What is a Feature Film

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What is a Feature Film? Know Meaning
Qualifications
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• A feature film, also known as a feature-length
  film or simply a feature, is a type of movie that
  tells a complete story and is long enough to be
  the main event in a movie theatre. It's the kind
  of movie you'd go to see at the cinema for a full
  entertainment experience.
• Originally, the term "feature film" referred to
  the main movie shown in theatres, which would be
  accompanied by a short film and sometimes even a
  newsreel. In addition to the main movie, matinee
  programs, especially in the US and Canada, often
  included cartoons, a weekly serial, and sometimes
  a second feature-length film on weekends. So,
  when you hear about feature films, think of those
  big, full-length movies you enjoy watching at the
  theatre with popcorn in hand!

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True Definition of Feature Film

• A feature film meaning is a film that usually
  lasts between 80 minutes and 180 minutes.
  However, this definition can vary depending on
  who you talk to. For example, according to the
  Screen Actors Guild, a feature film should be at
  least 80 minutes long. However, according to The
  Academy, it only needs to be at least 40 minutes
  long to be considered a feature. These
  differences help distinguish between short films
  and feature films. Generally, when you go to a
  regular movie theatre, you'll see feature films
  that run for more than 80 minutes.

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The History of Feature Films

• What is a feature film and where does it stand in
  our history? In the early days of cinema, the
  term "feature film" was used to talk about the
  main movie that was shown in theatres and
  advertised to the audience. This term helped
  people know which movies were longer than the
  shorter ones, like newsreels, cartoons, and
  comedies, that usually played before the main
  movie.
• At first, feature films weren't as long as they
  are now. In the early 1910s, the main movie on a
  program started with just two or three reels and
  gradually expanded to four. These early features
  were often documentaries about interesting
  events.
• Some of the very first feature-length movies were
  recordings of boxing matches, like The
  Corbett-Fitzsimmons Fight in 1897. People
  sometimes call this the first documentary
  feature, but it was more like a sports show since
  it showed the whole unedited boxing match.
  Another early example is Army Life, a collection
  of short films put together in 1900 by Robert
  Paul, which lasted about 75 minutes in total.

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Differentiating Feature Film and Short Film

• 1. Screen Time
• Feature Films These are the big movies you see
  at the theatre. They usually last anywhere from
  90 minutes to a few hours. You've got time to get
  into the story and characters.
• Short Films Short films are, well, short!
  They're usually under 40 minutes long, sometimes
  even just a few minutes. They're like bite-sized
  stories that get straight to the point.
• 2. Framework
• Feature Films Feature films have complex
  storylines with lots of twists and turns. They've
  got multiple characters, subplots, and layers of
  depth.
• Short Films Short films are more focused. They
  often have a simpler storyline and fewer
  characters. They're like a snapshot of a bigger
  story.

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• 3. Characteristics
• Feature Films These movies aim to entertain you
  for a long time. They've got big budgets,
  top-notch actors, and fancy special effects.
• Short Films Short films are more about making a
  quick impact. They might experiment with
  different styles or tell a unique story in a
  short amount of time.
• 4. Budget
• Feature Films Making a feature film can cost a
  lot of money. You've got to pay for things like
  sets, costumes, and big-name actors. But the
  payoff can be huge if the movie is a hit!
• Short Films Short films are often made on a
  shoestring budget. Filmmakers might use their own
  money or get funding from friends and family.
  They're all about creativity and making the most
  out of limited resources.
• 5. Audience
• Feature Films These movies are made for a wide
  audience. They're the blockbusters you see
  advertised everywhere, aiming to draw in crowds
  to theatres.
• Short Films Short films might not reach as many
  people, but they can still have a big impact.
  They're often shown at film festivals or shared
  online, reaching audiences who appreciate unique
  storytelling.

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Best Feature Film Examples

• The Godfather (1972) Directed by Francis Ford
  Coppola, this iconic crime drama follows the
  Corleone crime family and is widely regarded as
  one of the greatest films ever made.
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Directed by
  Frank Darabont, this drama tells the story of
  Andy Dufresne, a banker sentenced to life in
  Shawshank State Penitentiary who befriends a
  fellow inmate named Red.
• The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King
  (2003) Directed by Peter Jackson, this epic
  fantasy film concludes the trilogy based on
  J.R.R. Tolkien's novels and won 11 Academy
  Awards, including Best Picture.
• Inception (2010) Directed by Christopher Nolan,
  this mind-bending science fiction thriller
  explores the concept of dreams within dreams and
  is known for its complex narrative and stunning
  visual effects.
• Titanic (1997) Directed by James Cameron, this
  romantic epic tells the story of the ill-fated
  RMS Titanic and its passengers, with a fictional
  love story set against the backdrop of the ship's
  sinking.
• The Matrix (1999) Directed by the Wachowskis,
  this science fiction action film follows Neo, a
  computer programmer who discovers the truth about
  reality and joins a rebellion against sentient
  machines.

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Conclusion

• So, now you know what a feature film is all
  about! It's those big, blockbuster movies you see
  at the theatre, packed with exciting stories,
  top-notch acting, and stunning visuals. From
  crime dramas like "The Godfather" to epic
  fantasies like "The Lord of the Rings," feature
  films offer something for everyone.
• Next time you're planning a movie night, remember
  to keep an eye out for those feature films that
  promise an unforgettable cinematic experience.
  Whether you're in the mood for action, romance,
  or a good laugh, there's a feature film waiting
  to entertain you.
• So go ahead, grab some popcorn, and immerse
  yourself in the magic of feature films! And if
  you ever find yourself wondering, "What is a
  feature film?" just remember it's a big,
  exciting movie you won't want to miss!