Audiences

It had generally become the case that short films were increasingly hard to come by. This was due to the fact that they are generally used for showcasing talent, with its sole purpose not for making profit. They were either promoting a cause or theme, or present a chance for up-and-coming actors and directors.

However, in modern times, the Internet has made the short film a lot more easily accessible than previously. The Internet is where short films can get most airing as video/file sharing sites such as Youtube and Limewire make it easier for filmmakers to get their product out. It is also possible on iTunes to purchase and download short films.

When making a short film, you have to appreciate the fact that it is an audience that you will have to look for, rather than expect to attract. Specific targetting is a process that will have to be looked at as it cannot be assumed that viewers will normally be attracted to view a short film, especially when there are not shown in cinemas, and only very infrequently on television as schedule 'fillers'. Where this film could be showcased is at film festivals in the hope that it will be liked, and taken further by a larger corporation which could turn it into a feature length production to give it any chance of making money.

The British Board Of Film Classification, or BBFC, rates films which are shown theatrically. The BBFC give each film a specific rating. These are U (universal), PG (parental guidance necessary), 12a (any person under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult), 15 (viewers must be 15 or older), 18 (18 or older) and R18 (restricted). These ratings are the official and legal film classifications. Local authorities can overrule the BBFC but choose to follow their advice as the BBFC has currently been designated as the authority for certifying video releases.

Each of the classifications would give restrictions to our film and affect the content of it. In order not to marginalise our audience even further, it would perhaps be most wise to target a 15+ audience. Consequently, we will have to abide by the 15 certificate guidelines. This will mean that our film may include reference to sex and violence as long as the film does not dwell on the infliction of pain.

A lower rating of 12a is not out of the question, though it would eliminate most possibilities of references to sex and violence, making it more difficult for tougher, more hard-hitting themes to be dealt with. Similarly, an 18 certificate risks cutting out all those aged 15, 16, and 17.

Our target audience will be older than 15, but be accessible to older viewers as well. For fear of excluding any potential viewers, and with it only being a short film, our target audience can therefore be the average, general cinema-going population; between 15 and 25. This would allow contemporary issues to be tackled that the audience will be able to empathise with.

By Daryl Finch