The Art of Short Form Content

Introduction:






The essence of short form content.

Chapter One - Signal Through Noise: The Concept






How is short form filmic content distinct from long form filmic content?



Short form content's connection to advertising.



The importance of evoking emotions in short form.



How to shape perception and motivate action with short form content.

Interview with Frank Hahn, Group Creative Director at 72andSunny.

Chapter Two - Tom Cruise and a Bazooka: The Image






Images and narrative information ("The Five Ws").



The importance of motion for short form.



Using imagery to attract attention.



Using imagery to evoke an emotional response.

Interview with Gentleman Scholar, AICE award winning directing duo.

Chapter Three - Into the Windowless Rooms: On Editing






The importance of structure in short form editorial.



The beginning, middle and end and how each section works in short form.



The importance of explicitly separating new ideas and concepts in short form editorial.



What makes an individual edit work?

Interview with Josh Bodnar, Emmy Award Winning Editor from Whitehouse Post.

Chapter Four - Because Tramps Like Us, Baby We Were Born to Run: On Music






Music and the emotional state of the characters on screen.



Selecting music that doesn't distract from the narrative.



Using music to generate structure and signal transitions.

Interviewees include Zach Hemsey, Composer for Trailers and Feature Films; Gabe McDonough, Executive Producer at MAS - Music and Strategy.

Chapter Five - Rise Into Hit: Sound Design






Diegetic sound effects and the creation of reality in short form.



Non-diegetic sound effects and establishing mood.



Using sound effects to motivate transitions.

Interview with Bryan Jerden, sound designer for Trailers and Feature Films.

Chapter Six - Sculpting the Image: Effects and Finishing






Using visual effects to hide an edit point or transmit factual information.



How effects can be used to offer the viewer insights into the psychological state of the characters on screen.



Using effects to create a stylistic vocabulary.

Interview with Neil Gust, AICE winning editor and sound designer.

Chapter Seven - The Mysterious Art: Color Correction






The basics of color correction and balancing an image.



Using color correction to quickly guide the viewer's eye around the frame.



Using color correction to evoke an emotional response in the viewer.

Interview with Jean-Clement Soret, Global Creative Director of Color Grading at MPC.

Conclusion






Summary.