Producing a Calling Card

Hey, so we’re back in the garage. Let's talk about something a little more meta than three-act structure. We all think of a movie as a 90-minute blockbuster, but the length of a film is more than a runtime, it’s a weapon. It’s a deliberate choice that defines its entire purpose, and understanding this unlocks the whole system.

A Short Film: The Indie Calling Card

Forget paying for film school; a short film is your calling card to the industry. Typically under 40 minutes, it’s a safe space to experiment without the insane pressure of a feature budget. You pick one core idea, one pivotal moment, and you execute it perfectly. Think of it as a proof of concept for your talent: a concentrated punch that says, "I know what I'm doing. Pay attention.". It’s how you get noticed at festivals and bypass the old guard.

Breaking the Rules: Experimental Film

This is where things get interesting. Experimental films don’t care about your traditional plot points. Their purpose is pure artistic innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with non-linear storytelling and abstract visuals. These aren't for the multiplex; they’re for a niche audience that values creative freedom over a predictable story. It’s a rebellion in pixels, challenging the very idea of what a "movie" is supposed to be.

Feature Films: The Mainstream Machine

While we’re out here hacking the system, the feature film is the system itself Clocking in at over 60 minutes, its purpose is to be a commercial product with broad appeal. A feature needs intricate plots and deep character arcs because its goal is to be a sustained, immersive experience. This is the endgame for a lot of directors, the project that requires major investors and can lead to a long career. It's the blockbuster myth, but it’s still the biggest game in town.

Your Turn: Choose Your Weapon

So, here’s the code for your next project: A film's format is a strategic choice The next time you have a story, don't just ask how you're going to tell it—ask what format makes it the most lethal. Is it a focused, powerful short or an expansive, immersive feature? The mission is to find the perfect body for your story’s soul.

Let's see what you've got. Drop your project ideas below!

✨ Eva  #DiyCyberpunkDiary | #theBlog42

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