Animated Short Films that Became Feature Films

Animation has a unique power to bring stories to life in ways that other mediums cannot. Many beloved feature films started as animated short films, showcasing the incredible potential of this format to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers. Here are seven animated short films that successfully made the leap to feature films. If you're an aspiring animator, take note of the journey these films took from shorts to full-length features.

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Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out
9
Frankenweenie
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Pixels
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Tips for Creating Your Own Animated Short Film
Frequently Asked Questions

Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out

Story: Wallace and Gromit, the iconic duo of a cheese-loving inventor and his loyal dog, began their adventures in "A Grand Day Out." Created by Nick Park, this stop-motion short film introduced audiences to Wallace's love for cheese and Gromit's endearing skepticism.

Journey to Feature Film: "A Grand Day Out" was a labor of love, taking six years to complete. Its success led to further shorts and eventually, feature-length films like "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit." The charm and creativity of Wallace and Gromit's world captivated audiences, proving that a compelling story and unique animation style could lead to cinematic success.

9

Story: Shane Acker's "9" started as a post-apocalyptic short film featuring a small, ragdoll-like character named 9. The short was visually striking and conveyed a powerful story without dialogue, focusing on survival in a world devastated by machines.

Journey to Feature Film: The short film caught the attention of notable filmmakers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, who helped expand it into a feature film. Released in 2009, the full-length "9" retained the dark, atmospheric tone of the short while delving deeper into its dystopian world and characters.

Frankenweenie

Story: Tim Burton's "Frankenweenie" began as a live-action short film in 1984. The story, a parody and homage to Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," centers on a young boy who brings his pet dog back to life.

Journey to Feature Film: Burton revisited "Frankenweenie" in 2012, this time as a stop-motion animated feature. The feature film allowed him to expand on the original story and characters, utilizing the unique style of animation to enhance the quirky and heartfelt narrative.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Story: "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" is a charming mockumentary-style short film created by Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate. It features Marcel, a tiny shell with a single eye and shoes, who shares his whimsical observations about life.

Journey to Feature Film: The viral success of the short film led to a series of follow-ups and eventually a feature-length film. The extended runtime allowed for a deeper exploration of Marcel's world, blending humor and poignancy in a way that resonated with both children and adults.

Pixels

Story: "Pixels," directed by Patrick Jean, is a short film that imagines a scenario where classic video game characters invade New York City, transforming it into a pixelated battlefield.

Journey to Feature Film: The innovative concept of "Pixels" captured the imagination of audiences and Hollywood alike. The short was adapted into a feature film in 2015, starring Adam Sandler. While the movie received mixed reviews, it showcased the potential for creative and nostalgic short films to be expanded into larger productions.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Story: Kerry Conran's "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" started as a short film that served as a proof of concept for his unique vision of a retro-futuristic world. The short combined live-action with computer-generated environments to create a distinctive visual style.

Journey to Feature Film: The short film impressed producers, leading to the development of a full-length feature in 2004. The movie, starring Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, pushed the boundaries of digital filmmaking and demonstrated how a compelling visual concept could drive a feature film.

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Tips for Creating Your Own Animated Short Film

Creating a successful animated short film that could potentially become a feature film is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

Create a Short Film with a Compelling Story: Your story is the heart of your film. Ensure it has a strong narrative that can captivate audiences.
Check Your Story with an Audience Before Producing It: Get feedback from others to see what resonates and what needs improvement.
See What Resonates with Your Audience: Pay attention to audience reactions to refine your story and characters.
A Good Short Film Takes About 1 Year to Produce: Be prepared for the time commitment. Quality takes time.
The Medium Supports the Story: Choose the animation style (2D, 3D, stop-motion) that best enhances your story.
Work with a Team Who Excel at Different Skills: Collaborate with others who can bring their expertise in animation, design, lighting, and more.
The Audio and Sound Design is 50% of the Experience: Don’t underestimate the importance of sound in creating an immersive experience.
Finish on Time: Meeting deadlines is crucial in the film industry.
Create Publicity Materials: Promote your film through posters, trailers, and social media.
Send It to High-Quality Festivals: Getting your short into festivals can increase visibility and credibility.
Talk to Studio Producers: Build relationships with industry professionals.
Find Contacts in IMDBPro: Use tools like IMDBPro to network and find potential collaborators.
Attend Film Markets: These events can provide opportunities to showcase your work.
Follow Up with Producers: Stay in touch and show your continued interest and commitment.
If Your Film is Good, You'll Find a Good Fit for a Studio Who Wants to Produce Your Film: Persistence and quality are key.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make an animated short film?

A good short film typically takes about one year to produce, depending on the complexity and resources available.

What is the most important aspect of creating an animated short film?

The story is the heart of your film. A compelling narrative that resonates with audiences is crucial.

Why is sound design so important in animation?

Sound design is 50% of the experience. It enhances the visual elements and helps create an immersive atmosphere.

How can I promote my animated short film?

Create publicity materials such as posters and trailers, and promote your film on social media. Sending it to high-quality festivals can also increase visibility.

What should I do after finishing my short film?

Send it to festivals, talk to studio producers, attend film markets, and follow up with industry contacts. Networking and persistence are key to finding the right fit for your film.

Many of the animated short films that have become beloved feature films started with a simple, compelling idea. If you have a passion for storytelling and animation, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

VANAS Online Animation School offers an Animation Shortfilms program at VANAS to launch your career. Whether you're inspired by the journey of Wallace and Gromit, 9, or any other successful short-to-feature stories, your own path in animation begins with a single frame.