What makes a good short film?

There are no hard-and-fast rules as to what makes a good short film but after researching various tips and advice on the best ways to make a short film we decided that these were the most important to consider:


An Exciting & Original Idea

Original ideas are not easy to come-by but a good way of avoiding clichéd ideas is to watch lots of other short films, look out for any trends and stay clear of them. Even if your idea isn't completely original try to look at the subject matter from a different angle or using a different style/technique. If you're struggling for ideas, you could try to find inspiration in your experiences or those of the people that you meet or through the stories that you read in newspapers, magazines and online

Exciting New Techniques & Style

Even an average plot can be made intriguing by an exciting new technique or style - whether it be a new kind of animation, camera work or art direction. Try experimenting and developing your own style. Note – having said that, beware of style over substance.

I found a few quotes that were a responses from Waikato Polytechnic Students, Hamilton, New Zealand. These quotes i felt were important to keep in mind when coming up with our narrative and style of filming:

• 'Similar to a short story. Sometimes with a surprise ending.'

• 'An intense piece of time - usually deals with one idea and expresses it fairly directly.'

• 'An expression of an idea on a shorter scale. Often expressive and tends towards the abstract. An idea that is complete in itself.'