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Feature films are the backbone of the movie industry, raking in billions of dollars each year. Box office sales are higher than ever, as people are lining up to see movies in 3-D, 4-D, and big-screen animation in record numbers. But where do short films fit into this movie craze? Short films obviously can’t compete with the big money the features at the box office bring in…right? In this article, we will compare the production features and values between short films and feature length films. First, let’s take a look at the definition of a short film. A short film is basically any film that is too short to be considered a feature film. There are no set boundaries on this, although the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as “an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits”. The special effects, music, actors, and all other aspects of a movie are irrelevant; the only thing that is relevant to defining a film as a “short film” is simply its length. Why Make a Short Film? Many people think that budgeting issues are why most short films are created, and while it’s true that budget issues can be the cause of a short film, there can be many other factors that influence the decision to create one. Many new directors/producers choose short films so that they can be

used like a business card or a resume to attract clients and investors. If you try to take on a role as director or producer, and you have no experience that can be verified. You are most likely going to be passed over for someone with a full portfolio. On that note, a full portfolio is nice, but not necessary. A single short film is usually enough to determine if you have what it takes. This is why many aspiring directors and producers create short films with the hopes that they will help advance their career. Some aspiring directors and producers use short films as a self-critique of their abilities. A short film is a cheap way to determine if you should move on to feature films. Or if you need more experience in certain aspects of film production.  If your short film is successful, it can lead to larger projects, higher budgets, and feature film production opportunities. Some people just love short films. Two-hour movies are great for most people, but there are many people who love to watch short films. There’s a reason that millions tune in to watch 30-minute TV shorts in primetime. There are many producers who feel that it’s actually harder to create a short film, because you have to fit an entire story into a specific, short amount of time. With feature films, you can take as long as you need to tell the complete story, so there’s not as much