The funding of short films are more often than not limited and restrained, especially compared to mainstream feature length films. Mainly financed by either by the director ( but also often small production companies may fund the film as well, to promote the director thus the production company). Above all, the Public Service broadcasters, for instance, the BBC, who have a remit comprising education and information. Of which corresponds to the education section of the BBC's website and their programmes.
Short films are not widely distributed mainly due to to the intended purpose (corresponding to the audience) plus, the contrasting age demographics they are viewed by, the students at school, consumed in the educational environment to provoke stimulating discussions, within the Citizenship lesson. So that students can learn and develop a greater understanding of the the society outside of school, being better better prepared for the unexpected and difficult situations on the society outside the educational environment. On the other hand, the older age demographic, who have an interest in film. There is far less less limitations in terms of content of the film when producing with the target of the older age demographic.
Nonetheless, short films are increasingly making an impact on the internet, even I-Tunes now sells short film, but the impact is far greater on websites such as YouTube; an example if this is the film 'Panic Attack', the producer gained a $30 million Hollywood contract after his film gained mass attention on the website. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dadPWhEhVk)In addition, the social networking websites such as Myspace and Bebo provide greater chance of short films being noticed. Also, these websites provide the option of far greater implementation of experimenting with technical elements of film production, thus gaining a large public reaction learning whether to an extent it would good to imply these experimentations on a large scale on feedback given from the audience who viewed the short film.
The BBFC certificates would most definitely affect the potential audiences for short films as one key audience for short films is students, so if the BBFC certificates are above a 12 rating it begins to limit the age demographic, consequently losing potential viewers. Although, there is the older age demographic left, this is a far more narrow demographic than that of the students, it is much more easier to attract that particular audience than the students. As even outlined as one of the two guiding principles of BBFC is 'that works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment'
(page 6)
Overall, of the classifications the one which is the most appropriate is the '15' certificate. "For example, language at '15' can be ‘strong’ and ‘very strong’. Where relevant, the frequency with which the issue appears in the work is also indicated." Language is not the only factor to take into consideration with the BBFC certificate, also, discrimination, use of drugs and alcohol, horror, nudity, theme and violence.
The audience I intend to target is initially students but also towards the older age demographic, to reach as many viewers as possible. This may well be done via the promotion of the film, such as its poster.
Daniel Richards
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