Hey guys! Ever wondered what people mean when they talk about a "feature length" film? Or maybe you've seen the term "feature length" thrown around and felt a bit lost? Well, you're not alone! It's a phrase that gets used a lot in the movie industry, but its definition can be surprisingly vague. Let's break it down and clear up any confusion, shall we?

What Exactly is a Feature Length Film?

So, what is a feature length film? Basically, it refers to the standard length for a movie that's shown in theaters. But here's where it gets a little tricky: there's no universally agreed-upon exact number of minutes. Generally speaking, most film industry professionals consider a movie to be feature length if it runs for at least 40 minutes. However, you'll often hear that a feature length film needs to be at least 60 or even 75 minutes long to be considered a true feature length movie. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) considers a feature length film to be 75 minutes or longer.

Why the discrepancy, you ask? Well, it comes down to a few things. First, the definition has evolved over time. Back in the early days of cinema, movies were much shorter, so a feature length film could be significantly shorter than what we're used to today. Second, different organizations and film festivals have their own rules and guidelines. What qualifies as a feature length film for one festival might not qualify for another. Another reason to consider is the distributor of the film. Distributors are more likely to invest in a film that meets the minimum length to be considered feature length. Meeting the feature length requirement opens doors to larger audiences and diverse film festivals, increasing the film's opportunities for recognition and success. Also, movies need to be of feature length to be considered for certain categories in award shows, or to even be considered for nomination.

Think of it this way: a movie that's 45 minutes long might be considered feature length by some, especially if it's a documentary or an experimental film. But a big-budget Hollywood production would almost certainly need to be longer than an hour to be considered feature length. In essence, feature length indicates that the film is long enough to be the main attraction in a movie theater, rather than a short film or part of an anthology. If a film producer is trying to meet the standards, they will have to consider a lot of things regarding their film, like the genre, the target audience, the budget, the distributor and the purpose of the film.

Why Does Feature Length Matter?

You might be wondering why it even matters whether a film is considered feature length or not. Well, there are several reasons why this designation is important. First, it affects how the film is marketed and distributed. Feature length films are typically given wider releases and more prominent placement in theaters and on streaming platforms. Short films, on the other hand, are often relegated to film festivals, special screenings, or online distribution.

Secondly, feature length can influence the film's perceived value and prestige. Audiences often associate feature length films with higher production values, more complex storytelling, and more accomplished filmmaking. A feature length film shows the audience the director's commitment and vision, the scope of storytelling and the opportunity to engage viewers. This is especially important if the film is expected to be nominated in prestigious award shows. While there are plenty of amazing short films out there, they often don't receive the same level of recognition as feature length films. In addition, the length allows for a more complex story to be told, allowing for deeper character development and more intricate plot lines.

Thirdly, as mentioned earlier, feature length is often a requirement for film festivals and awards. Many festivals only accept feature length films into their main competition, and awards ceremonies like the Oscars have specific categories for feature length films. If you're a filmmaker hoping to gain recognition and accolades for your work, aiming for feature length is often a strategic move. Another important thing to consider is the budget of the film. Making a feature length film will mean that the budget of the film can accommodate the needs of the film. Usually the budget for the film is greatly affected by its length, because of the cost of production, editing and distribution. Therefore, it is important to meet the criteria for feature length films.

Feature Length vs. Short Film: What's the Difference?

The main difference between a feature length film and a short film is, of course, the running time. While feature length films typically run for at least 40 minutes (and often much longer), short films are usually 40 minutes or less. But there are other differences as well. Short films often focus on a single idea or theme, while feature length films tend to have more complex plots and characters. Also, short films are often used as a stepping stone for emerging filmmakers, while feature length films are typically made by more experienced directors.

Short films are an excellent training ground for aspiring filmmakers, offering a chance to experiment with style, technique, and storytelling on a smaller scale. Short films are often more experimental than feature length films, and are used to showcase the filmmaker's skills and vision. They also often tackle niche subjects, or are used as proof of concept to get funding for a longer project. However, short films are not eligible for awards or recognition in the same way that feature length films are. Short films are typically more affordable to produce and distribute, making them an ideal medium for independent filmmakers and students. They can explore niche subjects or serve as a calling card for emerging talent, demonstrating their potential to handle larger projects.

Feature length films, on the other hand, provide filmmakers with a broader canvas to explore characters, themes, and narratives in greater depth. The feature length format allows for complex plots, intricate character arcs, and immersive world-building, offering audiences a richer and more engaging cinematic experience. Feature length films often require larger budgets and more extensive production schedules, but they also offer greater opportunities for distribution, recognition, and commercial success. They are the standard format for theatrical releases and are often considered the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, providing filmmakers with the chance to showcase their talent on a grand scale.

Examples of Feature Length Films

To give you a better idea of what feature length films look like, here are a few examples across different genres:

• Drama: The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – 142 minutes
• Comedy: Bridesmaids (2011) – 125 minutes
• Action: Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – 120 minutes
• Documentary: Man with a Movie Camera (1929) – 68 minutes
• Animation: Spirited Away (2001) – 125 minutes

As you can see, feature length films can vary in length, but they all meet the minimum requirement of being at least 40 minutes long (and in most cases, much longer!). Also, as you can see in the Documentary example, feature length can be shorter depending on the genre and style of the film.

So, What's the Magic Number?

While there's no single magic number that defines feature length, it's generally safe to say that a film needs to be at least 60 minutes long to be widely considered a feature length film. However, don't get too hung up on the exact number. What really matters is whether the film is able to tell a compelling story and engage the audience. At the end of the day, the quality of the film is much more important than its running time. So, focus on making the best film you can, and don't worry too much about whether it technically qualifies as feature length. Now you know the answer to "What does feature length mean?"! Good luck and happy filmmaking!