RESEARCH: FINDING INFORMATION FOR MY PREZI

Codes and conventions of short films.

Length: A short film will most commonly last between 3 to 20 minutes, however the length varies greatly and can last as little as a minute and up to 40.

Storyline's: Storyline's are generally kept simple and easy to follow and will be based over a short period of time. The narrative is usually condensed and there will be limited dialogue. Instead characters will be developed through images and actions rather than extended and lengthy dialogue sequences.

Character: Due to the length and simplicity in storyline, a short film will usually introduce between 1 and 3 main characters as creating back stories and developing characters is again limited. This is also done in order to keep the audience engaged and be able to follow the storyline.

Twist: Including a twist is a common convention in short film although this is not a general rule and not all short films will use this format. However, a twist allows the film maker to tell a short story in an interesting way and they are able to do this as the short storyline gives less clues to the ending.


Creativity: Short films tend to be fairly abstract and alternative in order to show off director talent.
The director or film maker are able to use more creative techniques placing their own signature look on the piece as there is less pressure to make a profitable film for a large audience.

Budget: Budgets for short film are usually quite low. Short films are unlikely to make any money which effects the amount spent in the making and they are often made by first time film makers or experimental artists and film makers with no or little funding. This effects the overall look of the film creating a more home made or arty look.

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. 


Opposition to Mainstream: All of these codes and conventions laregly make short film in opposition to mainstream. They hold a very different format and style to each other and short film will usually try to give audiences a different outlet of film to the mainstream.