Online Screening
http://www.triggerstreet.com/gbase/Trigger/Homepagee
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/
http://www.lovefilm.com/welcome/home.html
http://mubi.com/
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/1350979/
http://www.futureshorts.com/
http://www.virginmediashorts.co.uk/
http://www.vimeo.com/
What sorts of films are exhibited at these sites and where do they come from?
Most of the films on these sites are sent in from both professional, amateur and budding film makers. Sites like Virgin Media Shorts (which is supported by the BFI) get their short films through competitions. The entries and winners are then displayed on the website. Other sites like LoveFilm exhibit movies online for rental purposes and are distributed by the film's studio.
Some of the entries that are exhibited on Virgin Media Shorts:
Blind Luck (2010):
The Black Hole (2008):
Mixed Tape (2009):
Is there a relationship between the institution exhibiting the short and its producers?
In some cases no, because sites like YouTube and Vimeo are only used to display the videos/shorts and have no personal connection to the institution uploading them - anyone can upload to these sort of sites. However, there are channels especially for short films, for example, Future Shorts.
The BBC Film Network on the otherhand may have connections with the producers, etc because they have had to have gained recognition to have their work published on the site.
Example of a short funded and produced by the BBC Film Network:
Where Have I Been All Your Life? (2009)
Script by George Kay
Starring Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton and James Corden.
Music by Passenger:
More from the Director:
Produced by Idiotlamp and financed by BBC Films, BBC Film Network and BBC Comedy.
Who are the audiences?
Their can be a wide range of audience; from talent scouts/agencies/producers/critics, etc to film students/people who have an interest in (short) films, etc.
What is the submission process?
Below is the submission process for Virgin Media Shorts:
Initial Stage
Submit your film (your film can be up to 2 min 20 seconds) online at virginmediashorts.co.uk. We can send you an email alert once we launch our 2011 competition so make sure you submit your information..
We'll look to showcase all the competition entries on the website.
Second stage - long list
Next, we'll long list a number of films. If you're one of them, we'll let you know and you will need to provide your work in its highest quality, as set out in the Film Spec. We will also double-check your film clearances at this point, too. You will need to have your rights forms (actors, locations and music) ready at this point to progress in the competition.
Third stage - final shortlist
This bit is all about getting your work on the big screen in hundreds of cinemas nationwide. In the final stage, we will select 12 films to contend for the Grand Prize. Each of the 12 films will be transferred to 35mm print and shown in independent cinemas and the Picture House network nationwide, ready to be watched by millions of cinema-goers across the country. If selected, your film will be on the big screen for 12 months, starting in September, so it's important that your original film master can be transferred technically and cinematically to the cinema screen.We may also show your short film:
- On TV on Demand, alongside 500 blockbuster films
- On mobile phones or handheld devices
- On the internet, both through internet TV and by downloading it from the site
- Other places we think you might benefit from extra exposure
Fourth stage - Awards (Prizes)
There will be two prize-winners picked from the 12 films:People's Choice:
We'll give power to the people, and ask the great British public to vote for their favourite film of the 12 shortlisted online. Get your friends and families behind you or simply let your work speak for itself!
The Grand Prize:
A panel of judges, including industry experts, actors and directors will select one film maker from the 12 shortlisted to win the Grand Prize. That's the winner of £30,000 film funding and the chance to work with the British Film Institute (BFI) and Virgin Media to make a short film.
The 'razzle dazzle' Awards Ceremony:
Of course, no competition would be complete without the glitz and glamour of an award ceremony. Ours will take place in November in London and we'll announce the winners then. Start planning your red carpet arrival right away!
Fifth stage - winners, claim your prize
If you were the People's Choice, we'll contact you after the Awards Ceremony to arrange your prize.If you won the Grand Prize, Virgin Media and the British Film Institute (BFI) will get in touch to sort out funding and help you work out your next idea.
What are the benefits to having a film screened on one site as opposed to another?
Having your short film screened on sites such as YouTube or Virgin Media Shorts will have more of an advantage at recieving more views because they are more popular than video sites such as atom.com. Sites like BBC Film Network, however, will also have a benefit over most of the sites because its professional and reliable.
What is the implication of shorts being offered alongside features for direct download at sites such as MUBI?
- They can be accessed on-demand
- They're reliable
- They could apply to a bigger market
What have you noticed about the stucture/style of the sites and their presentation of the material?
You often have to sign up to an account with sites like LoveFilm asking for a monthly paid subscription.
I can't comment on MUBI's structure/style/presntation without signing up.
LoveFilm has an easy navigational structure with drop down menus that organizes movies easily, such as genre and newly releases.
Again, BBC Film Network and Virgin Meida Shorts also has good navigational structures.
All seem to include details about the film, such as duration, cast and directors, etc.
