Northern Alliance - BFI

Screen Agency partners are the most appropriate bodies to fulfil that function. It
should be core to the UK Film Council‟s mission.
The UK short film universe
The Film4 view is that shorts are a better predictor of feature filmmaking ability than
pop promos, advertising and so on, but are still not a perfect predictor. Even shorts
that get festival attention are not necessarily good predictors, as they can be overreliant
on techniques like voice over, or may represent the only creative idea a
filmmaker ever has - the equivalent of one hit wonders in pop music. Short
filmmakers can also be swayed by fashion; they may attempt to recognise trends in
festival taste, or emulate popular feature themes. This can give a false indication of
ability (and can become very dull). Film4 does, however, look at all relevant media to
identify talent – artists‟ films, TV drama, pop promos, etc – and has taken an active
interest in directors from all of these sources.
Future shorts
Looking to the future, Carlton is not convinced that the Digital Shorts model of equal
geographic access is still appropriate. He would propose a model which worked
through fewer centres of excellence around the UK. These centres should be outward
facing and proactive about partnership, and open to application from all. There is the
potential for film workshops, such as Knowle West Media Centre and Threshold
Studios, to act as a support/feeder network for centres of excellence.
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