History of Short Film

In 1895 the Lumiere brothers, recorded the first piece of visual footage, even thought it lacked sound and everything we as a 21st century society are used to, due to being created. Nonetheless, it was the birth of film as they knew it.

In this modern day and age, we are used to films being 120 minutes long, (a common feature length time) therefore making "Sortie D'lusine" by the Lumiere brothers, not only the first film in history, but the first short film too. The short film industry began to grow, within a number of years, short films being presented had become a common event within society, however before a few years had passed, the technological advancements had gone so far that techni-colour had been used within the film of "The Wizard of Oz" in its entirety. Once this huge advancement in technology had taken place, even thought Hollywood had been around and was already a booming industry, this film gave Hollywood a re-birth, sending its success sky high. Therefore putting the making and success of Short film into a steep decline.

Along with the success of Hollywood, cinemas grew extremely popular and due to the fact that films of a full feature length were created, people were less likely to pay money to see a short film with a possibility of having some artistic content which would obstruct the passive audiences mind. Cinemas contracted all films to be no longer than 100 minutes so that they could have two hour blocks, to get the people in, buy food, watch the film, toilets and leave. This process allowed for quick turn over.

Hollywood currently see short film as a cut price lab for experimentation and innovation. Whereas in the past, companies would force owners of short films to sell their short film idea to big companies, this was call Block Booking and eventually made illegal. Short films are also seen as a way of finding new and interesting filmmakers.

Throughout this struggle of trying to survive alongside a booming industry like Hollywood, Short film has survived and is currently starting to create its own industry and idea of film making. Short films are not only made by inspiring film directors, but also by, artists, protest groups, video activists and other people wishing to present their ideas or theories to the world.