Distribution of Short Films

Short films very rarely have a successful distribution. Unlike that of mainstream, where Production companies rake in the profit during this process. Because short films aren't as popular as mainstream cinemas it can be seen that there isn't much of an audience, and they cannot rely simply on box office and DVD sales. 

There are a number of successful short films that make it onto Compilation DVDs. These feature a number of different short films that have been successful and these are most useful in schools that are studying short films. Very few make it onto a DVD on its own. One such exception was Chris Cunningham's 'Rubber Johnny.' This was a 6 minute film that was distributed by Warp Films in 2005. It was suggested that this was released on its own as it was an accompanying video for the music of Aphex Twin and it seemed that this may help sales of their records. 

Another example is the work of Shane Meadows who has a DVD Compilation of just his work. 

With the technological advancement and convergence, short films are becoming easily accessible via the internet. Sites such as Youtube and BBC Film Network this is a quick process of distribution and it is beneficial to short film makers as it doesn't cost them a lot of money, and their work can be broadcast around the world.

Recently over the Christmas holidays, iTunes had an application called '12 Days of Christmas.' This was free to download from the App Store and each day consisted of the user receiving a free gift. One of these gifts was 'Peter and The Wolf' - a short film that has been distributed to viewers via iTunes and an Application.