CODES AND CONVENTIONS

OF SHORT FILMS

Mise-en-scene■ Lighting – all types of lightings are used. (High key/low key). ■ Props/makeup – props and makeup are kept simple so that the characters

are relatable and don’t look too different/out of the ordinary, but also because short films are low budgeted.

■ Vibe/overall look- the vast majority of short films tend to have a clam/quiet vibe rather than the adrenaline rush filled atmosphere we see/feel in blockbusters for instance.

■ Setting - Most short films are based in urban settings any audience would be familiar with. This is due to the fact they are low budgeted so its what's more convenient in this situation , but its also that the audience can relate. The vast majority of short films keep their location numbers low, in other words many of the scenes are based in the same room/area (ie; there isn’t a lot of moving around).

Actors/acting: ■ Short films usually contain a small number of actors (2-3 actors). This

is done for the audience to be able to relate to one of the characters (usually the protagonist) because in short films there usually isn’t enough time to create a complicated an detailed backstory and a lot of dialogue.

■ Example Cosmic divide by Bertie Gilbert (only has 1 actor)

Sound ■ Most short films tend to have minimal sound. In other words there's a

lot of focus on diegetic sound which emphasises reality and its surroundings. However music is also often used too.

■ Dialogue between characters tend to be limited.

■ Example Soft by Simon Ellis (only focuses on diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and includes zero background music).

Plot ■ Unlike feature films, short films aim to be more creative. In other

words their goal is to be artistically successful rather than be a blockbuster for instance. Short films tend to be based on real life events/tragedies. They often have a deeper meaning expressed in a more artistic way. This is because short film’s audience is mainly made up of a niche audience, not a wide and big audience. The fact that they have a niche audience also means directors don’t have to fit into a particular category, in other words they can produce what they like to a certain extent.

■ Example - ‘How it feels’ by Bertie Gilbert (theme is on his own personal experience dealing with his emotions. Its presented in a non story telling way and includes interesting visuals).

Length ■ A short film is any film not long enough to be considered a feature

film.■ The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film

as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits“.

■ The average short film is typically between 5-10 minutes.

■ Example - ‘Twinflower’ by Jay Salbert (only lasts 4 mins).

Budget

■ Short films are often screened at local, national, or international film festivals and made by independent filmmakers for non profit, either with a low budget or no budget at all. They are usually funded by film grants, non profit organizations, sponsor, or personal funds. Short films are generally used by filmmakers to gain experience and/or prove their talent in order to gain funding for future films from private investors, entertainment companies, or film studios. Small budgets is also the reason why short films are based in urban areas and things are kept simple/minimalist (eg: no fancy effects).