Jessica Milverton

Codes and Conventions of Short Films

Short Films are typically between 5-10 minutes in length.

Usually there are only a few main characters and no secondary ones as the film is to short to get to know them.

Short films aren’t very big in the US but they are quite popular in the UK being shown at film festivals, they are often released by independent companies.

The most popular form of short films are animation or live action.

Length &Basic Information

Normal events take place in everyday situations.

This allows views to relate to the film.

The short films are realistic. Usually audiences find them more

intriguing. Normal situations are easier and

more effective in a short films. Short films often provide a

problem which need to be solve by the protagonist.

Short films are often made into music videos they also can be documentaries.

Concept

Short films often have a low budget or no budget at all.

There are no expensive titles used. Short films usually never have a

soundtrack or a score. Actors in short films are generally

amateurs and often are young ranging from 16-25.

Short films are usually for people starting out, there are no big names therefore there is no star appeal.

Budget

Typically characters only have 3-4 characters.

Less characters is more effective as there is no time to develop the characters.

Characters numbers are kept low so the audience can relate to them

There will be one protagonist throughout the whole plot.

Characters

Short film almost always contain a twist to make the short storyline more interesting.

A good way of coming up with a short film idea, that seems to be popular with many short film makers is to take a normal day or situation and tweaking it slightly to give is a twist or something different to make is worth watching.

Sometimes some of the story is held back until the end to keep the view on the edge of their seat.

Twist

Typically in short films no CGI is used such as, explosions or fantasy magic.

Usually most people just use the basic technical equipment like a SLR and a tripod.

Voice over and/or narration are often used in short films to give the audience information easily and quickly, like a preface in a play or book.

Technical Ideas&

Recurring Themes