Codes and conventions of short films

1. CODES AND
CONVENTIONS OF
SHORT FILMS
BY CHARLIE CLEMENTS

2. CHARACTERS
• In a short film there would usually be between 1 tot 3
main characters, as there is not enough time to
introduce many different character . If there were
more characters in the short film then the audience
would feel as if they were being bombarded.
• Short films will usually last only long enough to
connect the audience to a few characters and will not
have developed enough storyline to have a larger cast.

3. LENGTH AND STORYLINES
• A short film will most commonly last between three and twenty minutes, however
the length of a short film can last up to a minute or as long as 40 minutes. Short
film competitions usually ask for short films to be lasting 90 seconds.
• Storylines are generally kept much more simple and easier to follow than feature
length films. The narrative is usually condensed, meaning there will be less
dialogue. Instead characters are showing their emotions though facial features.

4. BUDGET
• The budget of a short film vary, but most of them are usually quite low. Short
films are unlikely to make any money which means that they should not put large
amounts into it. Short films are usually made by first time film makers meaning
that its much more risky giving them money than an experienced film maker.
• The films look more like a homemade film, there are exceptions of this however
where a film is made on a low budget looks near professional and others which
will have a large budget to spend on making.

5. NICHE AUDIENCE
• Short films have a lot smaller and niche audience than mainstream due to the
creative nature, length and simple storyline. Although largely accessible, many
are not aware of short film. This is largely due to the popularity decreasing
through the 30’s onwards, and the limited access in mainstream forms such as
prime time television and cinema. Short film massively vary in genre and style and
appeal to different to different audiences.

6. ONLINE DISTRIBUTION
• Unlike mainstream films, short films are largely accessible for free though the
internet. Short film creators can distribute their films on places such as the BBC,
DVDs and YouTube. These are all free, however also enables more people to be
able to see the show.
• As short film is based much more on creativity and expression rather than
mainstream and profit, it is much more important for the film maker to reach a
wide audience and distribute films to them for free.