This comprehensive and insightful guide provides a theoretical understanding of the forms and functions of short films, from a variety of production contexts in this country and abroad. The guide establishes a conceptual approach to the analysis of short films and builds on this foundation to provide helpful advice for teachers and students who are producing their own short films. In addition to providing a framework for the production process, the guide demonstrates how practical work can be used to engage with key aspects of the Media and Film Studies curriculum. Contents include: Introduction - Assessment contexts, Rationale, Schemes of work; Background - history and development of the short film form; short film production - effective pre-production; production technologies; post-production; and finding an audience for short films - new possibilities in marketing and distribution. As with all the guides in this series, this title is supported by additional student materials on dedicated password accessible web pages.