Short films have always been there but in the last few years, the craving for the format has increased. The main reason for its popularity is the variety for the audience and a learning experience for the filmmakers. Platforms like Netflix and Vimeo are the most influential participants in the business, catering to movie makers across the world. For millennials, short films are a way to learn and for the experts, it is a way to explore. OTT platforms have emerged stronger than ever since 2020 and that is because of the freedom it provides for filmmakers to explore global genres bypassing the commercially burdensome processes of the industry. The audience is looking to explore new, woke and informed content, they are tapping into global industries to connect with the contents, characters, and the ideas that hold a mirror to the society. The short film industry provides a myriad of genres and ideas that are focused on connecting with the audience and keeping them engaged for twenty to forty minutes. This article explores the impact of the OTT platforms on the short film categories and the opportunities, and value it has created in the industry. It will also discuss the importance of OTT platforms, their regulations and the growing demand for the new content. We will also look at some global industry data and analyse investment trends in the OTT space. 

Before Martin Scorsese became one of the greatest directors in the industry, he began his journey with the short film, The Big Shave. Before Taika Watiti directed Marvel movies and won an Oscar for Jojo Rabbit, there was “Two Cars, One Night”. Christopher Nolan is known around the world, and he got his start with a short film, “Doodlebug” in 1997.

The point of sharing these one line memoirs is that the greatest filmmakers around the world got recognition by trying something new, providing mind-altering narratives and by turning their “crazy” ideas into short films. These are the people who are making short films. The students, the dreamers and the great filmmakers of the future. 

Short Film Streaming

You probably know what a streaming platform is; by definition, it is an on-demand online source of entertainment and media. For Example, youtube, Netflix, Hulu, Hotstar, amazon prime videos, Vimeo, sundance now and countless more. So how do the streaming platforms help content creators?

Reels and short video formats have taken a big leap thanks to TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. These platforms are not the traditional streaming platforms but they have become the forum for the content creators around the world. Short movies are often released by newcomers and amateur directors on these platforms. So why is that?

These platforms have a massive user base, quality metrics, analytics and a huge platform for gathering your audience. These platforms help the filmmakers market their films and talent. The metrics to earn money from them is very low.

When you google “what are the best platforms to watch short films?” the lists show Netflix, Youtube, Vimeo and Sofy.TV at the top. These platforms are the major platforms to stream short films and film-makers from across the world have exhibited their talents on them across genres.

The next question that comes to mind is if they make any money. If you are not selling your movie to Netflix, Amazon or others, the chances of making money off your short film completely depend on your marketing skills. Creators have been monetizing through Youtube and Vimeo. These platforms can pay a small percentage of money for a certain number of views.