Short Film Length at DVinfo.net

John Jaquish · July 8th, 2007, 11:47 AM

I've heard from multiple sources that if you're going to make a short film, you should make it no more than 10 minutes. In fact, as one book put it, "Make it short (under 10 minutes) or make it a feature."

I can understand this in a sense, but is there no market for say, 15-20 minute films? What's the reasoning behind this, and how do you people feel about it?

Brian Drysdale · July 8th, 2007, 12:48 PM

There are quite a few successful 15 minute shorts.

The reason for going for the shorter running times is that film festivals can programme in more films if they're 10 mins or less. You really do need to have an outstanding longer running time short for the festivals to want to screen it.

Also, if you have a shorter running time broadcasters may buy the short as filling between programmes.

Apart from that, 15 to 20 mins is an awkward length in story telling terms and most tend to drag compared to the shorter running times. In the TV market you really need 25 mins, because that's the shortest programme slot. At that running time it becomes a one off TV drama.

On the Internet, being short reduces the download times.

Emre Safak · July 8th, 2007, 02:27 PM

I didn't know there was a market for shorts! Just make it as long as you need, and find a festival to suit.

Brian Drysdale · July 8th, 2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emre Safak

I didn't know there was a market for shorts! Just make it as long as you need, and find a festival to suit.

There is a market, but don't expect to make a profit. I have two shorts with a distributor and the odd sale comes in.

July 8th, 2007, 11:47 AM	#1
John Jaquish New Boot Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 21	Short Film Length I've heard from multiple sources that if you're going to make a short film, you should make it no more than 10 minutes. In fact, as one book put it, "Make it short (under 10 minutes) or make it a feature." I can understand this in a sense, but is there no market for say, 15-20 minute films? What's the reasoning behind this, and how do you people feel about it?

July 8th, 2007, 12:48 PM	#2
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	There are quite a few successful 15 minute shorts. The reason for going for the shorter running times is that film festivals can programme in more films if they're 10 mins or less. You really do need to have an outstanding longer running time short for the festivals to want to screen it. Also, if you have a shorter running time broadcasters may buy the short as filling between programmes. Apart from that, 15 to 20 mins is an awkward length in story telling terms and most tend to drag compared to the shorter running times. In the TV market you really need 25 mins, because that's the shortest programme slot. At that running time it becomes a one off TV drama. On the Internet, being short reduces the download times.

July 8th, 2007, 02:27 PM	#3
Emre Safak Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,447	I didn't know there was a market for shorts! Just make it as long as you need, and find a festival to suit.