Quality and Style: Short Film Production

Production quality matters, but not nearly as much as many people think.  According to my research the most important things for an effective short film, in order, are:

1. Story (an engaging plot and compelling characters)
2. Script (dialogue, originality of setting and telling)
3. Acting (excellent acting is always captivating)

And finally, production quality comes in.  But since production quality is as cheap and easy as ever, it’s important to leave this consideration until last.  Yes, I agree that practical limitations become part of the framework in which the script will be created.  So, we can probably rule out exploding luxury cars or big name actors.

But you would be surprised what production quality can be achieved for very little money.  There have been some excellent “guerilla” films. Here are some examples of video shot with the tiny $700 HV20 canon camcorder, with a lot of zoom to get that shallower DOF (depth of field), which looks more cinematic and less “video.”

HV20 from pooridge on Vimeo.

This one uses a lot of layer effects in Final Cut to get that really warm, dreamy, cheeeezy, cinema look. Still, impressive for a cheap camera and laptop editing:

Demo Reel Part 1 from Kyle on Vimeo.

The possibilities of digital editing have opened up big budget quality to the laptop.  The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was mostly edited with Final Cut Pro.

The next consideration is consistency of style.  This is pretty important because it shows a conscious, directorial style.  So it’s essential to decide ahead of time which kinds of shots you will exclude.  The more precise you choices are, the more options you have excluded.  Creativity thrives within a framework.  So conscious exclusion of many different shots, effects and lighting etc will enhance the overall “style.”  Limit yourself and creativity will flourish.

I recently saw “The Boss of It All” by Lars Von Tier, in which he adheres to the strict principles of Dogme 95.  To get a sense of the strictness of the style restrictions, see this lists (from wikipedia)

1. Filming must be done on location. Props and sets must not be brought in (if a particular prop is necessary for the story, a location must be chosen where this prop is to be found).
2. The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice versa. (Music must not be used unless it occurs within the scene being filmed, i.e., diegetic).
3. The camera must be a hand-held camera. Any movement or immobility attainable in the hand is permitted. (The film must not take place where the camera is standing; filming must take place where the action takes place.)
4. The film must be in colour. Special lighting is not acceptable. (If there is too little light for exposure the scene must be cut or a single lamp be attached to the camera).
5. Optical work and filters are forbidden.
6. The film must not contain superficial action. (Murders, weapons, etc. must not occur.)
7. Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden. (That is to say that the film takes place here and now.)
8. Genre movies are not acceptable.

These limitations definitely limit the power of the medium.  But there have been some great films!  I recommend “The Boss of It All” to see how intriguing and funny a film can be without any effects or fancy lighting.

Script and acting is what matters. So, here’s to crafting a masterpiece!