To develop their understanding of short films, students must watch at least five short films and create a list of short film conventions supported by examples from the films. Students must then choose one compelling short film to present to the class, showing the film and explaining how it fits conventions and explores ideas/themes/messages while using camerawork, lighting, editing and other techniques to set mood.

1. Task: Short Films.
You need to develop your understanding of short film, whether you’re thinking of creating a
photostoryboard, extended step outline or filming a short film, this will be invaluable.
1. You need to watch as least five short films.
2. Create a list of Short film conventions (for examples Small Number of Characters, Little plot
complication or development, Experimental narratives….) and give details from the films you
watched to support your conventions.
3. Choose one short film that you found compelling and prepare a presentation on it for the
class. In the presentation you will need to:
a. Show the film to the class
b. Explain how it fits your short film conventions
c. Explain the ideas/themes/messages explored by the film
d. Discuss the mood of the film and how this is created
e. Explore how the micro elements of film have been used (camera, lighting, mise en
scene, editing, sound etc.) Give specific examples (maybe with screen grabs)
f. Justify why you think this is a good example of a short film.
Suggested Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Live_Action_Short_Film#2010s
Academy Award Nominees and Winners for Best Live-Action Short Films
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BAFTA_Award_for_Best_Short_Film
BAFTA Awards for Best Short Film
http://www.filmsshort.com/festival-winners/Sundance-Winners-Short-Films-1.html
Short Film Winners
http://www.youtube.com/futureshorts
Future Short Film Festival
http://www.youtube.com/user/TROPFEST
Tropfest – Australian Short Film Festival
And, of course, YouTube is another good resource.