Research into short films

i really enjoy this short animation film it's got a message of bullying and i like the way the creator has a child to talk over as the smaller dinosaur as i think i keeps the message of the short evident.

I thought it would be a good idea to look at some short films that could be a possibility for my final piece and some that will/may not. I think this one will be one that i will not produce. But i feel that it's a beneficial to my research, as i can see what other ideas are already out in the short film world.

Brainstorm - ideas

What is Rico clustering?

"Clustering is a technique similar to mind-mapping. It's a powerful brainstorming tool for writers - both creative and non-fiction - and can help you develop ideas into stories, articles or blog posts... Clustering can help writers to make their creative right and analytic left brain hemispheres work together. During the clustering process, the right hemisphere runs wild. When reviewing the cluster, the left hemisphere puts the ideas in order and turns them into a coherent text."

^explains what clustering is.

What Do You Need To Cluster?:

•a big sheet of paper (plain works best),
•pens in different colours and
•at least 10 minutes without interruptions - the longer the better.

How Do You Cluster?:

•Write a word in the middle of the sheet of paper and circle it.
•Write down the first thing that comes to mind next to it, circle it and connect the two circles with a line.
•Write down the next thing you associate either with the word in the middle or your first association. Draw a line to the circle it is connected to.
•Keep repeating this process. As you add more words and phrases, you might find that they connect to more than just one circle. Draw lines to all circles.
•Don't censor your associations. Write down anything that comes up.
•By adding words and phrases and linking them to other circles, you will create a web of connected ideas.
•Once you filled the page or when you feel you've put down enough associations, review your cluster.
Mark ideas that belong together in the same colour, cross out ideas that don't seem to be related to anything else and identify the order in which you want to present the ideas.
This is essentially an outline of your story or article.

This process is slightly longer than mind mapping.

http://www.xomba.com/clustering_brainstorm_and_develop_writing_ideas

what is Mind mapping?

"A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing."

^ shows what a mind map is.

Tony Buzan suggests using the following guidelines for creating Mind Maps:

1.Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.
2.Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.
3.Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
4.Each word/image is best alone and sitting on its own line.
5.The lines should be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
6.Make the lines the same length as the word/image they support.
7.Use multiple colors throughout the Mind Map, for visual stimulation and also to encode or group.
8.Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.
9.Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.
10.Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

For me Mind Maps are easier than a rico cluster although both have benefits i think i will use Mind maps to channel my thoughts.

Black hole

This was one of the first short films that i looked at. I really really enjoyed this short. The idea of the short is great and kept I for one wondering what i could do if i found a black hole.

In connection with the short i want to produce, i don't believe that i will be creating a piece like this one due to
1. Lack of Skills
2. Different feel than i would like to create.

Pixar short films

I had a look at some of Pixar's short animation films and here's a bit about them...


Pixar Animation Studios is an American CGI animation film studio. The studio has earned twenty-four Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and three Grammys, among many other awards, the studio has also made around $5.5 billion worldwide.

Pixar have also made a vast amount of short films.
These include:
Partly Cloudy (2009)
BURN-E (2008)
Presto (2008)
Your Friend the Rat (2007)
Lifted (2006)
One Man Band (2005)
Jack-Jack Attack (2005) - personal favourite
Boundin' (2003) - personal favourite
Mike's New Car (2002)
For the Birds (2000)
Geri's Game (1997)

http://www.pixar.com/shorts/index.html

Final AS Piece

This is the Final Product from AS, i will be using this to evaluate my progress in the course

My brief

I chose brief 10 which is a short film here are the requirements


A short film in its entirety, lasting approximately five minutes, which may be live action or animation or a combination of both, together with:

• a poster for the film
• a film magazine review page featuring the film

On the brief page the short film brief was also put up with some links to helpful sites. i think I shall put them up here so you can also look at them.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/ - to help classify my short
http://www.futureshorts.com/ - This is helpful to get an idea of other shorts.
The "Art" of Short Film - This is an online essay style page about Short films

I look forward to making my Short film as the subject matter is so vast.