Research - History

The very first films were presented to the public in 1894 through Thomas Edison's Kinetoscope device, used for individual viewing. The most intriguing film from this time period is argued to be the Lumiere brothers' 'Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat', 1895.

Most early films imitated other Victorian modes of entertainment. Things such as magic lantern shows, illustrations, variety acts etc. were part of the norm of 'short' entertainment.

In the early 1900's, technology in filming and editing had improved which ultimately allowed film makers to produce longer, multi-shot films. One of the most memorable 'longer-shorts' is Edwin S Porter's 'The Great Train Robbery' (1903) which was celebrated as the first western genre of film.

From 1910 onwards, audiences demanded filmmakers to make longer, multi-reel films. One film which has gone down as the first ever feature film was DW Griffiths' Klu Klux epic, 'Birth of a Nation' (1915).

Features were regarded as more respectable than shorts. Features could draw in better paying, more middle-class audiences. This allowed funding for the constructions of 'picture palaces' over the next three decades.

However, even though longer-length features had taken the lead in film, short-films were still popular as propaganda pieces showing British servicemen actively fighting the war.

Even though shorts had fallen behind feature-length films, many filmmakers first started experimenting with them in the 1920's and still to this day use shorts as a way to break into the film industry. One of the most popular really-shorts was Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dal's, Un Chien Andalou (An Andalusian Dog) made in 1929.

The Nineties was a revolution decade for short film makers. New technology including digital and recording equipment were introduced to many aspiring film makers. The biggest demand has come from audiences over the internet. Users on the internet demand short bursts of entertainment. YouTube now is by far the most popular viewing platform for users to view new shorts.

The internet is also proving popular for short film makers who can't afford to distribute their films on DVD. Cindy Rose (executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Mendia) says the biggest benefit to film makers is the fact they can use the internet to freely post their films online. The potential view count can reach into the millions, allowing aspiring filmmakers to be recognised and potentially rise-up into the ever growing film industry.

Some of the biggest feature length film directors today such as Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino started their highly successful careers with the creation of short films.

Martin Scorsese:

Martin Scorsese is one of the most renowned directors in the history of film. His films are known for their Sicilian-American Identity, modern crime and gang conflict. Some of his most memorable films include Goodfellas, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Departed, Taxi Driver and many other highly acclaimed films.

Scorsese started his career with various short films. His first short was called 'Vesuvius VI' which involves a miniature set in Ancient Rome which was also inspired the popular television series '77 Sunset Strip'.

Another short Scorsese did was 'The Big Shave'. The Big Shave is a metaphor for the Vietnam War.

Christopher Nolan:

Christopher Nolan not only writes his own films, but he also has adapted his own directing style which is unique to him. Nolan has written and directed many memorable blockbusters such as Inception, Interstellar, Memento and the highly successful Batman trilogy.

He first started his career with his notable short film 'Doodlebug'. Doodlebug consists of an anxious and paranoid man trying to kill a small bug-like creature. It is later revealed that the bug is actually a smaller version of himself.

Quentin Tarantino:

Quentin Tarantino. The master of violence. Quentin began his career in 1980 when he wrote and directed his first short (which later became a feature) 'My Best-friend's Birthday'. The script was originally 30-40 pages long, but later Tarantino changed the script to 80 pages to carry it on as a full-length feature. They shot the film on 16mm. The original cut was 70 minutes long, but due to a fire only 36 minutes of the film remain. This cut has been shown at various film festivals.

Quentin Tarantino has now become one of the most iconic and successful directors ever. He has written and directed films such as Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Django Unchained, Inglorious Bastards and many other successful pieces of work.