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7 Painful Lessons Learned While Making My Thesis Film

There's no better classroom than being on set..

It was my last semester in film school but our professors had been preparing us for almost a year for the biggest project we had to make so far. I had written the script for my thesis film almost a year and a half before that time. It was stored away in the depths of my desktop for a while and I pulled it out for our thesis screenwriting class. The 13-minute movie  The Funniest Person Ever  is about a struggling stand up comedian who makes a wish to be...you guessed it...the funniest person ever. Her wish is granted but she soon finds out it's not all its cracked up to be.

The thought “Damn, this is going to be hard but exciting to make“ came about in that same screenwriting class. So that’s where my first piece of advice comes in. I hope you can learn from my lessons below to make your thesis film dreams come true.

 Hearing your own script read aloud by others will shatter the tunnel vision.

1. Don't be afraid of rewrites

All screenwriters know about rewrites. Doing it is dreadful but it helped me weed out the flaws in my script. At a certain point, I was actually excited to do another rewrite in the hopes of making my script better. I never rewrote the entire script from scratch. I just pulled out scenes and replaced them with more empathetic ones. Then, one of my professors brought up table reads. The first round was with my fellow filmmakers. I received great feedback, and did yet another rewrite. Next up was another table read but with actual actors. So I brought in my comedy friends and I was in awe of how well it sounded with a few flaws here and there in the screenplay. Hearing your own script read aloud by others will shatter the tunnel vision, and open your eyes and mind to new possible directions for your script.

2. Record your table reads

My professor introduced the great idea of recording our table reads to me. The table read can come home with you for further analysis if you record it using video or a voice note feature on your smartphone. I only did this once but it did help for another round of rewriting.

3. Reverse the roles

One of my early struggles in the pre-production of my thesis film was casting. My lead role was a male comedian. My lead actor was lacking interest in the project so I reached out to another person I was acquainted with, a young and hilarious lady known on Instagram as Dee Nasty . I was able to get her phone number from my previous lead actor, so I pitched her the idea and she agreed to play the lead role. The male lead was now a female. Best decision I made simply because her skills as a comedienne and actress are amazing and, quite frankly, she made my film funnier. Little did I know that my new lead would bring me issues later in production. (Dramatic music plays)

4. How to get extras and clone them

I needed about 30 extras for my film. The comedy club scenes were going to be the hardest scenes to film. I had to make one location look like four, with a large number of actors in the room. I figured the best way to get more people was to ask people who were already interested in me or my project. I asked the extras to bring friends interested in acting. I asked friends who like acting to come be an extra themselves. I also posted an ad on casting websites. Despite all my outreach, only about 10 extras showed up, which was 20 less than my desired goal. Problematic. I resolved this by making the same person look like multiple people.  I asked my actors to bring an extra piece of clothing, hat, hoodie or jacket and I had them wear the hat or hoodie and grabbed shots from behind. They looked like a whole new group of people.

5. Adapt to the situation

The greatest tool I learned as a filmmaker is to adapt, quickly. Luckily the program director of my film school at City College had invited a filmmaker a few days before shooting who brought up that exact same piece of advice. A man who has made more than five feature films, well-funded, huge cast, big names; he told us “when you're on set and a few pieces of your puzzle are missing, you make it work no matter what, adapt.”

I had a small group of extras, I had one comedy club, and the support of my cousin and friends. I adapted and made it happen. I had promised lunch to all the actors during the comedy club scenes, but I was running out of time. So we pushed through and I gave everyone a $10 stipend. At that point, I was glad 30 people didn't show up.

 I was forced to shoot scenes weeks apart.

6. Use pictures to maintain continuity

My lead actress's career was taking off. I was forced to shoot scenes weeks apart. At one point, there was a month of inactivity during my production phase. I was running out of time and I had to make this film to graduate. I made it, but where I slacked off was on continuity. This is not recommended. Don’t laugh when I say this, but it was the hair. Dee’s hair was always straight in the movie which made it easier, but the differences were the placing of the bun and ponytail, a few strands of hair, and some jewelry. In one shot, her ponytail is higher up with no necklace; in the next it's lower and she’s wearing a necklace. Small details count. Take pictures and write down key aspects of the wardrobe and hair.

7. Use your crew

I love the process and I love the challenge of filmmaking, but I learned the hard way not to be a one-person army. I felt like the weight of world was on my shoulders. I needed an assistant director, a production assistant, and a script supervisor. My friend John and my cousin Erick took on some of these roles on set when they were available. But I learned that I needed more people on the crew side. My instinct was that, the less crew you have, the easier it is to have a grasp of everything. Erick made me aware that I can’t wear all those hats. I don’t even like hats, but you know what I mean. Build a tribe, so that you can film the movie.

What was the best lesson you learned making your thesis film? Let us know in the comments.

Follow Romel Rodriguez on  instagram   @Romelcreates

Editor Patrick Walsh on creating SXSW Film “The Uninvited” with Adobe Premiere Pro

In the sxsw film, “ the uninvited ”, a stranger named helen crashes a house party and claims residence there..

This post was written by Michelle Gallina and originally appeared on the Adobe blo g on March 12th, 2024.

Helen possesses intimate knowledge of the house and its guests, offering revelations during the party that spark drama, comedy, and hidden truths, compelling the homeowner Rose to confront her past, future, and the desire for change.

Editor Patrick Walsh shares how Adobe Creative Cloud tools, including Productions in Premiere Pro and Adobe Frame.io , were invaluable during post production.

“The Uninvited” premiered at SXSW on March 11.

How and where did you first learn to edit?

Editing has been a long, constantly evolving road for me — I got an initial spark as a teenager when I made my own little documentary version of “Dazed & Confused” in iMovie with footage from our last day of high school. I remember feeling an immediate connection to the power of manipulating pictures and sounds to create a third new entity. I really fell for editing while studying film at university. It felt instinctive to me — something just clicked. I was so galvanized by it, that I ended up cutting a lot of my classmate’s films as well as my own, all with a cracked version of an older editing software! Afterwards, spending my twenties as an in-house assistant editor under some of the most talented editors and directors in London felt like a PhD in filmmaking I never knew I needed. It would’ve been hard not to learn something about the process of storytelling when you’re in rooms with people like Jonathan Glazer and Paul Watts (“The Zone of Interest”, “Under The Skin”). I’ve found editing to be a primarily self-taught discipline where you never stop learning no matter how long you’ve been doing it.

How do you begin a project/set up your workspace?

Years as an assistant have ingrained in me the need to be as organized as possible! It’s not sexy or creative, but it’s so vital. It’s really all that separates amateurs from professionals. I’m really strict with myself about clearly labeling folders and bins and everything being in its right place so that I’m not lost or slowed-down by any disorganization once I’m fully immersed in the actual creative process. My feature film workspace is heavily inspired by editors like Eddie Hamilton and Kirk Baxter who’ve been generous enough to share screen grabs of their project layouts. I’ve stolen all their best practices and Frankenstein’d them into a hybrid that feels bulletproof! It’s so important not to just share timelines, but also projects and bin layouts too!

Tell us about a favorite scene or moment from this project and why it stands out to you.

We had an opportunity to bridge the gap between the second and third acts with something completely tonally different to the rest of the film. In the script, there’s an explosive fight between Rose (Elizabeth Reaser) and Sammy (Walton Goggins) who storm off in separate directions, and quite a lot of the immediate fallout that was scripted had to be abandoned due to budget constraints.

One afternoon, I stumbled across Louis Armstrong’s “Sleepy Time Down South” while looking for background party music. I started to build a montage around it with the limited footage we had to fill that moment — and it just worked . It helped solve things emotionally and chronologically, and it subconsciously signposted to the audience that we were approaching the final act. I was able to lean on my experience in music videos to assemble it quite quickly, and not much changed between that first assembly and picture lock. In a film that is so dialogue-intense, where Nadia had such precise intentions for each scene, it was gratifying to show her something that both surprised her and satisfied her emotional intent for that bridge in the story. I think the resolution of that montage is both our favorite moments in the film.

What were some specific post-production challenges you faced that were unique to your project? How did you go about solving them?

I had to be my own assistant on “The Uninvited”. This is the second feature film I’ve worked on where I was assembling in London while the crew was shooting in LA. I relied on our digital imaging technician, Mateo Nikolav, to transcode, sync, and upload the dailies overnight via Frame.io, so they were ready for me to download and organize all of the previous day’s footage each morning. He was working with 6K Sony Venice X-OCN ST files, transcoding down to 2K ProResLT.mov’s, so some mornings there were overlaps in our timings. I still find that doing the ‘boring’ upfront legwork of an assistant for an hour or so each morning is actually a really good way of getting familiar with the footage, but with such an intense shooting schedule (just 15 days), they were capturing so much each day that I was just able to keep up to camera by the skin of my teeth.

What Adobe tools did you use on this project, and why did you originally choose them? Were there any other third party tools that helped enhance your workflow?

I used Productions in Adobe Premiere Pro , which has been a game changer in recent years. I assisted on a feature film a while ago where we’d have to wait 20 minutes for the project just to open, but Premiere Pro Productions allows for an entire feature film to run quickly and smoothly. Premiere Pro has been my go-to NLE for a while now as I feel it can keep up with my speed of thought as I work. There’s very little that gets in the way between an idea in the room and executing it in the timeline. Every now and then, I used Dynamic Link to send a shot to Adobe After Effects for stabilization with the Mocha plug-in, or if there was a fiddly mask or split screen comp that needed a bit more love and attention. Having comps update automatically in my Premiere Pro timeline is an invaluable time-saver — especially on projects where you’re a one-man band and you don’t have the time to constantly export and import tweaked shots.

In addition to using the blazing Frame.io Transfer app to upload and download footage, I used Frame.io to share dailies with Nadia and the producers during the shoot to reassure everyone that they were getting everything despite the tight schedule. I also used it to share my scene assemblies for everyone to watch. By the time we got to the notes stage, it was an indispensable tool that got us all on the same page — Nadia was in New York, I was in London, and the producers were in LA. Being able to leave precise notes on exact frames takes so much ambiguity out of the discussion and leaves no room for misinterpretation. Gone are the days of endless email chains where notes can get so easily lost in the mess. Having the Frame.io extension window open within Premiere Pro is so much more convenient than jumping between an email or PDF and back again.

If you could share one tip about Premiere Pro, what would it be?

I’d say to lean into its customizable aspects as much as possible. Get it to work for you as conveniently as you can, rather than feel like you need to bend to its default settings — make up your own keyboard shortcuts, set up your own export settings, and build your own workspace templates! The less time and brain energy spent thinking about how you’re going to creatively solve a problem rather than just doing it , the more effective, liberated filmmaker you’ll become!

Who is your creative inspiration and why?

I’m always inspired by the ways in which David Fincher and his post team continue to strive and push the form of audiovisual storytelling, even though they’ve been doing this for over 30 years. I admire how they ignore established conventions. Their attitude of “just because this is how something has always been done doesn’t mean it’s how it should be done” is something I try to live up to. They capitalize on technological advances to streamline how they work, and eliminate as much paraphernalia as possible between an idea and its execution — but technology is always driving story and character.

There’s an excellent deep-dive with Kirk and Angus on the bonus features on “The Social Network” blu-ray, which cemented in my mind that editing is what I wanted to dedicate myself to. It’s fascinating to watch their process and hear them talk about approach and methodology. Successful filmmaking is too often distilled down to ambiguous phrases like “magic” or “fairy dust” or "serendipity," but the simple revelation is that it takes a lot of hard work by many skilled craftspeople over a long period of time.

What’s the toughest thing you’ve had to face in your career, and how did you overcome it? What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers or content creators?

Despite a lot of hard work and dedication, “The Uninvited” turned out to be a slower editing process than we originally thought. Nadia and I were carefully fine-cutting each scene from the get-go, and there was quite a bit of experimentation, which I guess for an independent low-budget film wasn’t ideal. I was originally contracted for 12 weeks, which then grew to 16 weeks, then 20. By that point, I think the producers were worried that we were just going to keep going and going indefinitely, so they chose to bring in another set of eyes to get the film over the finish line as quickly as possible.

Todd Zelin came in for three or four weeks and took over, which I can’t pretend wasn’t a kick in the gut, but he really got the film moving in the least-destructive way possible and got things back on schedule. I know it’s quite a common occurrence in this industry, and you’re reassured it’s not personal, but I still felt like I’d let the team down a little by not picture-locking sooner. I actually ended up jumping back into the film after Todd’s time ran out too, and Nadia and I kept chipping away for many more weeks to tend to various scenes she felt still weren’t quite there. In the end, I saw the film over the finish line after all, including overseeing the sound mix with Tristan Bayliss at Gigantic Studios and finalizing the last online touches with CinemaMachina. I’ve now seen firsthand that films aren’t finished, they’re abandoned.

Share a photo of where you work. What’s your favorite thing about your workspace and why?

This is Nadia’s home office that we transformed into a makeshift edit suite. We more than made do with a computer, an external monitor, studio speakers, and a 4K TV. I lived with Nadia and Walton for a couple of months in upstate New York in the depths of winter, which was bitterly cold but a beautiful environment to both live and work in. It had potential “The Shining” vibes, but I was welcomed in with open arms. There was an endless supply of coffee and attention from their dog Lucy, and I was fattened-up on Nadia’s amazing home cooking. I felt more like a member of the family than a co-worker!

Image Source: Patrick Walsh, “The Uninvited” editor

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What is a Video Essay? The Art of the Video Analysis Essay

I n the era of the internet and Youtube, the video essay has become an increasingly popular means of expressing ideas and concepts. However, there is a bit of an enigma behind the construction of the video essay largely due to the vagueness of the term.

What defines a video analysis essay? What is a video essay supposed to be about? In this article, we’ll take a look at the foundation of these videos and the various ways writers and editors use them creatively. Let’s dive in.

Watch: Our Best Film Video Essays of the Year

Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.

What is a video essay?

First, let’s define video essay.

There is narrative film, documentary film, short films, and then there is the video essay. What is its role within the realm of visual media? Let’s begin with the video essay definition. 

VIDEO ESSAY DEFINITION

A video essay is a video that analyzes a specific topic, theme, person or thesis. Because video essays are a rather new form, they can be difficult to define, but recognizable nonetheless. To put it simply, they are essays in video form that aim to persuade, educate, or critique. 

These essays have become increasingly popular within the era of Youtube and with many creatives writing video essays on topics such as politics, music, film, and pop culture. 

What is a video essay used for?

• To persuade an audience of a thesis
• To educate on a specific subject
• To analyze and/or critique 

What is a video essay based on?

Establish a thesis.

Video analysis essays lack distinguished boundaries since there are countless topics a video essayist can tackle. Most essays, however, begin with a thesis. 

How Christopher Nolan Elevates the Movie Montage  •  Video Analysis Essays

Good essays often have a point to make. This point, or thesis, should be at the heart of every video analysis essay and is what binds the video together. 

Related Posts

• Stanley Kubrick Directing Style Explained →
• A Filmmaker’s Guide to Nolan’s Directing Style →
• How to Write a Voice Over Montage in a Script →

interviews in video essay

Utilize interviews.

A key determinant for the structure of an essay is the source of the ideas. A common source for this are interviews from experts in the field. These interviews can be cut and rearranged to support a thesis. 

Roger Deakins on "Learning to Light"  •  Video Analysis Essays

Utilizing first hand interviews is a great way to utilize ethos into the rhetoric of a video. However, it can be limiting since you are given a limited amount to work with. Voice over scripts, however, can give you the room to say anything. 

How to create the best video essays on Youtube

Write voice over scripts.

Voice over (VO) scripts allow video essayists to write out exactly what they want to say. This is one of the most common ways to structure a video analysis essay since it gives more freedom to the writer. It is also a great technique to use when taking on large topics.

In this video, it would have been difficult to explain every type of camera lens by cutting sound bites from interviews of filmmakers. A voice over script, on the other hand, allowed us to communicate information directly when and where we wanted to.

Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses  •  Video essay examples

Some of the most famous video essayists like Every Frame a Painting and Nerdwriter1 utilize voice over to capitalize on their strength in writing video analysis essays. However, if you’re more of an editor than a writer, the next type of essay will be more up your alley. 

Video analysis essay without a script

Edit a supercut.

Rather than leaning on interview sound bites or voice over, the supercut video depends more on editing. You might be thinking “What is a video essay without writing?” The beauty of the video essay is that the writing can be done throughout the editing. Supercuts create arguments or themes visually through specific sequences. 

Another one of the great video essay channels, Screen Junkies, put together a supercut of the last decade in cinema. The video could be called a portrait of the last decade in cinema.

2010 - 2019: A Decade In Film  •  Best videos on Youtube

This video is rather general as it visually establishes the theme of art during a general time period. Other essays can be much more specific. 

Critical essays

Video essays are a uniquely effective means of creating an argument. This is especially true in critical essays. This type of video critiques the facets of a specific topic. 

In this video, by one of the best video essay channels, Every Frame a Painting, the topic of the film score is analyzed and critiqued — specifically temp film score.

Every Frame a Painting Marvel Symphonic Universe  •  Essay examples

Of course, not all essays critique the work of artists. Persuasion of an opinion is only one way to use the video form. Another popular use is to educate. 

• The Different Types of Camera Lenses →
• Write and Create Professionally Formatted Screenplays →
• How to Create Unforgettable Film Moments with Music →

Video analysis essay

Visual analysis.

One of the biggest advantages that video analysis essays have over traditional, written essays is the use of visuals. The use of visuals has allowed video essayists to display the subject or work that they are analyzing. It has also allowed them to be more specific with what they are analyzing. Writing video essays entails structuring both words and visuals. 

Take this video on There Will Be Blood for example. In a traditional, written essay, the writer would have had to first explain what occurs in the film then make their analysis and repeat.

This can be extremely inefficient and redundant. By analyzing the scene through a video, the points and lessons are much more clear and efficient. 

There Will Be Blood  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Through these video analysis essays, the scene of a film becomes support for a claim rather than the topic of the essay. 

Dissect an artist

Essays that focus on analysis do not always focus on a work of art. Oftentimes, they focus on the artist themself. In this type of essay, a thesis is typically made about an artist’s style or approach. The work of that artist is then used to support this thesis.

Nerdwriter1, one of the best video essays on Youtube, creates this type to analyze filmmakers, actors, photographers or in this case, iconic painters. 

Caravaggio: Master Of Light  •  Best video essays on YouTube

In the world of film, the artist video analysis essay tends to cover auteur filmmakers. Auteur filmmakers tend to have distinct styles and repetitive techniques that many filmmakers learn from and use in their own work. 

Stanley Kubrick is perhaps the most notable example. In this video, we analyze Kubrick’s best films and the techniques he uses that make so many of us drawn to his films. 

Why We're Obsessed with Stanley Kubrick Movies  •  Video essay examples

Critical essays and analytical essays choose to focus on a piece of work or an artist. Essays that aim to educate, however, draw on various sources to teach technique and the purpose behind those techniques. 

What is a video essay written about?

Historical analysis.

Another popular type of essay is historical analysis. Video analysis essays are a great medium to analyze the history of a specific topic. They are an opportunity for essayists to share their research as well as their opinion on history. 

Our video on aspect ratio , for example, analyzes how aspect ratios began in cinema and how they continue to evolve. We also make and support the claim that the 2:1 aspect ratio is becoming increasingly popular among filmmakers. 

Why More Directors are Switching to 18:9  •  Video analysis essay

Analyzing the work of great artists inherently yields a lesson to be learned. Some essays teach more directly.

• Types of Camera Movements in Film Explained →
• What is Aspect Ratio? A Formula for Framing Success →
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Writing video essays about technique

Teach technique.

Educational essays designed to teach are typically more direct. They tend to be more valuable for those looking to create art rather than solely analyze it.

In this video, we explain every type of camera movement and the storytelling value of each. Educational essays must be based on research, evidence, and facts rather than opinion.

Ultimate Guide to Camera Movement  •  Best video essays on YouTube

As you can see, there are many reasons why the video essay has become an increasingly popular means of communicating information. Its ability to use both sound and picture makes it efficient and effective. It also draws on the language of filmmaking to express ideas through editing. But it also gives writers the creative freedom they love. 

Writing video essays is a new art form that many channels have set high standards for. What is a video essay supposed to be about? That’s up to you. 

Organize Post Production Workflow

The quality of an essay largely depends on the quality of the edit. If editing is not your strong suit, check out our next article. We dive into tips and techniques that will help you organize your Post-Production workflow to edit like a pro. 

Up Next: Post Production →

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What is a Short Film? The Complete Guide to Understanding Short Movies

In only a few minutes, a talented filmmaker can tap into your wildest hopes, darkest fears, or deepest belly laughs. Short films captivate with fully realized stories told at a breakneck pace.

Like a perfect appetizer before an extraordinary main course, they transport you to new worlds and stay with you long after the credits roll.

So what exactly makes these miniature movies such an indispensable art form? What hidden talents do short films reveal in emerging directors? And how might your next binge-watching session benefit from a round of shorts?

This deep dive explores everything you need to know about the highly concentrated craft of short filmmaking. From sparking emotions in mere minutes to launching Oscar-winning careers, discover the unsung power of stories told in miniature. Because sometimes, the shortest films make the longest-lasting impressions.

Table of Contents

Introduction

A short film tells a complete story with a beginning , middle , and end in a condensed runtime typically under 40 minutes.

While less complex than a feature, short films require all the same creative filmmaking elements – writing , directing , cinematography , editing , and more.

They come in all genres from drama to comedy to documentary and beyond. Festivals like Sundance have special short film categories. Aspiring filmmakers often start with shorts as a resume builder before tackling features.

Whether you want to make one or just study the craft, shorts provide focused lessons in visual storytelling . This guide will explore exactly what defines these petite powerhouses of cinema.

What is a Short Film?

A short film is a motion picture that tells a complete story in a more condensed format than a feature film . Short films are typically under 30 minutes long, with many even shorter than 10 minutes.

They can cover any genre – comedy , drama , horror , documentary , animation , and more. While short in length, short films require just as much creativity, planning, and effort as a full-length production.

Understanding what defines these petite powerhouses of cinema can help you better appreciate the craft. If you aspire to make one yourself, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly – what is a short film , how they differ from other mediums , and how to develop your own winning short .

What is the Standard Length of a Short Film?

While a short film is defined broadly as any film shorter than 40 minutes, there are more specific guidelines defining the ideal standard length for short films intended for viewing in film festivals, on television, or online:

• 1-10 minutes – These ultra-short films get straight to the point. They develop a simple concept, often with few characters and locations. These restrictions require the filmmaker to be incredibly concise in their storytelling. These shorts may feel closer to a single scene than a complete narrative.
• 10-20 minutes  – In this midrange, the story can be more complex. There is time to develop characters, establish multiple locations, and include subplots. But the story still moves briskly. There may just be one clear narrative arc.
• 20-30 minutes  – On the longer end of short films, these start to feel closer to a feature but still employ tight, streamlined storytelling. There are likely distinct acts to the narrative and more time to explore atmosphere or character depth.
• Over 30 minutes – Once you move past 30 minutes, you are entering the domain of medium-length films. At this point, additional acts and subplots can be added to create a sprawling story, even if not feature-length.

So while under 40 minutes qualifies as a short film broadly, you’ll want to tailor the scope of your story to match the target length. A 5-minute experimental short will likely take a wildly different approach than a 30-minute narrative.

How is a Short Film Different from a Full-Length Feature Film?

While short films share many common elements with features, the abbreviated length requires a very different overall approach:

• Shorter, simpler storylines
• Often just one plotline or narrative arc
• May focus on just a single conflict or event
• Less time for extensive character development
• The setting is typically limited to just a few key locations
• Extremely fast pacing with no slow points
• Scenes and sequences distilled down to their essence
• Every line or shot must efficiently advance the story
• Less room for embellishments or atmosphere
• Scripts range from 2-30 pages
• Visuals and performances take priority over dialogue
• Speeches or monologues are used sparingly
• More show-don’t-tell, less room for subtlety
• Can be made with very small crews, even solo
• Shorter shooting schedules ranging from a day to a few weeks
• Requires fewer resources – locations, props, wardrobe, extras
• Tight budgets, often self-funded or crowdfunded

By embracing the constraints of a short runtime, filmmakers must master the art of concise visual storytelling. This provides a great training ground to then expand into features or television.

What are the Different Genres and Types of Short Films?

Just like features, short films can fit any genre. They also include experimental formats that would be hard to sustain for 90+ minutes. Here are some common categories:

• Comedy  – Funny concepts or absurd situations. May involve exaggerated characters.
• Drama  – Serious narratives exploring emotional topics and relationships.
• Horror  – Frightening, suspenseful tales aimed to scare the audience.
• Romance – Stories revolving around love, relationships, and attraction.
• Sci-fi  – Futuristic stories incorporating technology and imaginative science.
• Animation  – Anything from hand-drawn shorts to CGI animation.
• Documentary  – Factual films examining real-world subjects and true stories.
• Interview  – Question and answer sit-downs with interesting personalities.
• Educational  – Informational films explaining concepts, processes or ideas.
• Experimental  – Avant-garde shorts with creative cinematography and editing.
• Travelogue  – Short highlights of interesting locations around the world.
• Music Video  – Elevates a song visually with original narrative material.
• Adverts  – Used for commercial advertising or social issues.
• Trailer  – Promotes an upcoming feature film or series.
• Recap  – Summarizes a longer work of fiction or nonfiction.
• Behind the Scenes – Goes behind the production of another film or show.

There are endless possibilities. Use the short format as a creative sandbox for unique stories and styles.

How are Short Films Different than Sketches, Scenes, or Webisodes?

Short films are often confused with other brief formats like sketches, webisodes, and standalone scenes. Here are some key differences:

• Typically comedy focused
• No formal narrative structure
• Series of disjointed comedic bits
• The primary goal is laughs
• One self-contained scene from a larger story
• No proper beginning, middle end
• May lack context without a larger story
• Meant to showcase acting or writing
• Designed as one part of an ongoing web series
• Episodic storytelling with cliffhangers
• Assumed audience familiarity with characters
• Often lower budget
• Tells a complete narrative within the runtime
• Has defined three-act structure
• Stands alone as a single, self-contained story
• Generally higher production values

So while a short film may contain humor or connect to a larger project, it is designed to function as one unified story with proper cinematic storytelling.

What Makes a Strong Short Film?

Though condensed, short films thrive on the same universal ingredients that make any great film:

Engaging Story

• Has a clear narrative arc and structure despite limited time
• An intriguing concept that hooks viewers immediately
• This may pose an interesting “what if?” scenario
• Strikes emotional chords through characters and events

Memorable Characters

• Even if minimal screen time, characters have distinct personalities and goals
• Strong characterizations and performances
• Flawed, complex characters that experience an arc
• Make every moment on screen count

Immersive World

• Fully realized settings that transport viewers elsewhere
• The atmosphere and tone match the story, even if limited locations
• Cinematic camera work and visual style
• Carefully selected, impactful props and costumes

Cohesive Editing

• No wasted frames, every shot progresses the narrative
• Steady, deliberate pacing to manage runtime
• Smooth transitions and motivated cuts
• Matches visuals to suitable audio and music

Overall Impact

• Leaves a lasting impression on the audience
• Provides catharsis, changes perspective, elicits emotion
• Executes its core concept skillfully
• Feel like you experienced a complete, satisfying story

By maximizing these qualities even with constraints, shorts can resonate as powerfully as features.

How Are Short Films Used Professionally?

Beyond being an art form in their own right, short films also serve many practical purposes:

• As a calling card for aspiring directors and producers
• To secure financing for feature film projects
• To showcase new technologies like CGI or 3D
• As a testing ground for experimental techniques
• For television pilots hoping to get “picked up”
• As viral marketing for brands or larger productions
• As music videos for various musical artists
• Television commercials for products and services
• To convey public service announcements

The contained scope of shorts makes them an ideal medium for honing skills, testing concepts, promoting projects, and conveying focused messages to audiences.

While some achieve notoriety in festivals, most shorts serve as a step in a filmmaker’s career path or marketing campaign rather than the final product. Their role as a training tool for bigger projects earned shorts the apt nickname of “calling card films.”

What are the Key Festivals for Short Films?

For shorts aimed at the festival circuit rather than commercial release, there are a few key events that can launch careers:

• Sundance Film Festival (USA)
• Tribeca Film Festival (USA)
• South by Southwest (USA)
• Clermont-Ferrand (France)
• Cannes Film Festival (France)
• Toronto International Film Festival (Canada)
• Berlin International Film Festival (Germany)
• Venice Film Festival (Italy)
• SXSW Film Festival (USA)
• Aspen Shortsfest (USA)
• London Short Film Festival (UK)
• Short of the Week (Online curation)

Exposure at the major festivals can provide invaluable prestige and opportunities for filmmakers to get noticed by Hollywood executives, producers, and investors. But there are also countless smaller local festivals to consider. Look for festivals that align with your short’s genre or region.

How Can I Make My Own Great Short Film?

If you’re inspired to craft your own cinematic short film , here are some top tips:

Brainstorm Engaging Concepts

• Look for simple “what if” scenarios that spark curiosity
• Find emotional storylines that you connect with personally
• Start with your primary themes or messages
• Identify any interesting visual hooks

Write a Tight Script

• Outline the full narrative before writing dialogue
• Limit characters and locations for production ease
• Include major story beats but cut any fat
• Know your target runtime and pace each scene accordingly

Create a Shooting Schedule

• Plan which scenes will be shot each day
• Factor in location, talent, and equipment needs per scene
• Build in contingencies for delays or complications
• Be realistic about how much can be achieved per day

Hone Your Directing Skills

• Storyboard and shot list key sequences in advance
• Focus your vision on the core emotional impact needed
• Guide performances to be nuanced yet concise
• Know when “good enough” to avoid unnecessary takes

Master Visual Storytelling

• Use camera movement, angles, and lenses to convey the story
• Motivate cuts with matches on action or emotions
• Transition between scenes smoothly
• Use vivid colors, composition, and lighting expressively

Edit Ruthlessly

• Be prepared to kill your darlings for pace and clarity
• Don’t cling to fluff just because you shot it already
• Watch your rough cut with fresh eyes before locking
• Evaluate if each scene progresses the story

With the right concept, an efficient production, and a compelling edit, you can craft an outstanding short film at any budget. Just maintain a razor-sharp focus on visual storytelling.

Short films provide filmmakers with a versatile creative medium unbound by the expectations of commercial features. At their best, shorts can be just as sharply written, emotionally resonant, and visually impactful as a full-length work.

By mastering concise cinematic storytelling, shorts distill the essence of cinema down to its core. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the satisfaction of completing a well-crafted short film makes the demanding process worthwhile.

Just be sure to abide by standardized lengths, leverage the medium’s constraints to your advantage, and above all, tell your story as visually as possible. The most memorable shorts create immersive new worlds and leave lasting impacts, all within a brilliantly condensed package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard length of a short film.

While under 40 minutes qualifies broadly, shorts tend to be 1-30 minutes. 1-10 minutes is considered an ultra-short. 10-20 minutes allows for more complex storytelling. 20-30 minutes gets closer to a feature in structure.

How do you structure a short film narratively?

Shorts require simpler storylines, fewer characters, limited locations, and a fast pace. There is only time to focus on one clear narrative arc rather than subplots. Every line and scene must efficiently advance the story.

Can a short film be its own stand-alone piece?

Yes, shorts are designed as fully self-contained stories, unlike a sketch or scene extract. Shorts have definable three-act structures despite the limited runtime.

What film festivals focus on short films?

Leading festivals like Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, and Toronto all have dedicated short film programs. There are also niche short film festivals like Aspen Shortsfest.

How are short films useful for aspiring filmmakers?

Shorts provide a training ground to develop directing skills on a small scale. Producing a high-quality short as a resume builder can help launch a career in features.

What are the main tips for writing a short film script?

Outline extensively. Limit characters, locations, and dialogue. Focus only on scenes that progress the story. Know your target runtime and pace each scene accordingly.

How can I make my short film stand out?

A great short has an original concept, memorable characters, an immersive world, tight editing, and overall emotional impact despite the constraints of length.

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How Long Should a Short Film Be?

My September One-Year Filmmaking students are screening their thesis films this week and, once again, this issue of length has come up. Although we recommend that students keep their films to 10-15 minutes, many of my students have made films that are 20-25 minutes.

The problem is that film festivals are inundated with hundreds, sometimes thousands of film submissions all competing for a place in, what is in all likelihood, a 2-hour program of shorts. Because festivals often have a cut off of 30-minutes for short films, few of these films get accepted. Film festivals want to help and support as many filmmakers as they possibly can, and accepting a 25-minute film into the festival means the five 5-minute filmmakers are going to be excluded.

Case in point: When my son Bret was 14, he took our summer program for high school students. In that program, he made 3 very short films. The first was 90 seconds, the second 2.5 minutes, and his last film 3 minutes. Although they were very well done for a first-time filmmaker, they were not brilliant. And yet he was able to get each of them into over 10 film festivals.

Food for thought.

-Claude Kerven, NYFA NYC Chair of Filmmaking

Writing a Short Film

The key to writing a short film is to keep it simple. It’s just not possible to squeeze a feature film idea or a particularly complex idea into a short format and do it justice. It’s a bit like trying to squeeze a novel into a short story – they’re different animals.

• Focus on One Core Idea

Multi-layered stories aren’t going to work and neither are stories, which rely heavily on the main character’s back-story. You simply will not have time to explore back-story. It’s also best to avoid subplots, numerous characters, multi-protagonists, expensive set pieces, and stories set in two or more different time periods.

• Scope Your Story

Once you have a basic story idea, there are some questions to be asked and a number of decisions to be made:

• What is the core idea? What is my story about? (Premise)
• Who is it about? (Protagonist)
• What is the genre and style of my screenplay?
• Who or what is giving the Protagonist grief? (Antagonist)
• What is the question of my story?
• Whose POV is the story told from?
• What happens in my story? (Plot)
• How does it happen? (Structure)
• What is my screenplay about thematically?
• How can I convey my plot, action and theme in images?

Try to write your story idea down in a single sentence as in: This story is about a ________ who ________ and ________ but then ________ . #icon-1.g1-icon { color: #55acee; }

Know Your Protagonist

• Know Your Antagonist

An antagonist can take many forms, anything from another character or monster to a force of nature or a council with a new bylaw. It or they is whatever is making the Protagonist’s life difficult.

• Define Your Genre

Ask yourself – what type of film will this be made into? And what will the audience expect from a film in this genre? This is not about crushing experimentation or creativity but more as a reminder to self as you proceed, that your original goal was to write a short screenplay that scared / moved / amused / shocked the audience. When you get stuck, you can go back to this intention to remind yourself of your original goal.

• Define the Tone and Style

You may also like to clarify for yourself what tone and style you have in mind, as this will influence the way you write your action and your dialogue. In the end the tone will be dictated by the director and the performances he/she elicits from actors, but the screenplay still establishes the foundations of the film’s ultimate tone by choices made by the writer in their characters, plot, direction (or big print), symbolism and dialogue.

• Decide on the Point of View

Whose Point Of View (POV) are we seeing this story through? Is it the protagonist or is someone else narrating the story? There are numerous examples of this type of narration – two that spring to mind are “Ray” (d. & w. Tony Mahony) and “Zinky Boys Go Underground” (d.Paul Tickell, w.Adsid Tantimedh).

• Focus on the Central Question

For a great example of a simple, universal story with a simple question, watch the Oscar nominated Two Cars, One Night (Taika Waititi).

• Weaving the Plot

Brainstorm for possible events in the story without censoring yourself. Ask – what could possibly happen to my character given his/her situation? What could he/she possibly do? And then – what might happen as a result of his/her actions? Many elements will influence what happens in your story, including genre, pace and what you’re hoping to elicit from your audience. If you’re writing a comedy and you want the audience to laugh, then some funny stuff should be happening in your plot.

• Reconstructing the Plot

When you’re re-drafting, you may realize that certain plot points or actions just don’t work in the genre you’ve chosen or they don’t illustrate the theme well or distract from the story you want to tell. At this point, you’ll change the plot points to find a more satisfying series of events and actions – and hopefully a more satisfying story.

• Identifying the Theme

In an idea about the man trying to keep his dog – the theme might be loneliness or the desire to be loved. It could even be about the ridiculous nature of bureaucracy. And once you have identified what your story is about on a deeper level it can help you to improve the piece and give it unity by asking – do my images, symbols, music, motifs, scenarios and locations reflect my theme?

Re-writing a Short Film

• Find More Efficient Ways to Convey Information

• Images/Symbolism
• Sound/Music
• Recurring Motif
• Choice of Location
• Effective / Visual Characterization
• Make Every Word of Dialogue Count

Ask yourself – how can I convey this same meaning in fewer words? When you are editing consider the following:

• Is the same thing being said twice?
• Can lines be replaced with an action that conveys the same meaning?
• Is the dialogue telling us something we can see?
• Is verbal conflict moving the story forward or revealing information about the character? If not – why is it there?
• Is the exposition natural or clumsy?
• Is the dialogue true to this type of character?

If your character’s dialogue isn’t moving the story forward, revealing information about them or someone else then it probably needs editing or re-writing.

Tip: Read your dialogue out loud. You’ll very rapidly discover what sounds clunky and long-winded. #icon-2.g1-icon { color: #55acee; }

Take a Break – Then Re-evaluate Your First Draft

• What is the core idea of this script?
• What genre am I in?
• What emotions do I want to create in the audience?

Examine the main character, main and plot points – do they contribute to the core idea of your script? Is there too much back-story? Is all the interesting stuff happening in the past? If so, re-think your core story. What is the story or story element that excites you?

Examine Each Scene

Ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of this scene?*
• Does this scene contribute to the core idea?
• Does this scene end on a question that will lead the reader/viewer into the rest of the story?
• If a scene isn’t working – can I brainstorm another idea for the scene?
• Have I given too much screen time to unimportant or minor characters?
• What is the question posed by the beginning of your story? Does my script answer it? (If your script revolves around a bank robbery, your climax can’t be about the robber’s marriage break up.

*If you can’t answer the question that’s a good indicator that the scene might be redundant.

© Kathryn Burnett 2015

Shortfilm Writing Checklist:

• Who is the Protagonist?

Re-writing a Short Film:

• Take a Break – Then Re-evaluate Your First Draft

Screenplay Checklist

There are 8 common mistakes that can send a script on the reject pile – even if the idea is good. Give your screenplay a fighting chance with this checklist. Read the article or sign up free to download the checklist (and heaps of other free resources) from Filmsourcing members area.

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How to Structure a Short Film – A guide by Ian Kennedy

by John | Feb 18, 2019 | Updates

Feature films tend to get most of the glory among filmmakers, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore short film as a medium! In a new series of Insights articles, Ian Kennedy looks at the benefits of writing in this format. Here, we take a look at how to structure a short film.

In the first article in this series , we looked at why you would want to write a short film – but once you’ve decided to do so, what’s the next stage? There are a lot of advantages to making a short, but how are you supposed to fit a story into such a short number of pages? Well, before you start coming up with ideas, you might actually want to think about how to structure a short film first…

Two vs Three-Act Structure

When writing a feature film, a classic three-act structure is usually the way to go. It basically looks like this:

• Act 1 – Setup. Here you introduce your characters and world, and get the story rolling.
• Act 2 – Conflict. This is where most of the story happens, and where things stand in the way of the protagonist getting what they want.
• Act 3 – Resolution. The characters must overcome the final hurdle, defeat their enemies, and win the day… or lose it.

So for example, in Star Wars , Act 1 sees Luke Skywalker on his home planet of Tatooine, Act 2 has him trying to rescue Princess Leia from the Death Star, and in Act 3 he must defeat the Empire once and for all.

When writing a short film, it’s still a good idea to aim for this structure – but there’s also another alternative. For short films, you can also use a structure that only has  two acts – a structure that doesn’t work for a longer film at all! A story with a two-act structure is quite simple, since it has the same basic structure as a joke:

• Act 1 – Setup…
• Act 2 – Punchline!

In a two-act structure, you basically cut out the middle. You make a promise to the audience in the first act, and then fulfil that promise in the second – this has the advantage of asking them to connect the dots between the two themselves, which makes them involved and ultimately rewards them for being invested.

But whichever structure you use, the real key to writing a successful short is to trust your audience that you don’t have to explain everything to them. Use our unconscious knowledge and expectations to shortcut as much exposition and world-class building as possible.

So in conclusion, when making a short film, you need to match your concept to the structure. You don’t have to use three acts in short format because there’s another option; if your concept is something simple that functions like a joke, with a setup and a punchline, then two acts will also work. And above all, let the audience fill in the bits of the story there’s not enough time for, so that you can keep your short screenplay… well, short !

Take a look at our other Writing Insights articles here for great hints and tips on crafting your scripts!

...Then email us!

Email  [email protected] . Now email your script - in PDF or docx format, up to 130 pages with a coverpage including your contact details (a $0.50 surcharge is due per additional page) - or your book, also stating your name and email address, a short synopsis, and any additional authors. By submitting to us you are accepting our  Terms of Service (see the contest pages for information about these)  and  Privacy Policy (click here) .

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How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips

A film analysis essay might be the most exciting assignment you have ever had! After all, who doesn’t love watching movies? You have your favorite movies, maybe something you watched years ago, perhaps a classic, or a documentary. Or your professor might assign a film for you to make a critical review. Regardless, you are totally up for watching a movie for a film analysis essay.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

However, once you have watched the movie, facing the act of writing might knock the wind out of your sails because you might be wondering how to write a film analysis essay. In summary, writing movie analysis is not as difficult as it might seem, and Custom-writing.org experts will prove this. This guide will help you choose a topic for your movie analysis, make an outline, and write the text.️ Film analysis examples are added as a bonus! Just keep reading our advice on how to get started.

❓ What Is a Film Analysis Essay?

• 🚦 Film Analysis Types

📽️ Movie Analysis Format

✍️ how to write a film analysis, 🎦 film analysis template, 🎬 film analysis essay topics.

• 📄 Essay Examples

🔗 References

To put it simply, film analysis implies watching a movie and then considering its characteristics : genre, structure, contextual context, etc. Film analysis is usually considered to be a form of rhetorical analysis . The key to success here is to formulate a clear and logical argument, supporting it with examples.

🚦 Film Analysis Essay Types

Since a film analysis essay resembles literature analysis, it makes sense that there are several ways to do it. Its types are not limited to the ones described here. Moreover, you are free to combine the approaches in your essay as well. Since your writing reflects your own opinion, there is no universal way to do it.

• Semiotic analysis . If you’re using this approach, you are expected to interpret the film’s symbolism. You should look for any signs that may have a hidden meaning. Often, they reveal some character’s features. To make the task more manageable, you can try to find the objects or concepts that appear on the screen multiple times. What is the context they appear in? It might lead you to the hidden meaning of the symbols.
• Narrative structure analysis . This type is quite similar to a typical literature guide. It includes looking into the film’s themes, plot, and motives. The analysis aims to identify three main elements: setup, confrontation, and resolution. You should find out whether the film follows this structure and what effect it creates. It will make the narrative structure analysis essay if you write about the theme and characters’ motivations as well.
• Contextual analysis . Here, you would need to expand your perspective. Instead of focusing on inner elements, the contextual analysis looks at the time and place of the film’s creation. Therefore, you should work on studying the cultural context a lot. It can also be a good idea to mention the main socio-political issues of the time. You can even relate the film’s success to the director or producer and their career.
• Mise-en-scene analysis . This type of analysis works with the most distinctive feature of the movies, audiovisual elements. However, don’t forget that your task is not only to identify them but also to explain their importance. There are so many interconnected pieces of this puzzle: the light to create the mood, the props to show off characters’ personalities, messages hidden in the song lyrics.

To write an effective film analysis essay, it is important to follow specific format requirements that include the following:

• Standard essay structure. Just as with any essay, your analysis should consist of an introduction with a strong thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The main body usually includes a summary and an analysis of the movie’s elements.
• Present tense for events in the film. Use the present tense when describing everything that happens in the movie. This way, you can make smooth transitions between describing action and dialogue. It will also improve the overall narrative flow.
• Proper formatting of the film’s title. Don’t enclose the movie’s title in quotation marks; instead, italicize it. In addition, use the title case : that is, capitalize all major words.
• Proper use of the characters’ names. When you mention a film character for the first time, name the actor portraying them. After that, it is enough to write only the character’s name.
• In-text citations. Use in-text citations when describing certain scenes or shots from the movie. Format them according to your chosen citation style. If you use direct quotes, include the time-stamp range instead of page numbers. Here’s how it looks in the MLA format: (Smith 0:11:24–0:12:35).

Even though film analysis is similar to the literary one, you might still feel confused with where to begin. No need to worry; there are only a few additional steps you need to consider during the writing process.

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Need more information? It can be found in the video below.

Starting Your Film Analysis Essay

There are several things you need to do before you start writing your film analysis paper. First and foremost, you have to watch the movie. Even if you have seen it a hundred times, you need to watch it again to make a good film analysis essay.

Note that you might be given an essay topic or have to think of it by yourself. If you are free to choose a topic for your film analysis essay, reading some critical reviews before you watch the film might be a good idea. By doing this in advance, you will already know what to look for when watching the movie.

In the process of watching, keep the following tips in mind:

• Consider your impression of the movie
• Enumerate memorable details
• Try to interpret the movie message in your way
• Search for the proof of your ideas (quotes from the film)
• Make comments on the plot, settings, and characters
• Draw parallels between the movie you are reviewing and some other movies

Making a Film Analysis Essay Outline

Once you have watched and possibly re-watched your assigned or chosen movie from an analytical point of view, you will need to create a movie analysis essay outline . The task is pretty straightforward: the outline can look just as if you were working on a literary analysis or an article analysis.

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• Introduction : This includes the basics of the movie, including the title, director, and the date of release. You should also present the central theme or ideas in the movie and your thesis statement .
• Summary : This is where you take the time to present an overview of the primary concepts in the movie, including the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why)—don’t forget how!—as well as anything you wish to discuss that relates to the point of view, style, and structure.
• Analysis : This is the body of the essay and includes your critical analysis of the movie, why you did or did not like it, and any supporting material from the film to support your views. It would help if you also discussed whether the director and writer of the movie achieved the goal they set out to achieve.
• Conclusion: This is where you can state your thesis again and provide a summary of the primary concepts in a new and more convincing manner, making a case for your analysis. You can also include a call-to-action that will invite the reader to watch the movie or avoid it entirely.

You can find a great critical analysis template at Thompson Rivers University website. In case you need more guidance on how to write an analytical paper, check out our article .

Writing & Editing Your Film Analysis Essay

We have already mentioned that there are differences between literary analysis and film analysis. They become especially important when one starts writing their film analysis essay.

First of all, the evidence you include to support the arguments is not the same. Instead of quoting the text, you might need to describe the audiovisual elements.

However, the practice of describing the events is similar in both types. You should always introduce a particular sequence in the present tense. If you want to use a piece of a dialogue between more than two film characters, you can use block quotes. However, since there are different ways to do it, confirm with your supervisor.

For your convenience, you might as well use the format of the script, for which you don’t have to use quotation marks:

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ELSA: But she won’t remember I have powers?

KING: It’s for the best.

Finally, to show off your proficiency in the subject, look at the big picture. Instead of just presenting the main elements in your analysis, point out their significance. Describe the effect they make on the overall impression form the film. Moreover, you can dig deeper and suggest the reasons why such elements were used in a particular scene to show your expertise.

Stuck writing a film analysis essay? Worry not! Use our template to structure your movie analysis properly.

Introduction

• The title of the film is… [title]
• The director is… [director’s name] He/she is known for… [movies, style, etc.]
• The movie was released on… [release date]
• The themes of the movie are… [state the film’s central ideas]
• The film was made because… [state the reasons]
• The movie is… because… [your thesis statement].
• The main characters are… [characters’ names]
• The events take place in… [location]
• The movie is set in… [time period]
• The movie is about… [state what happens in the film and why]
• The movie left a… [bad, unforgettable, lasting, etc.] impression in me.
• The script has… [a logical sequence of events, interesting scenes, strong dialogues, character development, etc.]
• The actors portray their characters… [convincingly, with intensity, with varying degree of success, in a manner that feels unnatural, etc.]
• The soundtrack is [distracting, fitting, memorable, etc.]
• Visual elements such as… [costumes, special effects, etc.] make the film [impressive, more authentic, atmospheric, etc.]
• The film succeeds/doesn’t succeed in engaging the target audience because it… [tells a compelling story, features strong performances, is relevant, lacks focus, is unauthentic, etc.]
• Cultural and societal aspects make the film… [thought-provoking, relevant, insightful, problematic, polarizing, etc.]
• The director and writer achieved their goal because… [state the reasons]
• Overall, the film is… [state your opinion]
• I would/wouldn’t recommend watching the movie because… [state the reasons]
• Analysis of the film Inception by Christopher Nolan .
• Examine the rhetoric in the film The Red Balloon .
• Analyze the visual effects of Zhang Yimou’s movie Hero .
• Basic concepts of the film Interstellar by Christopher Nolan.
• The characteristic features of Federico Fellini’s movies.
• Analysis of the movie The Joker .
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• Analyze the plot of the film Moneyball .
• Explore the persuasive techniques used in Henry V .
• Analyze the movie Killing Kennedy .
• Discuss the themes of the film Secret Window .
• Describe the role of audio and video effects in conveying the message of the documentary Life in Renaissance .
• Compare and analyze the films Midnight Cowboy and McCabe and Mrs. Miller .
• Analysis of the movie Rear Window .
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• Analyze the techniques used by Tim Burton in his movie Sleepy Hollow .
• The topic of children’s abuse and importance of trust in Joseph Sargent’s Sybil .
• Examine the themes and motives of the film Return to Paradise by Joseph Ruben .
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• Analysis of the film Not Easily Broken by Duke Bill.
• The symbolism in R. Scott’s movie Thelma and Louise .
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• The hidden meaning of the scenes in Blade Runner .
• Compare the social messages of the films West Side Story and Romeo + Juliet .
• Highlighting the problem of children’s mental health in the documentary Kids in Crisis .
• Discuss the ways Paul Haggis establishes the issue of racial biases in his movie Crash .
• Analyze the problem of moral choice in the film Gone Baby Gone .
• Analysis of the historical film Hacksaw Ridge .
• Explore the main themes of the film Mean Girls by Mark Walters .
• The importance of communication in the movie Juno .
• Describe the techniques the authors use to highlight the problems of society in Queen and Slim .
• Examine the significance of visual scenes in My Family/ Mi Familia .
• Analysis of the thriller Salt by Phillip Noyce.
• Analyze the message of Greg Berlanti’s film Love, Simon .
• Interpret the symbols of the film The Wizard of Oz (1939).
• Discuss the modern issues depicted in the film The Corporation .
• Moral lessons of Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond .
• Analysis of the documentary Solitary Nation .
• Describe the audiovisual elements of the film Pride and Prejudice (2005) .
• The problem of toxic relationships in Malcolm and Marie .

📄 Film Analysis Examples

Below you’ll find two film analysis essay examples. Note that the full versions are downloadable for free!

Film Analysis Example #1: The Intouchables

Raising acute social problems in modern cinema is a common approach to draw the public’s attention to the specific issues and challenges of people facing crucial obstacles. As a film for review, The Intouchables by Oliver Nakache and Éric Toledano will be analyzed, and one of the themes raised in this movie is the daily struggle of the person with severe disabilities. This movie is a biographical drama with comedy elements. The Intouchables describes the routine life of a French millionaire who is confined to a wheelchair and forced to receive help from his servants. The acquaintance of the disabled person with a young and daring man from Parisian slums changes the lives of both radically. The film shows that for a person with disabilities, recognition as a full member of society is more important than sympathy and compassion, and this message expressed comically raises an essential problem of human loneliness.

Movie Analysis Example #2: Parasite

Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller movie directed by Bong Joon-ho and is the first film with a non-English script to win Best Picture at the Oscars in 2020. With its overwhelming plot and acting, this motion picture retains a long-lasting effect and some kind of shock. The class serves as a backbone and a primary objective of social commentary within the South Korean comedy/thriller (Kench, 2020). Every single element and detail in the movie, including the student’s stone, the contrasting architecture, family names, and characters’ behavior, contribute to the central topic of the universal problem of classism and wealth disparity. The 2020 Oscar-winning movie Parasite (2019) is a phenomenal cinematic portrayal and a critical message to modern society regarding the severe outcomes of the long-established inequalities within capitalism.

Want more examples? Check out this bonus list of 10 film analysis samples. They will help you gain even more inspiration.

• “Miss Representation” Documentary Film Analysis
• “The Patriot”: Historical Film Analysis
• “The Morning Guy” Film Analysis
• 2012′ by Roland Emmerich Film Analysis
• “The Crucible” (1996) Film Analysis
• The Aviator’ by Martin Scorsese Film Analysis
• The “Lions for Lambs” Film Analysis
• Bill Monroe – Father of Bluegrass Music Film Analysis
• Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Film Analysis
• Red Tails by George Lucas Film Analysis

Film Analysis Essay FAQ

• Watch the movie or read a detailed plot summary.
• Read others’ film reviews paying attention to details like key characters, movie scenes, background facts.
• Compose a list of ideas about what you’ve learned.
• Organize the selected ideas to create a body of the essay.
• Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

The benefits of analyzing a movie are numerous . You get a deeper understanding of the plot and its subtle aspects. You can also get emotional and aesthetic satisfaction. Film analysis enables one to feel like a movie connoisseur.

Here is a possible step by step scenario:

• Think about the general idea that the author probably wanted to convey.
• Consider how the idea was put across: what characters, movie scenes, and details helped in it.
• Study the broader context: the author’s other works, genre essentials, etc.

The definition might be: the process of interpreting a movie’s aspects. The movie is reviewed in terms of details creating the artistic value. A film analysis essay is a paper presenting such a review in a logically structured way.

• Film Analysis – UNC Writing Center
• Film Writing: Sample Analysis // Purdue Writing Lab
• Yale Film Analysis – Yale University
• Film Terms And Topics For Film Analysis And Writing
• Questions for Film Analysis (Washington University)
• Resources on Film Analysis – Cinema Studies (University of Toronto)
• Does Film Analysis Take the Magic out of Movies?
• Film Analysis Research Papers – Academia.edu
• What’s In a Film Analysis Essay? Medium
• Analysis of Film – SAGE Research Methods
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Have you ever read a review and asked yourself how the critic arrived at a different interpretation for the film? You are sure that you saw the same movie, but you interpreted it differently. Most moviegoers go to the cinema for pleasure and entertainment. There’s a reason why blockbuster movies attract moviegoers – cinema is a form of escape, a way to momentarily walk away from life’s troubles.

It’s an interesting point of view. Thank you for your opinion, Sourav!

EXCELENT COVERAGE!

Thank you, Mike!

Hi Rebecca,

Glad you liked the post. Sure thing, feel free to share the link with your audience!

All the best.

SHORT FILMS

Watch: animated short doc 'my parent, neal' - a heartfelt conversation.

by Alex Billington March 17, 2024 Source: Vimeo

"I really wish I had done this sooner… As I get older, I'm a little more braver." This wholesome and honest short film features a heartfelt conversation turned into beautiful animation. My Parent, Neal is a 8-min short doc created by filmmaker Hannah Saidiner as a CalArts thesis project. It premiered in late 2021 / early 2022 and is available online now. Created for The New Yorker ( here's the article ), the film is about Hannah's conversation with her father - discussing his late-in-life transition to become who they really are. For most of his life, Neal, a man with a beard and tattoos now, was known as Nina, a schoolteacher and self-described 'mama' to two kids. Hannah explains: "Beginning on our shared birthday, my dad has always been a big and wonderful presence in my life - I'm so happy I get to share him, his story, and our relationship with the world through this film." I would like to see this doc with the real footage, but I like how intimate & personal it is, and all the animation also feels very personal as well. These stories are so important to share.

Thanks to Vimeo Staff Picks for the tip on this. Brief intro to the film via Vimeo : "In the short documentary My Parent, Neal , the director Hannah Saidiner and her parent have a heartfelt conversation about the latter's decision to transition later in life." My Parent, Neal is a film animated and directed by the designer / animation filmmaker based in Los Angeles named Hannah Saidiner - you can view more of her work on her Vimeo page or visit her official website or follow her on IG @hannahmator . It's produced for The New Yorker by Melissa Fajardo, exec produced by Soo-Jeong Kang. With sound design & editing by Judy Kim, and music by Max Sarkowsky. Made at CalArts as a thesis project. It first premiered at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival & played at many others. "I'm really grateful for the amazing festival run this film has had, and was honored to receive awards from Slamdance and an Oscar-Qualifying win at Athens." For more info, visit Vimeo or the New Yorker article and this interview on CreativeFuture . To discover more shorts, click here .

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What is a Short Film? [Complete Guide]

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker looking to make your mark by writing a short film , or just a movie buff curious to learn more about the industry, chances are you’ve heard the phrase “short film” thrown around before. But what exactly is a short film and why would anyone want or need to make one?

Definition of a Short Film

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences , the professional organization responsible for protecting and perpetuating the art of motion pictures, defines any film as “short” if its runtime is less than 40 minutes , including credits. In every other way creatively and professionally, a short film is indistinguishable from its longer-running “feature film” counterpart.

Aesthetically there are no technical differences between a short film and a feature film, meaning they’ll use the exact same processes for casting, production design, lighting, photography, and so forth. The run time is simply shorter!

There’s a variety of reasons filmmakers opt to make short films rather than feature films, but it nearly always boils down to budgetary constraints. The old adage “time is money” is more relevant in filmmaking than just about anywhere; after all, each page of your script constitutes roughly one minute of screen time, and each minute of screen time necessitates longer casting contracts, longer crew hires, longer equipment rentals, and so forth.

Short films, however, play an incredibly vital role in Hollywood beyond simply cost-savings — they also help identify rising or undiscovered filmmaking talents and taking a good short film to great, is where all the magic lies. That’s why you’ll often see film festivals dedicated to short films ( sometimes even short film ads ), or dedicated short film competitions within larger festivals: for up-and-comers on a budget, it’s the best way to increase your visibility and provide Hollywood suits with a sample of your filmmaking prowess.

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Purpose of a Short Film

Whether a short film is funded by a government grant, out-of-pocket by an aspiring filmmaker, or by a network or studio themselves, the overarching goal is the same — to create a concentrated piece of storytelling at a significantly lower cost than a full-length feature film.

Another term regularly tossed around in the moviemaking world is “proof of concept” or a “proof of concept short film,” which is largely synonymous with a short film but has a specific intention or use-case. A “proof of concept” short film is often used by executives or established filmmakers as a way of testing various technologies or styles.

They can also be used, however, as “samples” for what a filmmaker’s vision of a feature film may be. Think of them as extended trailers or prologues, or very high-quality teasers. Amateur or yet-to-be-discovered filmmakers use them in the same way to showcase their talent, eye, and interpretation of a concept or story.

For up-and-comers, short films are also an efficient way to build a bigger portfolio of past works much faster. At the end of the day, the purpose of any short film is simple: to showcase your talent and make the case that you should be entrusted with a larger production that carries a larger budget.

Types of Short Films

Like its feature-length motion picture counterpart, short films come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, meaning they’re just as versatile and accessible as the medium itself. From drama to comedy, animated to live action, short films contain as much wide-ranging potential for style and genre fluidity as the larger medium.

Short films can also range dramatically in their runtimes, just as feature films do. To be considered “short” they have to be less than 40 minutes long (including credits), but otherwise they can be as short as 2 minutes, as long as 40 minutes, or anywhere in between. Whatever best suits your story and/or goal!

Similarly, short films typically fall into three major categories, just as feature films do:

1. Narrative Short Film

This, like any traditional plot-based piece of storytelling, is often fictional and scripted to present a dramatized version of a story. In other words, it is a “normal” movie with a shorter runtime. The best examples of these would be the live action and animated short film categories at the Oscars each year.

2. Documentary Short Film

A nonfiction and subject-focused film that presents an authentic exploration of a topic, person, place, or theme, just as feature documentaries do. Great examples of these are also featured as part of the annual Oscars nominations.

3. Avant-Garde Short Film

This is a very “film school” way of describing a more experimental, stylistic, or abstract motion picture that’s less focused on story or themes and more focused on mood, tone, and aesthetics. Although “avant-garde” is a largely subjective term, this type of short film is typically reserved for teasers, sizzle reels, proofs of concept, and other needs within the industry.

These are simply labels, however, and like everything in the arts, they’re best thought of as general definitions rather than hard and fast rules. There’s ultimately no “wrong” version of a short film, so long as it helps you accomplish your filmmaking goals and stays under a 40-minute runtime. The rest is up to you!

A short film is defined first and foremost by its brevity. Although they come in many sizes, use cases, and genres, their goals are almost always the same: spend less than on a feature film,  gain professional visibility, and practice telling smaller, more concentrated stories before graduating into feature films.

Looking for tools to plan a short film? With tools for narrative ideation such as a script editor and storyboards, sign up for Celtx and get all studio tools free for your first 7 days.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to present a unique vision or win over a competitive project, or you’ve just gotten your first camera and are looking for a way to hone your skills and get noticed, short films are an essential part of the filmmaking lifeblood no matter your age, credentials, or experience.

Andrew Stamm is based in London with his wife and dog. He spends his working time as Partner and Creative Director at Estes Media, a budding digital marketing agency, and performs freelance scriptwriting services on the side. Off the clock he loves to bake, hike, and watch as many niche films as possible.

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Step By Step Guide to Writing an Essay on Film

By Film Threat Staff | December 29, 2021

Writing an essay about a film sounds like a fun assignment to do. As part of the assignment, you get to watch the movie and write an analytical essay about your impressions. However, you will soon find that you’re staring at an empty sheet of paper or computer screen with no idea what to write, how to start writing your essay, or the essential points that need to be covered and analyzed. As an  essay writing service proves, watching the movie countless times isn’t all there is to write a film analysis essay. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with an essay service :

1. Watch the Movie

This is the obvious starting point, but surprisingly many students skip this step. It doesn’t matter if you’ve watched the movie twice before. If you’re asked to write an essay about it, you need to watch it again. Watching the film again allows you to pay more attention to specific elements to help you write an in-depth analysis about it.  

Watching the movie is crucial because it helps you not specific parts of the movie that can be used as illustrations and examples in your essay. You’re also going to explore and analyze the movie theme within your structured plan. Some of the critical elements that you have to look out for while watching the movie that may be crucial for your essay are:

• Key plot moments
• Editing style
• Stylistic elements
• Scenario execution
• Musical elements

2. Introduction

Your introduction will contain essential information about the film, such as the title, release date, director’s name, etc. This familiarizes the reader with the movie’s primary background information. In addition, researching the filmmaker may be crucial for your essay because it may help you discover valuable insights for your film analysis.

The introduction should also mention the movie’s central theme and explain why you think it was made that way.

Do not forget to include your thesis statement, which explains your focus on the movie.

3. Write a Summary

According to an  essay writing service  providing students   help with essays , a movie summary comes after the introduction. It includes the film’s basic premise, but it doesn’t have to reveal too many details about the film. It’s a summary, after all. Write the summary like your readers have not heard about the movie before, so you can mention the most basic plots but assume you have minimal time so you won’t be going into great details.

4. Write Your Analysis

This is the central part of the essay in which you analyze the movie critically and state your impressions about the film. Ensure to support your claims with relevant materials from the movie.

There are also several creative elements in a movie that are connected to make the film a whole. You must pay attention to these elements while watching the movie and analyze them in this part of the essay.

In this, you are looking out for the dialogs, character development, completion of scenes, and logical event sequences in the film to analyze.

Ensure you try to understand the logic behind events in the film and the actor’s motives to explain the scenario better.

The responsibility of different parts of the movie, such as plan selection and scenario execution, falls on the director. So, your analysis here focuses on how the director realized the script compared to his other movies. Understanding the director’s style of directing may be crucial to coming up with a conclusion relevant to your analysis and thesis.

The casting of a film is a significant element to consider in your essay. Without a great actor, the scriptwriter and director can’t bring their ideas to life. So, watch the actor’s acting and determine if they portrayed the character effectively and if their acting aligns with the film’s main idea.

• Musical element

A movie’s musical element enhances some of the sceneries or actions in the film and sets the mood. It has a massive impact on the movie, so it’s an essential element to analyze in your essay.

• Visual elements

This includes special effects, make-up, costumes, etc., which significantly impact the film. These elements must reflect the film’s atmosphere. It is even more crucial for historical movies since it has to be specific about an era.

Ensure to analyze elements relevant to your thesis statement, so you don’t drift from your main point.

5. Conclusion

In concluding your essay, you have to summarize the primary concepts more convincingly to support your analysis. Finally, you may include a CTA for readers to watch or avoid the movie.

These are the crucial steps to take when writing an essay about a film . Knowing this beforehand prevents you from struggling to start writing after watching the movie.

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It’s really amazing instructions! I have got the great knowledge.

[…] now and then. Unfortunately, not all of us can afford to get cinema tickets to do so.  Some…Writing an essay about a film sounds like a fun assignment to do. As part of the assignment, you get…Since a few decades the film and entertainment sector have undergone some drastic transformation. […]

I can’t list the number of essays that don’t follow this format in the least. But then I find most reviews of movies terrible and most people who purport themselves to be writers as people who need to spend more time drafting and editing before publishing.

Thanks for this

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Film Writing: Sample Analysis

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Summary: A sample analysis of a filmic sequence that makes use of the terminology on the OWL’s Writing About Film page .

Written by Kylie Regan

Introductory Note

The analysis below discusses the opening moments of the science fiction movie  Ex Machina  in order to make an argument about the film's underlying purpose. The text of the analysis is formatted normally. Editor's commentary, which will occasionally interrupt the piece to discuss the author's rhetorical strategies, is written in brackets in an italic font with a bold "Ed.:" identifier. See the examples below:

The text of the analysis looks like this.

[ Ed.:  The editor's commentary looks like this. ]

Frustrated Communication in Ex Machina ’s Opening Sequence

Alex Garland’s 2015 science fiction film Ex Machina follows a young programmer’s attempts to determine whether or not an android possesses a consciousness complicated enough to pass as human. The film is celebrated for its thought-provoking depiction of the anxiety over whether a nonhuman entity could mimic or exceed human abilities, but analyzing the early sections of the film, before artificial intelligence is even introduced, reveals a compelling examination of humans’ inability to articulate their thoughts and feelings. In its opening sequence, Ex Machina establishes that it’s not only about the difficulty of creating a machine that can effectively talk to humans, but about human beings who struggle to find ways to communicate with each other in an increasingly digital world.

[ Ed.:  The piece's opening introduces the film with a plot summary that doesn't give away too much and a brief summary of the critical conversation that has centered around the film. Then, however, it deviates from this conversation by suggesting that Ex Machina has things to say about humanity before non-human characters even appear. Off to a great start. ]

The film’s first establishing shots set the action in a busy modern office. A woman sits at a computer, absorbed in her screen. The camera looks at her through a glass wall, one of many in the shot. The reflections of passersby reflected in the glass and the workspace’s dim blue light make it difficult to determine how many rooms are depicted. The camera cuts to a few different young men typing on their phones, their bodies partially concealed both by people walking between them and the camera and by the stylized modern furniture that surrounds them. The fourth shot peeks over a computer monitor at a blonde man working with headphones in. A slight zoom toward his face suggests that this is an important character, and the cut to a point-of-view shot looking at his computer screen confirms this. We later learn that this is Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer whose perspective the film follows.

The rest of the sequence cuts between shots from Caleb’s P.O.V. and reaction shots of his face, as he receives and processes the news that he has won first prize in a staff competition. Shocked, Caleb dives for his cellphone and texts several people the news. Several people immediately respond with congratulatory messages, and after a moment the woman from the opening shot runs in to give him a hug. At this point, the other people in the room look up, smile, and start clapping, while Caleb smiles disbelievingly—perhaps even anxiously—and the camera subtly zooms in a bit closer. Throughout the entire sequence, there is no sound other than ambient electronic music that gets slightly louder and more textured as the sequence progresses. A jump cut to an aerial view of a glacial landscape ends the sequence and indicates that Caleb is very quickly transported into a very unfamiliar setting, implying that he will have difficulty adjusting to this sudden change in circumstances.

[ Ed.:  These paragraphs are mostly descriptive. They give readers the information they will need to understand the argument the piece is about to offer. While passages like this can risk becoming boring if they dwell on unimportant details, the author wisely limits herself to two paragraphs and maintains a driving pace through her prose style choices (like an almost exclusive reliance on active verbs). ]

Without any audible dialogue or traditional expository setup of the main characters, this opening sequence sets viewers up to make sense of Ex Machina ’s visual style and its exploration of the ways that technology can both enhance and limit human communication. The choice to make the dialogue inaudible suggests that in-person conversations have no significance. Human-to-human conversations are most productive in this sequence when they are mediated by technology. Caleb’s first response when he hears his good news is to text his friends rather than tell the people sitting around him, and he makes no move to take his headphones out when the in-person celebration finally breaks out. Everyone in the building is on their phones, looking at screens, or has headphones in, and the camera is looking at screens through Caleb’s viewpoint for at least half of the sequence.  

Rather than simply muting the specific conversations that Caleb has with his coworkers, the ambient soundtrack replaces all the noise that a crowded building in the middle of a workday would ordinarily have. This silence sets the uneasy tone that characterizes the rest of the film, which is as much a horror-thriller as a piece of science fiction. Viewers get the sense that all the sounds that humans make as they walk around and talk to each other are being intentionally filtered out by some presence, replaced with a quiet electronic beat that marks the pacing of the sequence, slowly building to a faster tempo. Perhaps the sound of people is irrelevant: only the visual data matters here. Silence is frequently used in the rest of the film as a source of tension, with viewers acutely aware that it could be broken at any moment. Part of the horror of the research bunker, which will soon become the film’s primary setting, is its silence, particularly during sequences of Caleb sneaking into restricted areas and being startled by a sudden noise.

The visual style of this opening sequence reinforces the eeriness of the muted humans and electronic soundtrack. Prominent use of shallow focus to depict a workspace that is constructed out of glass doors and walls makes it difficult to discern how large the space really is. The viewer is thus spatially disoriented in each new setting. This layering of glass and mirrors, doubling some images and obscuring others, is used later in the film when Caleb meets the artificial being Ava (Alicia Vikander), who is not allowed to leave her glass-walled living quarters in the research bunker. The similarity of these spaces visually reinforces the film’s late revelation that Caleb has been manipulated by Nathan Bates (Oscar Isaac), the troubled genius who creates Ava.

[ Ed.:  In these paragraphs, the author cites the information about the scene she's provided to make her argument. Because she's already teased the argument in the introduction and provided an account of her evidence, it doesn't strike us as unreasonable or far-fetched here. Instead, it appears that we've naturally arrived at the same incisive, fascinating points that she has. ]

A few other shots in the opening sequence more explicitly hint that Caleb is already under Nathan’s control before he ever arrives at the bunker. Shortly after the P.O.V shot of Caleb reading the email notification that he won the prize, we cut to a few other P.O.V. shots, this time from the perspective of cameras in Caleb’s phone and desktop computer. These cameras are not just looking at Caleb, but appear to be scanning him, as the screen flashes in different color lenses and small points appear around Caleb’s mouth, eyes, and nostrils, tracking the smallest expressions that cross his face. These small details indicate that Caleb is more a part of this digital space than he realizes, and also foreshadow the later revelation that Nathan is actively using data collected by computers and webcams to manipulate Caleb and others. The shots from the cameras’ perspectives also make use of a subtle fisheye lens, suggesting both the wide scope of Nathan’s surveillance capacities and the slightly distorted worldview that motivates this unethical activity.

[ Ed.: This paragraph uses additional details to reinforce the piece's main argument. While this move may not be as essential as the one in the preceding paragraphs, it does help create the impression that the author is noticing deliberate patterns in the film's cinematography, rather than picking out isolated coincidences to make her points. ]

Taken together, the details of Ex Machina ’s stylized opening sequence lay the groundwork for the film’s long exploration of the relationship between human communication and technology. The sequence, and the film, ultimately suggests that we need to develop and use new technologies thoughtfully, or else the thing that makes us most human—our ability to connect through language—might be destroyed by our innovations. All of the aural and visual cues in the opening sequence establish a world in which humans are utterly reliant on technology and yet totally unaware of the nefarious uses to which a brilliant but unethical person could put it.

Author's Note:  Thanks to my literature students whose in-class contributions sharpened my thinking on this scene .

[ Ed.: The piece concludes by tying the main themes of the opening sequence to those of the entire film. In doing this, the conclusion makes an argument for the essay's own relevance: we need to pay attention to the essay's points so that we can achieve a rich understanding of the movie. The piece's final sentence makes a chilling final impression by alluding to the danger that might loom if we do not understand the movie. This is the only the place in the piece where the author explicitly references how badly we might be hurt by ignorance, and it's all the more powerful for this solitary quality. A pithy, charming note follows, acknowledging that the author's work was informed by others' input (as most good writing is). Beautifully done. ]

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• Knowledge Base
• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

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Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Film Analysis: Example, Topics, & Essay Writing Guide [2024]

It’s hardly possible to find one who is not keen on watching films. It is one of the most common ways of spending free time. When it comes to writing a film analysis essay, you would probably be confused.

Don’t worry! We gathered everything you need to make it without a hitch. What’s more, you will find free essay samples as a bonus.

📽️ What Is a Film Analysis?

✍️ film analysis terms, 📜 film analysis types.

• 📼 Film Genres: List

✨ How to Write a Film Analysis

• ✍️ Film Analysis Essay Topics
• 🗒 Film Analysis Template and Example

🔗 References

F ilm analysis expresses the afterview synoptic. The result is a transparent and informative thesis and its arguments .

Don’t forget you should maintain an appropriate academic style. This article explains how to manage it well, using the proper terminology, structure, techniques, etc.

As an introduction to film analysis, explore a list of general film analysis terms. They come as an inseparable part of your film analysis essay.

Find them below.

Auteur: Definition

The auteur is the French equivalent of the English word author. The auteur’s definition is straightforward. As a rule, the film’s director is the author. Why so? Director is a core role that manages all processes: from organizing a filmmaking crew and cast to every aspect of the film.

Diegesis in films is all about the fictional world elements. Everything the director creates and transfers on the screen is diegesis. Time framework, setting, range of events, etc., are examples of those elements.

Flashback and Flashforward

Flashback and flashforward imply relating to a chronological flow of a narrative. Flashback is a scene that takes it back in time from the present point of the film.

A flashforward differs from the flashback only by the time-shifting direction: it takes the audience to the plot pieces later in the film.

Mise-en-scène

The term looks confusing, but it is easy as pie. A pre-defined set of a film’s scene is a mise-en-scène . Everything in the camera’s focus: exposure, actors, and other elements form a mise-en-scène.

The Plot of a Story

The plot of a story is a sequence of events and their interactions that make up a story shown in a film.

Scene vs. Sequence

To put it simply, the scene and the sequence differ by the number of shots. The scene is short and consists of a few shots. The sequence is a more significant film part as it implies several scenes. As you may have guessed, the entire movie consists of several sequences.

The variety of possible film genres and their complexity assume more than one way to analyze them. There are several film analysis types, depending on the reviewing angle.

Narrative Analysis

This approach is similar to literary analysis. It means examining the film plot, narrative structure, motives, and characters. The research is built on answering the three simple questions: who, what, and where?

Semiotic Analysis

Everything about understanding the hidden meaning of the symbols is a semiotic analysis of the film. Those symbols usually appear more than once in a movie. Also, particular directors tend to repeat specific symbols. This type of analysis requires very close attention to detail.

Mise-en-scène Analysis

We have already found what mise-en-scène is: a setting with the lighting, soundtrack, background, etc. When we focus on those audio and visual elements and their meaning, we talk about the mise-en-scène analysis. Audiovisual elements may seem insignificant at first glance, but they carry tremendous importance and power to support the plot.

📼 Film Genres List

Having grasped the basic film analysis terms and types, we move on to the starting point of film analysis. We talk about defining a film genre.

You do not have to be a cinema theorist or a crazy film fan to identify one from another. Anyways, let’s list the common film genres and describe them briefly. Please, check the table below:

There is also a deeper categorization. Each genre in the list has several, sometimes overlapping sub-genres.

We are closer to the central part: we’ve approached the writing guide.

Are you still struggling with how to write a film analysis essay? The solid solution is, to begin with conducting a step-by-step plan. Move on, and we will tell you how to do it!

Like every other paper, hence literary analysis, writing film analysis involves several ultimate steps. There is nothing groundbreaking here. All the steps are familiar. They are:

• Thesis statement
• Introduction

Let’s touch upon each step and note what is worth considering (after watching the movie itself).

Film Analysis Outline

The first and foremost step is writing a film analysis essay outline. You need to make a short draft with the core measures to analyze the film. Mind the instructions in case you have them. Organize the ideas in a list and proceed to the next step.

Film Analysis Thesis Statement

Pay special attention to writing a film analysis thesis statement. You first need to squeeze out the central narrative threads and ideas. The thesis statement should focus on what you will prove in your essay by transforming those ideas into new meanings.

Concentrate on the combination of film expectations, the auteur’s point of view, and your own critical opinion. In the end, formulate a concise thesis statement and move on to the introduction preparation.

Film Analysis Introduction

Your film analysis introduction should be informative and catchy. Give the general information about the film. It may contain the movie title, director, release year, and cast. 

After building an introduction background:

• Dive deeper.
• Explore the director’s filmography or build possible links between the film and the current trends or social agenda.
• Include as many valuable insights as you can to spark a thought in the reader’s mind. 

Remember that the introduction should validate and complement your thesis statement. 

Having the outline and the formulated thesis statement, you should, in a way, break down a film into its creative elements and analyze each of them. At once individually, and then as a whole picture.

What are those creative elements?

• Directing. Since we have mentioned the role of the director time and again, let’s start with it. Trace their distinctive directing manner to find new patterns and compare them to previous works.
• Scenario. In most films, often except for art-house cinema, the script plays one of the critical roles in its power. A well-written scenario helps develop the narrative and each character. It reduces the risk of silly inconsistencies or mistakes. After watching, try to access the level of scripting consistency and clarity.
• Acting. Even though we’ve just defined the role of the scenario, acting sometimes plays louder than words. Try to answer the question: how accurately does the actors’ performance reveals and conveys the author’s main idea and your thesis statement.
• Music and visual effects. Setting the overall mood is what is impossible without soundtracks and visual effects. Provide an example of how each part, special effects, sounds, make-up, or costumes, help, or vice-a-versa, interfere in expressing the author’s message.

While analyzing, don’t forget to build logic between each element. Make a smooth and solid review.

We’ve approached the icing on the cake — your film analysis conclusion. Once again, make sure your analysis confirms the thesis statement and show it in your resolution.

Remember that movies are complex pieces of art. Don’t be too shallow in your essay. Try to see a bigger picture and put it in words.

Now that we’ve outlined the plan let’s figure out how it works on a real example.

✍️ 20 Film Analysis Essay Topics

• Sociological concepts in “The Truman Show” film
• The process of shame to violence in Bergman film: “Shame”
• “The King’s Speech” movie and anxiety disorder
• Gender biases in “If These Walls Could Talk 2” film
• “The Neighbor’s Window”: film review
• Ethical, political and social issues in business in “The Corporation” movie
• Mental health illness in the film “When a Man Loves a Woman”
• The Devil Wears Prada film’s critical analysis
• Negotiation situation in “The Godfather” movie
• “Watchmen” film in relation to the American dream
• Moral and theme in “The Pursuit of Happiness” movie
• “The State of Play: Trophy Kids”: main idea and summary of the film
• Narrative campaign of “The Hunger Games” film
• Review of “Mon Oncle” movie: a portrayal of France
• Gender and family in “Gone With the Wind” film
• Sociology of “Avatar” movie by James Cameron
• Historical themes in the movie “Gladiator”
• Review of “Kung Fu Panda” movie: educational psychology
• Settings in Bollywood cinema: “Bobby” movie
• Visual effects in the “1917” movie

🗒️ Film Analysis Template and Example

We prepared a short-outlined essay sample. Explore the table to understand what your analysis may look like. Here is the “Solaris” film analysis essay example.

You may take this or other essay samples from StudyCorgi as a template for your future writing. It will save your time and make the process transparent. Don’t hesitate to use them!

You’ve just found out the primary terms, tips, and a film analysis guide.

Now, as we have shed light on the film analysis techniques and showcased the real examples, the task seems not as tricky as at first sight. Save this article or share it with a friend to avoid losing!

What Is the Purpose of Film Analysis?

Film analysis aims to extract value from watching a movie, except for leisure. Films do not just tell a story. They bring a message, provoke feelings, and teach precious lessons. Directors sometimes encode priceless meanings applicable to many generations.

How to Analyze a Movie Effectively?

To analyze a movie effectively, you should acquire the appropriate terminology. Then, understand the existing types of film analysis and their difference. After that, outline your future film analysis paper and look through the extant examples.

What Is Formal Analysis in Film?

The formal analysis comprises the investigation of professional elements of film production like camera motion, lighting, color editing, special effects, and other inner working processes. The average viewer does not pay much attention to them, but we should not diminish their importance.

What Are the 4 Elements of Film Analysis?

One of the many interpretations of this question is the following: the first component is a film plot, the second one is the existing arguments about the film, the third one is a film background, and the fourth is their evaluation.

• Film Analysis — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Film Term Glossary — Brooklyn College
• Film Analysis and Methods — Penn Arts & Science Cinema & Media Studies
• Movie Genres – 120+ Examples of Different Movie Genres – NFI
• A Guide to Writing a Film Studies Paper: Carleton University
• How to Write an Analytical Essay — MDC
• Film Analysis Research Papers – Academia.edu
• Shot, Scene, and Sequence — Columbia Film Language Glossary
• Diegesis — Oxford Reference
• Film Analysis Essay Sample — Purdue Online Writing Lab
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Oscar-Contending ‘Umbrella’ Is A Short Film With A Hopeful Message For Our Times

By Cartoon Brew Connect | 01/26/2021 2:32 pm | Be the First to Comment!

It’s only eight minutes long and not a single word is spoken. Yet Umbrella has moved audiences around the world, earning acclaim on the festival circuit. Having qualified for the Oscars, the Brazilian animated short is now bringing its hopeful story, which was inspired by true events, to Academy members.

Umbrella is first film from directing duo Helena Hilario and Mario Pece. The short tells the story of Joseph, a boy who lives in an orphanage and dreams of owning a yellow umbrella — until he meets a little girl who awakens his memories of the past.

“The film makes us reflect on the importance of observing, listening, and understanding that we cannot judge people without knowing what is behind their experience,” says Hilario. “Everyone goes through situations that we can’t even imagine, so we must be kind to each other. That’s why we thought focusing this narrative around empathy and hope, which we need more and more. We always wanted to make a film without dialogue and use animation, music, and the narrative itself to evoke deep emotions and reflections.”

The widely acclaimed short has had a successful festival run. It has made history in Brazil by participating in 19 Oscar-qualifying film festivals, including the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. Umbrella is the only Brazilian animated short that qualified for the Oscars this year . If nominated, it would be the first Brazilian animated short ever to get that far in the category. “In these times when we can’t give and receive hugs,” says Hilario, “ Umbrella was embraced by the Brazilian media and public.”

It all started when Hilario got a call from her sister in 2011. The sister said she had visited an orphanage in Palmas (in the Brazilian state of Paraná) to deliver Christmas gifts to the children. There was one boy who didn’t want any of the toys. When asked what he wanted, he said he would love an umbrella. The reason was that the last time he remembered seeing his father was on a rainy day; in his head, he needed an umbrella to reunite the family.

As Hilario explains, “In making this short, our dream and goal were to translate a painful memory into art to spread a beautiful message of empathy and hope. A sad event inspired us to create a beautiful and delicate story. We couldn’t stop thinking about how precious our memories are, and we must put ourselves in the other’s shoes before jumping to conclusions.”

It took about ten years for Hilario and Pece to realize their dream. When they wrote the script, the couple had no experience of working in animation. “We didn’t rush, we took our time, we knew in our hearts that one day we would bring this story to life,” says Hilario. “It took years to gain experience with animation and post-production before we opened our studio Stratostorm in 2014.”

While working on advertising and entertainment projects at the studio, Hilario and Pece prepared financially to set up Umbrella as an independent in-house production, and put together the right team of talented artists to bring the project to life. They spent a few months per year on the project. In total, the production took up 20 months over the years, including 13 months of full-time production with a small team of artists.

The couple worked with three talented full-time cg artists (Alan Prado, Dhiego Guimarães, and Felipe Pardini). At the peak of production, nine cg artists were working on the project at the same time, alongside five animators led by animation supervisor Hannry Pschera. Talented artist Victor Hugo designed the characters, and composer Gabriel Dib wrote the emotional score.

“Our small but mighty team created a true piece of art,” says Hilario. “ Umbrella is a work of love, discipline, and resilience. It’s proof that when we find unique stories within our own experiences and we believe in our dreams with all our hearts, one day they will come true. Sometimes a filmmaker’s journey is lonely and requires patience, because you may be the only one who truly believes in your story. But we can’t give up, and we must work hard to keep telling stories that will inspire and move people.”

The couple also created their own strategy for distributing Umbrella to film festivals. Their first time on the film festival circuit left a deep impression. “We are thankful for every festival that has given us the opportunity to genuinely present our short film to wider audiences,” says Hilario. “It was a wonderful experience to see their commitment to keeping the events going during this difficult and strange year. They honored all the filmmakers they selected for their line-up.”

During these difficult times, Umbrella will resonate deeply with viewers young and old. Its sensitive story, which warms the heart while making us reflect on the real meaning of empathy, is more relevant than ever.

Latest News from Cartoon Brew

‘2024 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Documentary’ Review: This Year’s Indelible Subjects Range From Farting Grannies to Musical Kids

The Academy selects one of its strongest crops of nonfiction films in years, nominating meaningful entries that don't short-change artistry to make their political case.

By Peter Debruge

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Chief Film Critic

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In a strange reversal of a long-standing trend with the Academy, this year’s documentary short ballot is almost entirely domestic (which is to say, films made by or about Americans), while the feature doc category — where subtitles aren’t so common — is entirely international. Judging by the overall quality of the films in the 141-minute “2024 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Documentary” lineup, that’s no sign of compromise. In fact, for Oscar completists, ShortsTV’s annual roundup is one of the most rewarding theatrical experiences audiences could hope for this year.

Produced by The New Yorker, John Hoffman and Christine Turner’s “ The Barber of Little Rock ” believes in leading by example. The grassroots doc inspires at times, outrages at others — as when it touches on the history of redlining and other discriminatory lending practices — by profiling Arkansas community development advocate Arlo Washington. A self-made entrepreneur, this local hero runs a barber school designed to give struggling neighbors a trade with which they can start their own businesses. But that’s just the beginning of this Black man’s crusade against economic injustice. Recognizing that the American financial system remains highly inaccessible to his peers, Washington also co-founded a nonprofit bank. The short strings together Oprah-worthy moments in which he writes grants or defers payments to those who need that extra boost, following the beneficiaries of such bespoke solutions long enough to witness their success. It’s the individual attention that makes Washington’s approach so effective, and the doc takes a similarly personal approach in outlining a workable alternative to institutionalized racism.

Speaking of propaganda, MTV Documentary Films honcho Sheila Nevins’ “ The ABCs of Book Banning ” doesn’t pretend to be anything less. After more than a dozen years running HBO’s doc division, Nevins finally helms her first project, applying the tools of filmmakers she’s supported to a cause she feels passionately about: saving books from conservative critics, who’ve been extremely savvy about singling out offending lines in literature and getting those books removed from school libraries. Nevins turns these censors’ tactics back on themselves, equating them to Nazi practices (cue the book-burning footage) and “featuring the voices of those who haven’t been heard”: the children. The emotional short is sure to galvanize folks, as young people express their desire to learn about people different from themselves. Books don’t turn people gay, but they allow closeted kids to recognize themselves — and non-queer readers to develop empathy that threatens intolerant adults. That said, not all books are appropriate for kids, and the sometimes inelegant short lacks some much-needed nuance.

What a few of the nominees lack in polish, the final nominee, “ The Last Repair Shop ,” more than compensates for. Ingeniously conceived and gorgeously shot, Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers’ nearly 40-minute short (the upper limit the category allows) explores a Los Angeles Unified School District program that provides students with working instruments at no cost. The directors start with the kids, which feels fairly obvious. Their stroke of brilliance comes in profiling the handful of specialists who keep the instruments in working order. Through these artisans — Dana Atkinson, Duane Michaels, Laty Moreno and Steve Bagmanyan — the filmmakers reveal the incredible diversity that comprises L.A.: an LAUSD alum who took years to accept his own homosexuality, immigrants of Armenian and Mexican origin and a fiddle player discovered by Elvis’ manager, Col. Tom Parker. Like “ABCs,” but better, this micro-masterpiece celebrates how transformative it can be to put the right tools in kids’ hands. Watching them all play over the end credits is the perfect way to wrap this year’s stellar ensemble of Oscar-nominated shorts.

Reviewed at Laemmle Royal, Los Angeles, March 4, 2024. Running time: 141 MIN.

• Production: A ShortsTV, Magnolia Pictures release. Producers: Carter Pilcher, Stephanie Charmail.
• Crew: Directors: Sean Wang (“Nǎi Nai and Wài Pó”), John Hoffman & Christine Turner (“The Barber of Little Rock”), S. Leo Chiang (“Island in Between”), Sheila Nevins (“The ABCs of Book Banning”), Ben Proudfoot & Kris Bowers (“The Last Repair Shop”).

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