The MAKE IT SHORT Newsletter

17.04.24 10:37 By Luiz Villar

Vol. 1 Issue 3 • APRIL 15th, 2024

The MAKE IT SHORT

Newsletter

Vol. 1 Issue 3 • APRIL 15th, 2024

DIOGO BRÜGGEMANN

CenterFrame Team

Whe all films were short films

In the early days of cinema, all films were indeed short films. These short films, typically lasting only a few minutes, were a novelty and a form of entertainment in their own right. From the first moving images in the late 1870s until the turn of the century, most films were only one to three minutes long, but that slowly grew to an average 15 minute long duration, corresponding to the duration of a single reel, determined by playback speed and various factors. However, the landscape of cinema underwent a significant transformation in 1913 with the release of the monumental blockbuster "Quo Vadis." This epic two-hour production not only shattered the previous constraints of film length but also set forth ambitious goals for the industry. Sure, the world had seen longer films prior to that, like the first ever narrative feature film, the 60-minute “The Story of the Kelly Gang” from 1906, but it took some time for them to become the norm.

Must See

So, to celebrate a time when there were only short films, let’s shine a light on some of the most iconic and influential works of the early period of cinema. Nothing better to start like the unforgettable “A Trip to the Moon”, by the French father of filmmaking, Georges Méliès. As one of the earliest examples of narrative filmmaking, this 1902 sci-fi gem showcased the potential of cinema as a medium for imaginative storytelling and captured the public's imagination, cementing its place as a timeless classic and inspiring generations of filmmakers to come.

A TRIP TO THE MOON - Directed by George Méliès

It is almost impossible to talk about the early days of filmmaking without mentioning Edwin S. Porter’s 1903 The Great Train Robbery. It is widely considered one of the earliest narrative films to successfully establish continuity of action, pioneering techniques such as cross-cutting and parallel editing to tell a cohesive story. Its success marked the transition of film from a novelty to a legitimate form of storytelling, laying the foundation for the future of the medium.

THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY - Directed by Edwin S. Porter

CenterFrame short film winning awards

Thrilled to share the incredible news that CenterFrame funded short film 'Opening Up' has won the Best Narrative Fiction Short award at the Northampton Film Festival last March! Huge thanks to the festival organizers and judges for this honour, and endless congratulations to CenterFrame members, Producer Guy Lindley, director Oz Arshad, and screenwriter Lorna Riley! The film was second place in our Get It Made competition, you can learn more about CenterFrame funding opportunities in our website.

A short film masterclass

"Madre," a 2017 short film directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen (Jury President at Cannes Critics' Week this year), is one of those films that have it all. This drama captivates audiences with its gripping narrative and intense emotional depth through a mother's harrowing phone conversation with her young son, who is alone on a beach and unable to find his father. With masterful storytelling and superb performances, Sorogoyen explores themes of fear, desperation, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness in the face of danger. Its success, winning the Goya Award for Best Fictional Short Film and was nominated for the for Best Live Action Short Film at the 91st Academy Awards, helped turn it into a feature film only two years after being released.

MADRE - Directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen

MAKE IT SHORT: time for some horror!

Fancy some jump scares? This time, we have curated a diverse selection of short films from various places and backgrounds, all aiming to send shivers down our spines. The horror genre has long been a gateway into the film industry, attracting both audiences and budding filmmakers, and several successful filmmakers have started with horror films, a lot of times in the short format. So take some time to watch our talk and interviews with four talented emerging directors who love some scary stories!