Short film emerged as a new art form in the late 19th century, with early films often being single shot depictions of everyday life. As the 20th century began, film lengths increased to around 40 minutes. Short films typically have a simple storyline focused over a short period of time to engage audiences. They usually feature 1-3 main characters to develop within limited time. Short films commonly include a twist to keep viewers interested in how the story unfolds. They tend to have low budgets, using few locations, amateur actors, and no soundtrack to reduce costs.

1. SHORT FILM
By Xue Bai
A2 Media
• History
• Codes & Conventions

2. At the end of the 19th century, short film became a new form of art.
Short film is any motion picture that not long enough, sometimes it
runs only a minute or even less. But, as the 20th century dawned, films
became longer up to 40 minutes.
The very first set of film presented in 1894 were made through
Thomas Edison’s kinetoscope which is a peepshow-like device for an
individual viewing. These and the films that succeeded them, were
often one shot “actuality” or “interest ” films depicted celebrities, royal
processions, travelogues, current affairs and however everyday life
scenes.
Short comedies were especially hot and typically came in a serial or
series, such as Our Gung- a series of American comedy short films.

3. Short Film Codes and Conventions
• Storyline
Storyline is generally kept simple and based
over a short time period. The best way to make
film interesting is to develop the storyline in
everyday setting. This helps audiences connect
to the film and look forward the resolution of
situation.

4. • Character
Due to the time and simplicity in story, short
film usually have 1 to 3 main characters. Less
character is more effective as there is limit time
to develop the characters. This is also done on
propose to keep audiences engaged and can
follow plot easily. Short film often rely on
stereotypical representation as it allows
audiences to recognize the meaning in the
viewer.

5. • Twist
Including a twist is a common convention in
short film although this is not a general rule and
not all short films will use this format. However,
this makes the film much more appealing to the
audience, as they become aware and sometimes
desperate to see how the storyline continues.
Sometimes some of the story is held back until
the end to keep the view on the edge of their
seat.

6. • Budget
Short films often have a low budget or no
budget at all. They are often made by first time
film makers or experimental artists and film
makers with no or little funding. The easiest
way to cut down on spending is by using very
few locations for filming, small amount of
amateurs young character, no soundtrack or a
score.