A short film, also called a “short” or “run-time” film, is a sequence of video clips presented on a small screen, usually with little or no audio, that tell a story. These can be the result of someone telling a joke, telling a sad story, or showing the effects of extreme weather on a city. In the past, most short films would be shown at the film festivals, but more they are being produced independently by artists and filmmakers just like you and me. There are many websites, such as YouTube, where you can watch these videos, and vote for your favorite ones by adding your own comments.
The three major types of short films are: digital/cellular, film-based, and 35mm film. The difference between the three is simply the medium used to create the video. Digital and cell phone cameras both use a computer to store and deliver the pictures to your television set, while 35mm film requires a special process to be done on the “plates” used for the visual effects in the film. Because of this process, 35mm films are often more expensive than its competitors; however, it’s higher image quality (the clarity and color) makes up for its slightly higher production costs.
As mentioned above, 35mm films are traditionally much more expensive than their digital and cell phone cousins because they are “printed” using photographic plates. Filmmakers often use extremely large, glossy slides to create their movies, which can weigh quite a bit. Filmmakers who want to maximize the effects of their films will either have to rent or buy the equipment necessary to do so. The advantage of using slides is that you have a piece of actual film with you which you can play with and develop the film in your own home – a digital camera does not have this luxury. The disadvantages of using slides, aside from weight and storage issues, are that the slide might damage the actual movie projector if placed too close and can destroy the image is projected onto an improperly chosen surface.