The History of Short Film

History of short films and short films vs. Hollywood
· 1895- Sortie de l’Usine- This was one of the first ever short films. The first ever short films were short due to technological restrictions however more ‘experimental’ sequences.
· The relationship between short film and Hollywood à some could propose that Hollywood caused the downfall of Short films. Short films eclipsed by the dominant mode of film production and “the classical narrative”. Hollywood films are generally feature length and last usually for 90 minutes.
· Genres- Hollywood films have genres and a definable way of being categorised. The Hollywood system used to be all in house before technology advanced and things such as could be considered as portable and used on location instead of having to dub it in after. As long as they had the main things which were the script, the stars, the set, and the production team, the films were ready to go.
· Cinema exhibitors required Hollywood films to be no longer than 90 minutes. Each film was designated a 2 hour block which enabled customers to get food, watch advertisements and trailers and have a toilet break, as well as watching the film.
· From the 1930’s onwards, short film production was a marginal activity, and eventually Hollywood completely overtook the makings of short film as it was proven to be more popular and friendlier for viewers to watch in society that was changing and becoming more interested in mainstream material rather than creative.
· Currently Hollywood no longer follows the studio system; it sees short films as a cut price laboratory for experimentation and innovation. Trends styles and ideas are taken from short films to influence overall themes and genres for the look and feel of Hollywood films. Hollywood makers can take risks with short films with minimal financial risks and to search for talent and future filmmakers. Studios in Hollywood have developed a scouting system for new directional talent using film festivals.