Where can people find short films?

Short films are not as popular as longer films that people generally go to the cinema to watch. Not as many people are aware about how to access short films, and so I have conducted some research into this area.

Here are some links to short film websites:

http://www.film4.com/minisite/short-films

This site constantly host competitions for short films, where the judges look particularly for fresh, innovative and creative products. They do not generally develop films for a family audience, and offer plenty of advise for aspiring filmmakers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/

On this site, aspiring filmmakers can browse a variety of short films, watch documentaries and case studies that look at the process of filmmaking and building a career, and also have access to their very own filmmaking guide.

The screenshot on the left shows one of the panels on the homepage. This shows filmmakers all the best tips in the industry, offering advice as to the best 'horror movie blood' and how to 'decapitate' for a horror movie. These are all things that filmmakers will find useful.



This site is an online platform for short films, and ensures that films can be submitted at any time all year around. Unfortunately they are undergoing a few difficulties in accordance with their future at the BBC, but they are still assuring filmmakers to consider them as a viable online platform to showcase new projects.




http://www.channel4.com/search/?q=short+films






This site does not make it very clear how to submit new films, though it is linked to the very first link included on this post - Film4. However, I was able to find this list of short films which are available at any time for people to watch online. 

http://www.thesmalls.com/

This site is similar to the BBC Film Network's website in that they offer short films for people to watch, video tutorials, and new additional forums and such that they are in the process of developing.

As shown in the screenshot of the 'LAUNCH PAD', people will soon be able to apply for production grants to help fund their projects.
























http://vimeo.com/groups/shortfilms

This website is another site on which people can watch short films. They can browse a range of different genres, and discuss different filmmaking topics or opinions on forums available on the website.





On these websites, people can browse short films and share them with friends. Via the Internet is one of the main ways in which people can access short films.

Another method would be to visit websites such as the ones below which give details of annual Film Festivals that take place around the country. Visiting a film festival is another way in which people can access short films. It is also a way for budding directors to try and get their work entered into a festival for viewing.

The Nottingham Film Festival http://www.bangshortfilmfestival.com/

This website is supported by many different partners and sponsors including skillset, broadway, Film City Productions and City Arts. They offer information about previous festivals and the entries that were selected, as well as updates and information about upcoming festivals.

This is one of the panels on the homepage. As you can see it is easy for people to view the submission guidelines before they download an entry form. The contact details are also provided so that people can get in touch with the organisers if they have any questions or problems. As with most organisations now, these organisers are available on Twitter to allow for convenient and up to date news.






The London Film Festival http://shortfilms.org.uk/

Updates for this film festival are available on Vimeo, Flickr, Facebook and Twitter to allow for convenient, fast updates too. They have contact details displayed at the bottom of the main page so that people can contact them easily, and there is information to give advice on submissions.


A lot of these film festivals and short film websites showcase local talent and that of aspiring film producers/directors. It gives anyone and everyone a chance to find out about what funding is available, how they can transfer their ideas from the page to the big screen, and where they can exhibit their product when it is finished.

*Below is some submission information for people who would like to enter their films into the London Film Festival: