Reasons to Make One Minute Films

Minimal production time is one good reason to make a one minute film. This is especially true for those who shoot on digital video. If there is a script involved, it is usually very short. Short scripts make it easier for actors to remember their lines. Unscripted one minute films are based off of an initial concept and then improvised most of the time. Lots of footage is not needed since it is a short concept.

This allows the production to move faster. The one minute short, Lighten Up was shot in less than 3 hours. The production time included various set ups and quick rehearsals. It would take most of the day to shoot a longer short or a feature film scene. If much is not required in the story, one minute films can be shot very quickly. They can even be completed within one minute. Filmmakers can make one minute films that consist of one shot. The possibilities are endless.

One minute films are very inexpensive to produce. This is a great reason to make a one minute film. It will enable a filmmaker to have something under his or her belt while planning a longer film production. Independent filmmakers can find actors to volunteer their talent. By having volunteer actors, filmmakers can spend the production money on other areas of the budget. If you have your own editing system, the only cost that you may incur is for videotape or film. Digital video is less expensive than film, so it may be the better way to go. One minute films can be made for less than $30.

The internet offers vast opportunities for filmmakers to exhibit their one minute films. Since they are cheaper to make and only last one minute, film festivals may not be the best route for exposure. Unless the one minute film is very innovative, filmmakers can rack up hundreds of dollars in film festival fees alone. It may not be worth the expense to submit to tons of film festivals. One minute films can be exposed to a wide audience on the internet, free of charge. The chance of exposure is a good reason to make a one minute film.

There are numerous video related websites that will host and stream one minute films. Some of them have dedicated viewers or members who return frequently to view new videos. Filmmakers can upload their films on websites such as Youtube, Myspace, Yahoo and Google. Some websites offer and opportunity to generate revenue from the film. These websites include Revver, Eefoof and Metacafe. Filmmakers should choose the website that will work best for their film.

Some websites offer a higher opportunity for exposure than others. The short, Lighten Up was viewed about 14 times over a month while in the viral video section on ifilm.com. After moving the movie to Youtube, it was viewed over 200 times. It may also take several attempts to find the right outlet for a particular movie. In the case of Lighten Up, it has recently been submitted to Independent Exposure. Therefore, it may be best for it to not be online. For films that are online, they have the chance to be seen by thousands of viewers. "Google Earth: Buttcrack" by Nalts has been viewed over 200,000 times. While this video is not in the short film category, it is available online. The Google Earth: Buutcrack video is an example of how great online exposure can be.

The ability to have a demo is another good reason to make a one minute film. Filmmakers can use one minute films as a demo to show to potential employers. One minute films can also be used as a demonstration piece when securing locations or borrowing video equipment. Hollywood gatekeepers and other film supporters are more inclined to watch a one minute film, than the entire first half of a feature film. Time is limited. One minute films enable filmmakers to get their message across quickly and effectively.