Production of Short Films

Exploring short films and the production process, different stages must be considered such as the use of sound or camera angles - and the portrayal of narrative styles, also the editing process.  These aspects guarantee the overall media product in how it depicts the genre of a film, and a plot/ convention.

SOUND

Film isn't just a visual experience; the use of sound creates an atmosphere which cannot be underestimated - sound consists of three main aspects. These are the human voice, sound effects and music - mixed and balanced, these three tracks include dialogue, synchronous and asynchronous sound, and music.  The use of dialogue as referred to by 'human voice' authenticates the speaker; telling the story and expressing feelings of the characters, this way little difference between character and actor is shown.  Contrastingly, little use of dialogue can also be effective - such as by fully using sound effects/ music to create tension etc.  The contrast of silence and sound is effective in genres such as Thriller/ horror films.  

The Lake by Garry Lane (1994) is a short film that uses narration, and minimal dialogue - sound are used to exaggerate the situation of the characters via screams, splashes etc.

SOUND EFFECTS

There are two types of sound effects used in film; synchronous sound refers to those sounds that match what is being shown; such as a character playing piano in a shot - we would hear the sound of the piano.  Synchronous sounds are effective in creating a realistic atmosphere, and can engage an audience such as in a moment of suspense - such as if they were to be heard creaking the door open.  Asynchronous sound effects do not match the image being viewed, and can therefore create a sense of emotional nuance - for example, the background sirens add to the suspense as we see our beloved hero fall to the floor in a scene.  This type of sound acknowledges surrounding scenery and atmosphere, again heightening realist aspects.  

This video shows effective use of foley sound used to create synchronous and asynchronous sound.

Music can also be used in films to add emotion or rhythm, it provides an emotional attitude and doesn't necessarily have to be notices in order to create effect.  Distant use of music implies a change in mood; such as dissonant music foreshadowing an upcoming tragedy. Background music can also help the viewer to link scenes. For example, a particular musical theme associated with an individual character/ situation may be repeated at various points in a film in order to remind the audience of salient motifs or ideas.

Use of Medium Shot in 'Get off my land', dialogue scene

CAMERA ANGLES/ SHOTS

Camera angles and movements define the sequence and creation of images in film; in order to gain interest in a shorter length feature, a variety of shots is vital.  Camera angles and shots refer to the framing/ length of shot, angle and movement tracking - the transition between different shots is referred to as a cut.  

SHOT LENGTHS

• Extreme long shot (taken from a 1/4 of a mile away, scene setting, establishing shot, e.g. 'Get off my Land')
• Long shot (image is almost 'life size' from a distance)
• Medium shot (figure shot from knees/ waist upwards - normally used for dialogue scenes)
• Close-up (shows very little background, specific detail of mise-en-scene, magnifies object/ importance)
• Extreme close-up (magnifies beyond the human eyes ability, an artificial shot for dramatic effect)

ANGLES

• The Birds Eye View (directly shot from overhead, object is smaller with less significance)
• High angle (elevated above action, shows superiority)
• Eye level (neutral shot, human level)
• Low Angle (increase height - speeded motion, add disorientation to the viewer)
• Oblique/ Canted Angle (titled, suggests imbalance, instability e.g. in horror movies)

MOVEMENT

• Pans (scans scene horizontally)
• Tilts (scans scene vertically)
• Dolly shots (track scene)
• Hand-held shots
• Crane shots 
• Zoom lenses (increase magnification)
• Arial shot (powerful, even use helicopter)

EDITING

The post production means of film-making is the editing process; the use of technology allows the variations of editing through expansion of software's, programmes etc.  Well known editing forms and styles such as Classic Hollywood editing is enhanced through a large use of match cuts, of takes less than 7 seconds.  Montage editing is rarely used within Hollywood creations and is more likely to be seen in independent shorts.  This style of editing refers to many images juxtaposed together rapidly; and doesn't necessarily make sense.   

DROOM - A Surrealist short on the BBC film network is an example of a montage style product.

TWO AND TWO - This film is a symbol of dictatorship and tyranny and it's absurdness; is clearly edited in term of time-scale and continuity editing.