YouTube

Perhaps the first option that everyone will think of. YouTube, as a platform, attracts a great number of short filmmakers because of its global reach and popularity. Although the YouTube algorithm is more geared towards headline-grabbing content, meaning short films are unlikely to be initially recommended to users, the platform’s ubiquity means audiences are most likely to discover short films by using YouTube. 

Vimeo

Despite in some ways being quite similar to YouTube, Vimeo has done a lot to differentiate itself, particularly by appealing to filmmakers. One point against Vimeo is that to get the most out of the platform (including access to its best tools and more video upload space), filmmakers must pay for subscription plans. However, Vimeo also offers higher-quality video output, along with more customisation and privacy options for filmmakers to utilise branding and protect their work. The site is also more specifically focused on courting a viewer base interested in short films. For example, the platform has partnered with the European Film Academy. In doing so, it created a curated collection of high-quality shorts for viewers to watch. It’s a platform that is more centred on filmmaking than general video content.

Klipist

Essentially, Klipist is the Netflix of short films. The site has a good library of modern shorts that viewers can watch for free without adverts. Klipist also allows filmmakers to submit their projects to the service. In addition, links on each film’s page allow viewers to learn more about the film’s production and crew. The asking price for submissions of shorts is fairly steep. But, as a platform intended to foreground the prestige that short films are capable of and encourage viewers to learn more about the people making them, it is quite a good resource for short filmmakers.

Filmd

This platform is probably the most unique of all the resources listed here. Acting as a platform for film workers to interact with each other and seek out job opportunities, Filmd also allows film workers to upload their work. Through its Screening Room feature, other workers are encouraged to watch and provide feedback on a library of primarily short films. Again, subscription fees prevent the full utilisation of the platform for smaller creators. That said, it has the potential to be a great tool for encouraging artistic development, especially for those making shorts.

Streaming Platforms

Beyond platforms that are useful for both uploading and watching short films, they have become a much more accepted presence on streaming services in recent years. Among the major streaming platforms, MUBI and BBC iPlayer are likely the most underappreciated. Both provide a great space for short films to be considered alongside features. With a great variety and quantity of films available on their platforms.

These are merely a few resources that demonstrate the greatness of short films and encourage short filmmakers to showcase their work. If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: the world of short films is as vast and rich as longer-form movies. It deserves to be appreciated and nurtured just as much.

The post Great Homes For Short Films appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Today we are going to give five categorical recommendations of gifts that will please any film fan. Hopefully, this will give some of you an idea about what to get. So, let’s begin.

Collector’s edition DVD’S/Blu-rays

Nothing makes a film fan happier than owning the best editions of their favourite films. Regular DVD’s/Blu-rays are nice but there is a certain pleasure in unwrapping a collector’s edition with filmmaker commentary, documentaries, interviews, analyses, and a gorgeous transfer. Although collector editions are available from various sources, in the UK if you want the best, you can go to one of five companies:

• Arrow Video – Specialises in cult releases (see also, Arrow Academy which specializes in critically acclaimed work and Arrow Films, which focuses on new releases)
• The Criterion Collection – Specialises in releasing important films from world history
• Eureka’s Masters of Cinema and Eureka Classics label – a UK counterpart to Criterion which puts out works of cultural importance and well-regarded niche films. If criterion doesn’t have your film, Eureka probably will.
• BFI – They provide gorgeous transfers of historically significant work from Britain and around the world
• Curzon Artificial Eye – Provides extra ladened releases of world cinema titles, new and old.

If your friend loves a film released by one of these companies, you owe it to them to get it. They are a little more expensive than other DVD/Blu-ray releases but for the quality of the content, it’s worth it.

(Also recommended 88 films, 101 films, Powerhouse Films, and Second Sight Entertainment)

Film Merchandise

This category really has the power to surprise and delight. Film fans adore minutia to brighten up their homes and there are so many options for what to buy.

You could get them a classic poster of their favourite film to give them something gorgeous to hang on their wall. You could buy them a Funko Pop of their favourite film characters to liven up their work desk. Or, why not buy them replicas of famous movie props. To allow the recipient to live out the fantasy of being a part of their favourite films.

These items vary drastically in price but no matter what you pick, your film loving friend will have a big grin on their face.

Subscription Viewing

There really is nothing better to get your friend to ensure that their movie viewing needs are cared for all year. But, what service should you get them? Well, what do they like?

• Netflix – For a range of well-known classics, critically acclaimed modern and original films (£5.99-£9.99 monthly)
• Amazon Prime – Provides modern favourites and many obscure older titles. Also includes prime next day delivery for those who frequently use Amazon (£79 a year or £7.99 monthly)
• Shudder – A streaming service for horror fans. Stocked with well-known and obscure horror titles from around the world (£47.98 a year or £4.99 monthly).
• Now TV with Sky Cinema subscription – Provides a range of classic and little-known Hollywood favourites (£55 a year)
• Mubi and Mubi Go – For those with a taste for auteurs, independent and foreign language films. And Mubi Go allows the owner to attend one specially selected film screening a week at selected cinemas (£59.88 a year)

Or perhaps if your friend likes visiting the cinema, you could get them a subscription card for their favourite cinema chain. Cineworld has unlimited, Odeon has limitless and many cinemas have their own loyalty program. So, if your loved one likes visiting the cinema, this could help them keep up to date with new releases.

You won’t see your friend for a few weeks after they get their gift, but be assured, they are appreciative.

Home Cinema Equipment

What’s better than getting a good quality Blu-ray or DVD of your favourite film? Watching it on good home media equipment. Whether it be the latest 4K television that allows you to see a higher quality image or a home surround sound system to provide a more immersive sonic experience, it makes a nice little addition to any film watchers home.

Filming Equipment

Finally, every film fan likes watching films, but do they also want to make their own films? Well, this year why not give them a helping hand.

Firstly, find out what the person you are buying for is interested in. Do they make films solo or are they interested in one particular area of filmmaking? Once that question’s been answered, we can proceed.

If they want to make films themselves and you have a bit of extra cash, then you could buy them a nice DSLR camera. Which allows them to shoot their own stuff on the go and have a great input into how the image will look. If you don’t have enough cash for that, why not try a nice phone gimbal? To allow them to use their phones in a more cinematic way.

Do they want to be an editor? Why not buy them some editing software like Final Cut X or Premiere Pro? Hopeful directors can always use a viewfinder. For those interested in sound maybe a new microphone may be in order. And there is a myriad of other equipment available online to help start your friends on their journey towards becoming the next Spielberg. So, I encourage you to look around.

Conclusion

So, there are just a few suggestions of what to get your cinephile for Christmas. I hope this has at least given you some idea about what is available out there and wish you all the best of luck with your Christmas shopping. If you have any further ideas of what to buy, then please let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more festive articles coming soon.

The post A Christmas Buyer’s Guide for Film Lovers appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.