Short films are typically between 1-35 minutes long, with many being 5-8 minutes. They have small budgets which require them to use limited locations, 1-3 actors, and introduce any plot twists early. Short films are more creative with their storylines and production since they are independent with no large company oversight.

2. LENGTH
A short film is typically no shorter than a minute long
and no longer than 35 minutes. Many short films
are typical between 5-8 minutes long; if they are
any longer they would be classed as feature length
films.

3. SETTING
Due to the small budget many short films are typically
set in the same area throughout the film. The
director has to be more creative with their
surroundings and be more imaginative with how
they use their surroundings.

4. PLOT TWIST
A typical short film tends to contain a twist within the
storyline to make it more interesting. The twist will
be shown very early on in the film in order to keep
the audience entertained and fit the storyline in the
time.

5. CHARACTERS
Many short films typically use between 1-3 actors, this
is because of the small budget and with the film
being short they don’t have time to build
relationships and backgrounds of many characters.
Having a small amount of actors allows the
audience to make a connection with the characters
in the small amount of time.

6. CREATIVITY
Short films tend be more creative in the way they are
made and what storyline they produce, this is
because they are usually independent films and do
not have any company to answer to and are more
free with what they can do.

7. BUDGET
Most short films run on a tight budget as they are
usually produced by independent companies, this
therefore limits what equipment they are able to
use and what they are able to purchase to create
their short film. For example actors, setting,
equipment.