Short and Feature length films
A short film is considered to be a film that is under 40 minutes in running time. In contrast a feature film is a film that is considered to be the sole film to fill a program. It must be over 40 minutes running time and is usually between 75 and 120 minutes.
I am going to be making and focussing on the short film form. A short film, must feature a run time of under 40 minutes in order to be eligible for the shorts category at the annual Academy Awards. Short films vary drastically in length, and different film festivals classify a short as different times, e.g London is anything less than 40 whilst cannes is anything less than 15 minutes. Short films are somewhat like feature lengths through that they follow a storyline and the three act structure however this is condensed and in far less detail than that of a feature length film. A key difference between short form and feature film is crew size. A short film production will regularly feature a bare boned ‘skeleton crew’. This is due to the fact that they have a far lower budget, and can therefore not be able to fill all the roles that a far bigger budget would be able to. They will also have limited access to equipment and facilities due to this lower budget. This may mean that the film may not reach its full potential due to its low budget. In extreme cases, some positions will be filled by members who are already doing other jobs, furthermore actors may not be paid, due to the low budget, however will agree to act due to the platform it places them on to to rise to the top. Due to the short timing of a short form film, a relationship between character and audience must be formed almost immediately, in order to gain a better understanding. Therefore they must really have to get to the core of the character due to the fact that there isn't much time, this will make the film far more successful. Furthermore, shorts will not feature many characters due to the fact that there isn't enough time to build a relationship. In contrast, feature length films have no problem with this. They have far longer to build a relationship between audience and character, and therefore can feature more characters for the audience to relate with as there is more time to.
Pre Production definition
Pre production consists of everything that is needed to be put in place, before filming commences. It begins with the initial idea, and finishes when filming begins. It is the first part of making a film, followed by production, and post production. Pre production is vital for the film due to the fact that it puts such emphasis on getting everything needed for a successful shoot. Timescales must be put in place and deadlines must be met in order for this to be effective, and a high quality film. Not meeting deadlines will delay production, and could also affect the overall look of the film.
Private funding
The private sector is made up of businesses or corporations owned by people. Businesses compete with one another and will often put things on sale due to the fact that it needs to win competition for every dollar in order to stay open. This sector is mainly focussed on making a profit. Private finance sources include, Creative England who will bring great experience and look for commercial and financial success. Due to this, privately funded films usually have far higher budgets than that of a publicly funded film.
Public Funding
The public sector is places/ companies that are run by the government. It uses tax services for funding.The government decides what tax money should be spent on in the public sector. The public sector is therefore focussed on general purpose and providing service to citizens. Due to this service can often be poor and at a higher cost when public, compared to good service and lower cost in the private sector. Politics can have a huge impact on the public sector due to the fact that the government are the ones who decide what to do with the tax money. The national lottery as well as kickstarter are examples of public finance and will usually fund up and coming filmmakers who have a low budget. Public funding looks at getting directors and films noticed to go on to bigger and better things. This looks for critical acclaim and success and not financial.
Availability of personnel
Availability of personnel looks at every cast and crew member, that is needed within the process of making a film. There are multiple different groups that are involved in the making of film throughout pre production,production and post production. For example, you will have a location team who will scout out locations for the film to be made during the pre production phase. A lighting team are vital during the production stage due to the fact that they can change the look of a film. In the post production stage, an editing team will put all the film together. Directors will usually cast people with experience, in order to make their film look as best as possible. Not securing key personnel might mean that crew members may have to fill in multiple roles, or people with less experience may have to be utilised or worse case scenario, the role might have to be left vacant. This may not let the film reach its full potential.
Availability of equipment
Availability of equipment, looks at all the equipment that is needed in order to produce a successful shoot. This equipment is usually hired from various firms and companies unless it is already owned by the production company. If the right equipment is not secured then the film may not achieve the look that it targeted.
Deadlines
Deadlines are the timeframes that must be met to complete an action successfully. In film, there could be deadlines for things such as a calendar, casting, assembling of crew, script breakdowns etc. In pre production, the calendar deadline must be met before filming even begins. This is due to the fact that it puts a distinct plan in place and will also lead to the creation of call sheets which will tell everyone where to be and when. The production and actual filming of a film cannot take place until pre-production has been successfully carried out and completed. Another key deadline, is the planning and assembling of meetings.
Communication between crew members is vital to the pre-production of a film as if there is more communication, things will not be carried out as effectively, and deadlines may not be met. This therefore will have a negative effect on the overall production on the film. Not meeting deadlines will put everyone out of the loop and not in sync with one another. This could mean that people may not be on set when needed, and therefore a scene cannot be shot that day. Furthermore, if the shooting schedule is not made or produced in time, the whole film will be behind. If location deadlines are not met and secured, then pivotal scenes may have to be filmed somewhere else in a place that may not have as much meaning as the original. If Deadlines are met, then the film will be successful.
Film production vs Radio Production
Radio production begins with mind maps, these help brainstorm the initial idea, which differs from scripts and storyboards being used for film. A radio production does not feature as many crewmembers as that of a film production, It will feature a main presenter, who will control the radio desk possibly alongside a producer. It will also feature multiple guests and might even be performed live, which is a stark contrast to most films and tv programmes. It may also feature a sound editor. In contrast a film crew will feature far more people due to the production size. Much like the pre-production of films, a radio production features a risk assessment (call sheet)Potential hazards must be looked at, and like during film production, every member must be given a sheet with information relating to timings, fire exits, local shops etc. A schedule must also be made to provide essential timings for both of these.
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