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A short film (also short or short subject) is a motion picture that is
shorter than the average feature film. Definition of maximum length vary
from 40 minutes (AMPAS rule) to about 80 minutes. The short-form film is to the full
length film what the short story is to a full-fledged novel.
The short film, in theatrical environment usually shown prior to the feature, is usually less complex and covers only one main
or a limited number of narrative arcs and threads. Most films of this genre focus on one character or show one special incident.
The structure often resembles that of a Joke or stories usually told by Word of mouth. The short film is able to focus on difficult topics full-length
films usually avoid. Its filmmakers benefit from larger freedoms and can take higher risks with their films.
The genre itself splits into several sub-categories, mainly:
Today short films are usually shown on dedicated short film festivals rather than prior to features (a habit Pixar seems to change). They are popular as first steps into the cinematic art among young filmmakers and with the
advent of broadband internet connections increasingly popular among users outside the traditional short film scene. That film
makeing becomes cheaper and cheaper (with prosumer or semi-professional cameras costing under USD 3000 and any PC can do video
editing and post-production including DVD authoring with free or low-cost software
programs.
The roots of the short film genre lie deep in cinematic history itself. The earliest examples of motion pictures were short
films. The first shows of the brothers Lumière
were merely a few minutes long. It took several years until the multi-reel film and later the full-length film took over.
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