Studio

What Makes a Great Short?

5/1/2009 at 12:41 PM by Christine Vachon

For inspiration, here are a few of our favorite short films at Killer, and why.

DEATH TO THE TINMAN
Unique and hilarious, this is a perfect example of how to maximize a low budget and non-actors. Wide, epic story made possible by a voice over and hand-made effects rather than trying to use VFX. Voice over and constant musical score provide a perfect match for the ‘fable’ quality that gives the film a true sense of originality.

Watch Death to the Tinman in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

BEFORE DAWN
This is a perfect example of visual storytelling. With no dialogue, the film manages to tell both a personal story and make a topical statement – all on an epic scale. It’s also a good example of how to maximize your budget for storytelling. By shooting the film in one shot, there are no superfluous narrative moments and the budget and shooting days are kept to a bare minimum.

CROSSBOW
Really excellent and original use of voiceover. Doesn't get bogged down in dialogue. Great visual storytelling. The slow-boil pace creates tension while allowing for the examination of two perspectives simultaneously; both the narrator's perspective and his imagined perspective of the boy. Simultaneously what is revealed is a more complex and nuanced picture of the short's central event, as the narrator's perspective matures with the viewer. Most importantly though, this film achieves elicits both a sombre and humorous reaction.

I LOVE SARAH JANE
Another coming of age story, but successfully adds elements of genre without making it too obvious. No need for explanations in dialogue – the visuals set the scene perfectly. Good use of budget where it matters to immediately establish the ‘world’ of the story before getting into the drama of the characters.

SOFT
Topical, brutal and in your face. Story-wise, it’s a very simple yet effective character arc that takes the viewer by surprise. Visually, it uses three different formats to give varied perspectives of the events taking place. The pace picks up momentum throughout, like a heartbeat getting faster.

TWO CARS, ONE NIGHT
Coming of age stories are often used as basis for short films, and this is one of the best. The film uses restricted locations and a simple story to its advantage- very simply, it’s a boy meets girl story. It is also a good example of how comedy can be subtle and charming without having to resort to a punch-line.

two cars, one night from kofe on Vimeo.

SPIDER
Simple story with an element of shock value. Spider does what any compelling narrative short tries to - sets viewers expectations and then completely subverts them - in this case with a particularly visceral and ultimately hilarious climax.

NEW BOY
In a short amount of time New Boy manages to say something profound and yet also do it in a light hearted manner. Flashbacks are used perfectly and always related back to the events in the present. It delivers a message without being preachy and perfectly balances comedy and drama.Watch the film here.