Short Film Codes and Conventions

1. Short Film Codes and Conventions

2. Storyline:
• The story must have
meaning and some
logic so that the
audiences can
understand
• Exciting , original
idea
• No clichés ideas
• Inspiration from
people around you
or from your own
experience.
Problem:
• The main character
must have a goal,
which he or she has to
achieve somehow,
incase of a problem,
then she must
overcome it.
Acting:
• Choose appropriate
characters, who you
trust, in regards to age,
behavior, sexuality,
ability.
• Bad characters or acting
can lead to the destroy
of the film and create
tension.
Script:
• Engaging,
developed and
interesting script is
the key to narrative
based short films.
• They must have a
proper story and
the characters must
be developed and
interested in what
they are doing.
World:
• Short films focus
on an important
part or event in the
main characters life
• Very popular
setting for a short
film is a journey
Production values:
• Same production
value in regards
to quality must
be applied
• Low budget short
films have poor
lighting, editing,
sound and
quality, which
make the film
look bad.
Character:
• Who is the main
character?
• What does he
want, or what is
his problem?
• How will the
audience
recognize if he is
troubled or
happy?

3. • The story must be as polished
as possible
• Research location
• Improvise
• Every shot counts, can be
useful later on
• Simple idea, we can expand
on it
• Complete pre-production
planning
• Use Camera for filming
• We have to make sure to keep
the story interesting with
something emotional or
physical action as much as we
can
• Avoid too many location,
easier for you and your
characters
• Everything is important,
especially Dialogues
• Avoid ending your short film
with a twist
• No more than 10 to 15
minutes to please the
audience
• Shoot the video the quickest and
cheapest way possible
• Do a proper storyboard
• You have the responsibility of the
characters and their act in your
film
• Make sure to keep the film in 3
dived parts:
• Pre-production(Scripting
,planning)
• Production(Shooting the film)
• Post-production(Editing, grading
and special effects)