Short films are typically defined as original motion pictures that are 40 minutes or less. They allow filmmakers to gain experience and showcase their skills with lower production costs than normal films. Short films usually have only a few main characters to introduce in the limited time and focus on conveying a clear message or theme. Some conventions of short films include having 2-3 main characters, focusing on one significant theme or technique, keeping a low budget with few locations, telling a relatable story with a plot twist, and targeting a niche audience.

1. CONVENTIONS
OF A SHORT
FILM
IZZY SAAB

2. WHAT IS A SHORT FILM?
- “An original motion picture that has a running time of 40
minutes or less, including all credits” - Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences.
- short films are typically 5-10 mins long.
- usually there are only a few main characters and no secondary
ones as the film is to short to introduce them.
- short films are particularly popular in the UK and they are
usually presented in film festivals and events.

3. The Purpose of Short Films
- They give opportunity for learners to gain experience, knowledge and
recognition, as well as come up with new idea without having to pay as
much money as a normal film would cost.
- They can be created to give the audience a message or a meaning to
something. This is when the directors aim is to convey their thoughts
and opinions towards the audience.
- They as we'll help with the directors portfolio and reputation. As they
develop film making skills through mise en scene, cinematography and
more.

4. EXAMPLES OF SHORT FILMS

5. CONVENTIONS
- Characters - 2-3 main characters, as its a "short
film", details about the characters presented is
not required. That's why the number of
characters presented are kept low to allow the
audience understand and relate to them in the
small amount of time.
- 1 significant theme or techniques - could be an
everyday situation that your target audience can
relate to and then create a twist in the plot. This
allows the viewer to connect to the film as well
as being interested and entertained.
- Low budget - Short films tend to have low budgets
and this is because most directors of the short films
are independent. They keep their budget low by
sticking to 1-3 locations and use about 2 characters.
- Storyline - Short films tend to take a everyday
situation that the audience can relate to and then
create a twist in the plot. This allows the viewer to
connect to the film as well as being interested and
entertained.
- Usually targeting a niche audience
- Since the main focus isn't making profit, they can be
accessed for free on the internet. They're main goal is
to raise awareness,