Teens of LA Film Fest | Categories | Los Angeles Public Library

Book Trailer

A video teaser or preview that gives viewers a taste of a book's plot, setting, and tone without giving away any spoilers.

Length: 30-90 seconds
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVDfV7gCCFE
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_yY24E7e8o

Documentary Short

A film that highlights cultural, social, scientific, or other nonfiction topics in a creative way. Uses a combination of observational footage, interviews, voice-overs, and other material such as photographs or archival footage to tell a true story.

A personal documentary that conveys the true lived experience of you, your friends, your family, or your community.

Length: 2-8 minutes
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJJKHQ7UAjY
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJW87PqOHVI
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy81xq4BPUM

Experimental Short

A film that experiments with the filmmaking process either through editing, sound, non-traditional techniques, or abstract narratives. These are films that do not fit the traditional mold of another category, including films without dialog and/or storylines. Music videos are accepted in this category.

Length: 2-8 minutes
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYzzg6g1To
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLZQkkyTVr8

Live Action or Animated Short

A short film that tells a fictional story using believable characters, plots, and settings. Can be any genre (comedy, drama, action, horror, etc. Films submitted in this category can be live action or animated.

Length: 2-8 minutes
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuqi01YrzuY (live action)
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNw8V_Fkw28 (animated)

Micro Short

A tightly edited, one-minute long film. Micro movies can be any genre or category (live action, animated, experimental).

Length: 1 minute or less
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzjBpmNtviw
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-cI1eSX4P0
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uauBhO6HjEY
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV9HnITo2C0

Public Service Announcement

An informational video that raises awareness about an important issue, often having to do with health and safety. PSAs are intended to help change behaviors and attitudes about social topics. PSAs often resemble commercials, but serve the public good rather than advertise products.

Length: 30-90 seconds
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKvxBBbgS58
Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvtao91TsT4

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