The shorter the better.

When we think of films and the beginning of it all when referring to the work of the Lumière Brothers and Méliès, yes for different aspects regarding film making but essentially they introduced innovative elements. In relation to the “origin” of short films… well, briefly all films in the beginning were practically short and “imitated other entertainment media already in existence […]. So short was the norm”, (Dixon).

Probably it was also given by the fact that technology and equipment weren’t that advanced back then, however it began like that. Then the old tends to fade into darkness while the new shines in the spotlight; more feature length films were demanded.

Most shorts weren’t highly perceived and they began to fade with the coming of longer films, but this may be in the past as nowadays, also due to internet, making shorts is very popular and rewarding. Look at all the film festival which allow young people to stand out by producing shorts and even big film industry like Disney constantly make short films (watch the Paperman, adorable!).

Even ‘big names’ created shorter movies, some of which were then made into features, such as Tim Burton’s Vincent or Guillermo del Toro’s Geometria (another good director.. although weird, after watching Pan’s Labyrinth… ahahah).

But moreover… why even make a short? Tips from the BBC may enlighten us on this.

Firstly, the reason why you want to make any film is up to, there may be various and diverse reasons; me? It could be that mine is more sentimental. Love the work atmosphere, commitment and passion is what I use and I admit I’m kind off tired of books… I want to get my hands dirty! I don’t necessarily have to make my own film but only being part of the production of any sort of filmmaking activity makes me feel I’ve chosen the right path. Accounts or dissection? Mmmh, no.

Reading through the “BCC tips”, I realized that there approach is more technical, but appropriate (well, obviously). So we’re going to scan through what makes a good short, however by picking out the most relevant aspects, because in the end whether you make a short or feature, there are many elements that they both share and need. The introduction highlights my point of comparing short films with features but also states that most shorts are per se subjective (while feature length films are mainly to entertain the audience, does apply to most). Moving on, your first step is to come up with an original idea. Which we know, and the BBC suggests to watch other shorts in order to bare in mind what has been done already but you may want to recreate the same subject by using your own style. It’s got to be you. As we all know, a film without a good script won’t be as successful; this applies to any film you want to produce. With short films it may be a bit harder as you do not have as much ’story development’ as in a feature.

Even though you are producing a short, you should approach it as if it were a feature meaning that even if it is not a  Hollywood big budget [example] the quality of your film will need to stand out as much as your story.

The shorter the better! It is hard to keep a film short, maybe not for everyone (and if you have that gift I would be glad to work with you! No jokes!) but one thing I learned about writing a script (or even your film sometimes) is: CUT, CUT, CUT, CUT, CUT, REWRITE, REWRITE, REWRITE. Sometimes its painful ahah.

Best way to catch the audience’s attention is to have a strong beginning: “spark their interest in the story as quickly as you can”!

I should actually follow this myself but luckily I’ve taken part in some short productions and even though it was for a day or two, loved every bit of it! Working with a great team, getting an insight to what this may lead to and building up experience whatever it takes.

The thing is to start! Do anything but just do it, even find friends or class mates willing to take part and help.

Hopefully, this may be useful information for you all and watch as many short films as you can; now it’s so easy, you just need to click on Youtube or even MTV (music videos are great examples inspirations too!).

Good Luck!

AG

Links:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-life/7593291/The-long-history-of-short-films.html

http://theweek.com/article/index/238980/12-early-short-films-by-famous-hollywood-directors#bottom

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/filmmaking/guide/introduction/why-make-a-short

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/filmmaking/guide/introduction/what-makes-a-good-short

Video Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QAI4B_2Mfc    - Paperman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KomTrxiY86g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pJCzHk0Jes      - Numb

What makes a good and/or bad Actor.

Welcome back! This is the second post for this new series, the first took in consideration the role of a Director and attempt to cover certain vital aspects which form this particular character.

This month’s post will highlight what make a good and/or bad actor! I will draw upon two particular articles which I found interesting and provide an overall insight to the world of what may make a great actor!

“What we don’t wanna do, is to be caught acting.”

                                                                 -  Morgan Freeman

If you want the audience to engage with your character you need to make it come to life, live it as if you were that person! Its no always easy to impersonate someone, whether it is a historical figure or ‘made-up’ character. It’s not an easy road either, it take a lot of practice and dedication, passion to want to initiate this career a long side more specific requirements.

I’ve always wanted to be an actress.. since I was a kid playing dress up with friends or Jurassic park at the playground ahah. However, to be someone you are not isn’t a piece of cake! And it doesn’t matter whether your character is a ‘good or bad guy’, if you manage to deliver that figure as someone real, as if you were that person then the play, TV series or film may be a success.

The first article will draw upon Dee Cannon’s 10 questions which provide the basis of an actor’s ‘acting technique’. First of all he states that an actor needs to become a three-dimensional character with a rich background and play that role as truthful as possible, we will begin from who am I? Cannon refers to our everyday life experiences which through time we live and treasure as part of who we are, what shapes the person we are in the present “allowing us just to be, to exist”. The character you have to play must be as real as possible therefore you must make it own as if you were to be that figure, knowing him/her as you know yourself, so when reading the script you can point out every little aspects that may give an insight to who you (your character) is and does. Subsequently, you need to do your research! How many times do we hear this? Well believe it or not research is so essential in many things we undertake everyday and as for acting, researching different elements that effect in any way your character are vital to making him/her come to life. One alternative ingredient is imagination! Such a powerful tool.

We then move onto where am I? which Cannon discusses that even surroundings or the geography influence the character’s being. When is it? Brings up the actor’s interest to know when his/her character is in action, from the stone age to nowadays. In terms of where have I just come from? we must always bare in mind what our character has being doing before entering the scene and not just simply step out and being to play the part. What do I want then refers to the character’s motivation, what he/she needs, “you should always have and objective”. Consequently to this question, following are why do I want it?, why do I want it now?, what will happen if I don’t get it now.

“ You must have a life on stage, you must have a purpose for walking and talking, otherwise you are in danger of ‘just acting’, which is fake”.

                                                    -  Dee Cannon

Freeman and Cannon seem to have the same opinion! When acting you really need to be that person, forget who you are and enter another body. The final two questions are divided into how will I get what I want by doing what?, which is the point where Cannon suggests actioning your text, meaning that your script will be broke down into different parts according to a specific action; while also scoring your text in order to produce that given action as well as possible. The final question to consider what must I overcome? examines those inner and outer obstacles which affect the character in any way by making that role even more interesting, begin in constant collision with inner “demons”.

To conclude with Dee Cannon's ideas, he state correctly state that hard work, technique and good direction make a good actor but the audience mustn't see any of this, all we need to see is the great performance the actor has delivered, making his/her character real.

However, Jason Bennett also stresses that it is “wrong” to learn acting on the job and that acting classes would be the best path to take! Yes, you may possess enough talent but two- three lessons won't hurt ahah. I personally liked when he referred to, as well as having a vivid imagination, actors undertaking also voice and body training. Full gym of how to act!

“ Great actors of the last generation knew better. They knew that the advanced lessons can only be explored in great acting classes, not on the job”.

                                                                 - Jason Bennett

AG

See you next time with what makes a good and/or bad Producer!

Links

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2009/may/09/character-building-great-actor

http://www.jbactors.com/actingreading/greatactingingredients.html

http://youtu.be/u8PxG5zvgOM

http://youtu.be/sANOOw_MeK0