The Purpose of Short Films
Film Education | History
Table of Contents
A short film is a film with a low running time. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of not more than 40 minutes including all credits.
Short Films Are Misunderstood
When you hear "short film," what comes to mind?
Student projects? Indie experiments? Something artsy and abstract?
Sure, short films are often tied to film school portfolios or avant-garde cinema.
But that’s just one side of the story.
Short films have been around since the beginning of filmmaking itself.
Before billion-dollar franchises, cinema started as a series of short, silent reels — simple moments captured on film.
So why do they still matter today?
Because short films offer something unique: a condensed, powerful way to tell a story, test an idea, or break filmmaking conventions.
I’ve experienced this firsthand through my own "Mundane" silent series.
But before I get into that, let’s look at the bigger picture.
A Brief History of Short Films
Cinema wasn’t always about blockbuster narratives.
In fact, early films were only a few minutes long.
The Lumière brothers — often credited with inventing cinema — made short clips of everyday life, like Workers Leaving the Factory (1895).
Then came Georges Méliès, who used short films to pioneer visual effects.
His A Trip to the Moon (1902) was a landmark moment in cinematic storytelling.
Méliès' groundbreaking techniques, such as stop-motion, multiple exposures, and hand-painted color, laid the foundation for modern filmmaking.
The first black filmmaker: Oscar Devereaux Micheaux was a pioneering American author, filmmaker, and independent producer, creating over 44 films — including short films.
He challenged racial barriers in early cinema.
But over time, films got longer.
Audiences wanted more complex stories, and studios saw the potential for bigger profits.
But short films didn’t disappear — they just found a different role.
They became a space for experimentation, animation, and new talent.
Even today, some of the most innovative storytelling happens in short films.
Why Short Films Matter
Short films serve a purpose beyond being a stepping stone to Hollywood.
Although, I love my independence, and have no desire to become part of the Hollywood system, short films are helpful if that’s your dream.
I take the position that if I were to get a studio deal that the percentage of creative control would make or break my acceptance of the deal.
Here’s why I love producing short films.
A Creative Playground – No studio mandates, no box office pressure. Just pure storytelling and experimentation.
A Talent Showcase – Many directors got their big break with a short film (think Damien Chazelle and Whiplash).
An Educational Tool – Film schools use shorts to teach narrative structure, editing, and cinematography.
A Festival Staple – Shorts thrive at film festivals, where they reach industry insiders and passionate audiences.
A Format for the Modern Age – In a world of TikTok and YouTube, short films fit seamlessly into how we consume content.
The Upsides of Short Films
Lower Costs
Creative Freedom
Focused Storytelling
Multiple Platforms
The Downsides of Short Films
Few theaters or streaming services prioritize short films.
Many people see shorts as "less than" a feature film.
Investors want projects with a clear commercial return.
My short films are continuous thoughts like chapters in a book — one idea shapes another. — Tim Williams
Making of the Mundane Series
The Mundane series started with a simple idea: showcase life silently.
No dramatic plot twists, no over-the-top performances — just quiet, intimate moments that often go unnoticed.
The challenge?
Making something engaging without dialogue or big set pieces.
Every frame had to tell a story.
Where to Watch Short Films
If you’re curious, you can check out my short films, along with the Mundane series on my Substack, Tim Williams Masterwork.
It’s a curated space for indie films, short films, docu-series, and cinematic deep dives.
About Masterwork Newsletter
Tim Williams Masterwork is your go-to hub for cinema education and curated movie classics — celebrating the art of filmmaking, history, and human storytelling.
Who is Tim Williams
Tim Williams (TIMFLIX) is a filmmaker and creator dedicated to bringing unique, thought-provoking content across film, television, and digital media.
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