causes implications for short films. This is primarily because producers haven’t got enough money or have no financial sponsors who have supported their films e.g. The UK Film Council or the Lottery Foundation, who have funded feature length films such as “Bullet Boy” and “Life and Lyrics”. This can be seen as an institutional implication as due to low funding short films cannot be made into feature length films or maximise their true message or potential as they haven’t got or received the monetary funds necessary to fully develop their true agenda. This can be supported as many Short Films are produced on DV Cameras, which although provide a realistic feature to film, illustrate to the audience a grainy image and not that of a celluloid image seen in many high budget Hollywood Films. This can be seen through looking at the trailers of “Unstoppable” by Denzel Washington, which is a high budget Hollywood film and “Double Take” produced by Toa Stappard which is a low budget independent made short film.

Trailer for Unstoppable can be found:

 

Moreover, this notion can be furthered as short films can be seen as a benchmark of funding and further production for many producers. This can be supported by the 2009 Fede Alvarez Production of “Ataque de Panico” and the 2005 Neill Blomkamp Production of “Alive in Jo’berg” which were used in order to gain monetary support and also put forward an idea that could be made into a feature length film. This can clearly be depicted in “Alive in Jo’berg” in which Neill Blomkamp a successful Hollywood producer now to date, used “Alive in Jo’berg” to receive the financial backing and support of Hollywood for the 2009 Blomkamp Production of “District 9” which received media acclaim.

The Trailer for District 9can be seen:

From the analysis of funding in short films it can be seen that producers have not got enough financial support to create the films and therefore use low budget equipment like DV Cameras, and also make the purpose of short films a promotion for bigger Hollywood or British main stream Productions. This has a continued effect on distribution.

Distribution:

Due to the financial problems that short films generally face, distribution is a knock on effect of having no financial backing for short films. Short films, as said before, are low budget films which are not aired in cinemas, as they do not have the rights or monetary funds to be aired in mainstream cosmopolitan cinemas e.g. Vue     

Odeon etc limits the distribution of short films as they are generally aired at film festivals like Cannes in France or the Sundance Film Festival in America which both honour the production of Short films. Furthermore this means that short films only reach a small audience unlike other films like the 2010 James Cameron Production of “Avatar” which was the most watched and financed film in the world to date.

                                               

Who were the intended audiences for some of the short films you have seen?

From researching Short Films, it can be seen that there are a versatile variety of short film audiences. This can be seen through the films:

v  Double Take – Produced by Toa Stappard

v  Sold – Produced by Nadia Attia

v  Gravity – Produced by Colin Hotton

v  Sign Language – Produced by Oscar Sharp

v  For the Love Of – Produced by Chris Cheriff

Double Take – Produced by Toa Stappard

“Double Take” a Toa Stappard production was intended for youths between 16-18 and addresses Crime in community. Moreover, the actual film itself was created for a BBC short film competition in order to win a competition and gain promotion. From watching this short film it can be seen that “Double Take” was made for the Self-Promotion of Toa Stappard and also to communicate a message of the impact of stealing in contemporary community.

 Sold – Produced by Nadia Attia

“Sold” produced by Nadia Attia was intended for youths between 16-18 and addresses a social realist part of British Contemporary society. Furthermore, the short film was produced to promote Nadia Attia who was a university student at Bournemouth University who was looking for financial support. Moreover, “Sold” looks to communicate a message to its audience and illustrates a life of missed opportunities. “Sold” intended audience is financial benefactors, but also youth who are provided more freedom and choices in their lives.

Gravity – Produced by Colin Hotton

                                     
Gravity – Produced by Colin Hotton was intended for youths,living in urban communities which highlight the impact of crime in contemporary society. Gravity’s target audience are teenagers who are signalled out for crime and this short film shows the audience the consequences of gun crime. In addition, Gravity like the other prevuious films is an act of self Promotion as Colin Hotton looks to show larger film production companies his production skills and also use “Gravity” to get more awareness within media. Overall, it can be seen that “Gravity” is intended for young youths in Urban Communities through illustrating the concequences of gun crime and also other film directors in order to achieve self promotion.

Sign Language – Produced by Oscar Sharp

“Sign Language” Produced by Oscar Sharp intended audience was young adults who live in contemporary society and lack communication with others. Furthermore, the short film was produced to promote Oscar Sharp, who through the production of “Sign Language” won the Virgin Media Shots Competition which established him as a dignified Short Film Producer. Moreover, “Sign Language” looks to communicate a message to its audience and illustrates a life taking a possible missed opportunity between two people in Love. “Sign Language” intended audience was for financial benefactors, but also young adults who are encouraged to do what is right in their lives. 

How would the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) certificates affect potential audiences for short films? Which Classifications are most appropriate? How would the above affect the potential target audience for your film?

The British Board of film Classification (BBFC) is the organisation legally responsible for film classification across the United Kingdom. The BBFC have the power to persuade cinemas into choosing the movies they will show at cinemas as many local authorities rely on the certifications of the BBFC.  Every film released in the UK must have an age certificate by the BBFC, which limits the ages of the audience that can watch, rent or by a specific movie. The BBFC sets guidelines that assess the appropriate viewing rate for theatrical films. These guidelines include Discrimination, Drugs, Horror, Imitable behaviour, Language, Nudity, Sex, Theme and Violence. All films in the United Kingdom are classified by these absolute guidelines. Moreover, these certifications allow the audience to witness the conventions that have placed a specific film into a certification. The BBFC’s guidelines are crucial for the audience and the certificates, after close administration, have been devised into the categories of “U” “PG” “12” “15” and “18” guidelines, all according to age. These certificates define the movie to the audience and also prohibit certain age groups attending movies as it may psychologically or be inappropriate for that specific age group. 

                                       

The First category in the BBFC’s guidelines is “Universal” (U).  A universal certified film is suitable for all ages. The BBFC believe that it is impossible to predict what may upset a child in this movie. Universal films should be set in a positive moral framework that counterbalances any violence threat or horror. The Conventions an iconography within a universal film would illustrate:

v  Discrimination – No discriminatory behaviour

v  Drugs – Drugs can only be approved if they are being used to teach morals

v  Horror – Mild sequences, which will not cause anxiety to young children. The outcome must be reassuring.

v  Imitable Behaviour – No Dangerous behaviour that children will imitate and no emphasis on easily accessible weapons.

v  Language – Very mild bad language.

v  Nudity – Occasional natural nudity, but no sexual content.

v  Sex – Mild sexual behaviour for example kissing and inferences.

v  Theme – The theme must be sensitive for young children.

v  Violence – Mild violence used.

A Short Film could not be certified as a “U” as it would restrict the amount of psychological tension and suspense, as it would be more than likely that young children may be affected or not understand messages conveyed in the film. The only positive would be that the audience will not be restricted.

                                                        

Moreover, the next classification guideline by the BBFC is Parental guidance (PG). A “PG” certified film is classified as general viewing, however, some scenes may be unsuitable for young children to watch. A child accompanied by an adult may watch a PG rated movie, but parents should assess whether the context may upset a child less than 8 years of age or children with a more sensitive nature. The Conventions and iconography within a Parental Guidance film would show that:

v  Discrimination – Unlikely unless it refers to educational or historical context.

v  Drugs – Reference to drugs must be negative and portray that drugs are wrong.

v  Horror – Sequences must not be too intense or prolonged. Fantasy sequences are alternatives.

v  Imitable Behaviour – No focus on dangerous acts a child is likely to follow. 

v  Language – Mild bad language only

v  Nudity – Natural nudity and no sexual content

v  Sex – Sex activity can be implied, and innuendo can be shown

v  Theme – Serious themes such as domestic violence should be condoned as wrong.

v  Violence – Moderate Violence without too much detail.

An example of a Parental Guidance certified film is the 2009 NITV Production of “New Boy” which addresses racism in an Irish Primary School. 

 The BBFC would insist that parents or schools should assess the movie before watching this film the film.  “New Boy” is an example of a Parental Guided certified film, as it uses some mild language and educates the audience of discrimination. However, similarly to a universally certified film a parental guided film would restrict the message of a short film as you would not be able to put across the true message of a short film, which may be required. Although parents would be able to assess if the sequence would be suitable, a Parental Guided film still dilutes the true conventions of some short films meaning that the true message may not be conveyed to the audience.

The 2009 NITV Production of “New Boy” can be seen:

 
Furthermore, 12A is the next certification after PG. A “12A” certified film is suitable for children aged 12 years and over. The content is only suitable for people aged 12 and over and younger children are advised not to watch, as it may cause upset. No one under 12 may see a “12A” film unless accompanied by an adult, if the adult’s judgement is suitable for the film. This moves the responsibility of the child’s actions on to the adult. The Conventions and iconography within a “12A” film would show that:

v  Discrimination – Discriminatory behaviour must not be constantly used.

v  Drugs – Any misuse of drugs should not be glamorised and scenes involving drugs must be infrequent.

v  Horror – Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted, but these scenes are not frequent.

v  Imitable Behaviour – Dangerous behaviour should not be copied or appear harm free.

v  Language – Moderate Language can be used and bad language must be infrequent

v  Nudity – Sexual content must be brief and discreet

v  Sex – Sex can be briefly portrayed. These scenes must not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.

v  Theme – Most themes are acceptable as long as they are suitable for young teenagers.

v  Violence – Moderate violence, but not dwelled upon. There should be no emphasis on blood, but occasional gory sequences can be accepted if it is related to the context. Sexual violence must be implied and have strong contextual justification.

An example of a “12A” certified film is the 2009 Fede Alvarez “Ataque de Pánico!”

The BBFC believed that children under 12 should be accompanied with an adult when watching this film. “Ataque de Pánico!” is an example of a 12A certified film, as Robots are seen to Attack the Montevideo, which id seen as an acceptable theme for most teenagers like the 2007-Current “Transformers” Prequels.

However, unlike universally certified films and parental guided films, a Short Film could be introduced at the certification of  “12A.” This rating allows a short film to address any underlying messages in a professional manner, without the use of metaphors to completely deter the messages raised in the film. Moreover, this certification allows the manipulation on mild suspense and tension to develop. However some conventions within this guideline would still restrict the sequence developing in full contextual depth. An example of this would be the limit of violence or Theme as only moderate violence is accepted within “12A” certified Films.

The 2009 Fede Alvarez Production of “Ataque de Panico” can be seen at:

 

The Penultimate BBFC certification is 15. A “15” certified film is suitable for people aged 15 years and over. It is prohibited for people under the age of this group. The Conventions within a “15” certified film would show that:

v  Discrimination – The film must no completely endorse discriminatory behaviour.

v  Drugs – Drugs can be shown, but the movie must not encourage drug misuse.

v  Horror – Strong threat or menace are permitted, unless they are sadistic or sexualised.

v  Imitable Behaviour – Dangerous behaviour should not be dwelled upon or glorified.

v  Language – Frequent use of strong language, but harsher terms e.g. “cunt” must have a relation to the context. Words can be repeated

v  Nudity – Nudity is acceptable without strong detail.

v  Sex – Sexual activity is acceptable without too much detail. There can be strong references to sexual behaviour and it must be justified by the context. Sexual arousal is accepted.

v  Theme – No theme is prohibited, as well as it is suitable for 15 year olds.

v  Violence – Violence is accepted, but it cannot dwell on the infliction of pain and injury. Strong gory images are not acceptable

An example of a “15” certified film is Neill Blomkamp’s 2005 Production of “Alive in Jo’berg.”

                                           

The BBFC believed that children and adults over 15 are recommended age to watch this movie.   “Alive in Jo’berg” is an example of a 15 certified film, as it looks at alien invasions, but also gun violence and discrimination. Similar to “12A” certified film thriller sequences can be used within this rating as the conventions situated within a “15” certified film can apply to a short film. Short Films would be easily portrayed within this certification as fear, threat and mild horror can be applied to the film, meaning a distribution to a larger audience. This would make the certification of “15” be compatible with a Short Film, as a certification of “15” would help the audience assess that there will not be too much horror, violence or gore within the sequence because it is not an “18” certified film.

The 2005 Neill Blomkamp Production of “Alive in Jo’berg” can be seen at:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1185812222812358837#

The final BBFC certification is “18.” An “18” certified film is suitable for people aged 18 years and over. It is prohibited for people under the age of 18. An “18” certified film must relate to the 1998 Human Rights Act which focuses on what adults should be able to watch. Exceptions would be found in the following areas.

v  The material may breach criminal law or has been commissioned through a criminal offence.

v  The film appears to risk harm to society e.g. dangerous acts, which could effect social or political morals.

v  Explicit images must be justified within the content.

v  Other conventions in the “18” certification include:

v  Sex education – sex material informs and education’s matters in human sexuality.

v  Sex works – the focus on sexual arousal and stimulation and these stimulation are generally passed.

An example of a “18” certified film is the 2006 Guy Nattiv and ErezTadmor Production of “Offside.”

However, the internet and especially media sharing websites like “Youtube” have changed the distribution of short films in the UK and the World. This is because short films can be easily searched within the “Youtube Search Engine” which makes them easily accessible to the interactive audiences. This can be seen in the Short Film New Boy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdeioVndUhs) which has recieved 1.4 million hits to date

On the other hand, although this has helped short films distribution around the world, the accessibility of short films are still bar none. For example through the use of the Internet, short films must be typed in the Google or Youtube Search engines in order for them to appear and become accessible to the audience or viewer in question.

   

       

This shows the complexity of the distribution of short films and the complex fashion in which the audience have to seek out films for Enjoyment or Diversion from contemporary life. Distribution is limited for short films as they haven’t got the money for distribution unlike Hollywood Production who are sponsored by the likes of MGM who support and finance distribution of films.

Overall, Without funding and distribution it is near impossible for short films to acclaim major success in contemporary audience, but the internet has helped to alleviate this problem thanks to the deployment of viral videos which are multiply posted by users across the internet. Short films have reached larger audiences across the world, but without adequate funding will never receive as much success and viewings as Feature Length sponsored films.

Finally, make a decision on the audience you intend to target with your short film

After close evaluation, our group has chosen to adopt the BBFC certification of “12A” and target an audience of 12 and above, or children accompanied by an adults consent. I believe that “12A” is the best certification for our short film as it is a versatile certificate that can be viewed by mass audiences over 12 or who are accompanied by an adult. This allows adults to become actively involved in what there children are watching in the media. Moreover, by making our short film a “12A” we are able to play upon the expectations of the BBFC’s “12A” award. Within our short film we can address contemporary issues and themes that effect today’s society, without being totally limited in the process. Through this certificate we will be able to add light elements of Discrimination and Drugs, as well as the endorsement of mild horror on both psychological and physiological angles. Moreover, in order to attract a larger audience in our distribution of our short film, by choosing the “12A” certificate we are able to promote most themes that are suitable for young teenagers, meaning they could possibly be drawn to our short film as it targets their specific age group. In addition, a “12A” certified film is able to illustrate moderate violence, which can be seen as a genre within our short film and wont be restricted in lower certifications like “PG” or “U.”

Overall, a Short Film could be introduced at the certification of  “12A.” This rating allows a short film to address any underlying messages in a professional manner, without the use of metaphors to completely deter the messages raised in the film. Ultimately attracting a large number of audience members who will not feel ostracised by the certification and target audience our short film attempts to target.