TASK 4 //
ANALYSIS OF SHORT FILM STRUCTURE
For this task, I have been able to present three different analysis of short film's structure. In the Prezi presentations presented on the top of the page, I have shown my understanding of the structure of the short film '7.2' while applying Todorov's narrative theory. The theory showed me how short films tend to shy away from creating a point of initial equilibrium. In the second Prezi presentation is an analysis of the same film, '7.2', applying the 3 acts structure to the narrative. Furthermore, the video above presents my research into the rules of the structure of a short film. I have decided to show this through a game show, where the contestants are told to chose through two options which relate to the structure of the short films. I have also made a flowchart of how a short film should be structured, where the "rules" are highlighted in red. Raindaince believe this is an effective way to create a good short film if the rules are finished from the start to end.
From the completion of this task, I have learnt the structure of short films through various different applications of theories and through research on the internet. I used Raindance's official website in order to view their rules for writing short films. The website used was http://www.raindance.org/7-rules-for-writing-short-films (click on the link to be redirected). This website allowed me to understand the rules which a short film should follow, such as rules to keep the production as short as possible, as well as trying to subvert certain stereotypes in order to keep audiences engaged throughout the production. Furthermore, I learnt how many scenes are unnecessary to be shown within a short film. For example, a fight scene can easily be conveyed through the use of a close up shot of a bruised, bleeding face of a particular character. This allows audiences to understand what has happened and saves a tremendous amount of time. Moreover, when applying Todorov's narrative theory, I discovered how equilibrium points which feature films always implemented, are left out for short films. This saves time and keeps audiences engaged as the film has started in the action itself. More time is focused on the problem which the protagonist faces, opposed to building a character's bond with the audience. This is also evident in short films when applying the three acts theory, where act one (equilibrium point where issues are not evidently present) tends to follow the pattern of having a short portion of time within the films.
