Codes and Conventions of Short Films

Length and Basic Info:

• The normal duration of a short film is around 5-15 minutes long as from what i have seen from the ones that i have analysed, the ones that were most effective were around 5 minutes long due to they got straight to the point thus keeping the audience drawn in the whole way throughout. 

• There is usually only main characters not any secondary due to the duration of the film is not long enough to include irrelevant people that the audience do not understand why they were include thus causing confusion. 

Concept:

• Everyday situations more casual than a feature film this allows the audience to relate to the film more and be a part of it therefore making the film come across as more realistic and believable.

Budget:

• Usually low budget or no budget at all.

• They normally don't include a soundtrack as it takes too much time off of the film.

• Actors are usually amateurs around the ages of 15-27.

Characters:

• The characters usually range between 2-5; the use of less characters makes it more personal to the audience therefore makes it more effective as there is not enough time to build characters in short films.

• There will only be one protagonist throughout the whole plot.

Twists:

• There will always be a twist to every short film to make it more interesting and plot built.

• Use an everyday situation however add something to it that you wouldn't normally expect to add suspense and curiousity.

• Sometimes keep some of the story (clues) until the end so that it keeps the audience in their seat.

Technical/Reoccurring Themes:

• Usually very basic equipment is used such as an SLR and tripod.

• Voice overs/narrations are typically used to give information to the audience quickly.

• There are usually no wars (such as explosions) or fantasy involved.