Codes and Conventions of Short Films

Only include one or two main characters - This is initially due to the fact that it is a short piece of film, there is not enough time to explore more than two characters. Dialogue needs to be kept to a minimum to allow the plot to progress. Also, two main characters is usually enough to portray and carry across the message that the short subject is trying to illustrate to the audience.

No longer than 40 minutes - Most short films are no longer than fifteen minutes, although there are some exceptions that last up to 40 minutes and are still considered as short films. This time barrier is somewhat an unwritten rule of short film, as a piece longer than this would need more main characters and a larger budget to explore various locations, therefore not adhering to any of the codes and conventions whatsoever.

Reference everyday situations - This is usually so that the audience can identify with the situation, as the message being illustrated is to move the audience and communicate a response. Short films conveying arguments, buying train tickets, shopping, meeting new people and riding public transport, are more likely to spark a response as a wider audience can connect with these situations.

Include stereotypical everyday Mise en Scene - Again, this is so that the audience can identify with the piece, making it easier for the Director’s message to be communicated. For example, using close-up and medium shots are more realistic, as it is what the eye sees, birds-eye views and extreme wide shots are less realistic due to the fact that it is what the eye cannot see. Therefore, if the location is the supermarket, a train, a pub, or a car park, audiences can identify with these locations as they come across them each and every day of their lives.

Low budget - Short films are primarily experiments, thus the low budget. Short subjects are usually produced to convey a message to a niche audience, or to experiment with camera techniques and editing styles, without loosing allot of money. Also, many short films are created by amateur directors, who have virtually no money at all, and short film is their only way to build up a portfolio to enter the film industry.

Short, simple, fast moving narrative - The film is too short to convey a complex, multi-story narrative. It needs to be fast paced, and deliver information quickly to keep the audience intrigued and the message delivered in sufficient time.

Twists within the narrative - To break and challenge initial expectations makes the short subject more memorable. As the piece is so short, it is important that twists happen within the narrative to challenge initial judgements of situations, so that the audience are shocked and do remember the short piece. Feature films have more time to develop the narrative and find different ways to make their audience remember their film, with short film this is limited due to a low budget.

Lack of special effects - Fundamentally due to a low budget and a small production team, these effects are too beyond short films. Also, rarely do short subjects needs these effects to deliver their purpose or message across to the audience, it is done through camera work and narrative, the original way.

Can be documentaries or music videos - Since the introduction of MTV, music videos have grown insanely within the past 30 years. The song lyrics usually act as the narrative and a short film is developed around it, also doubling as the promotional video for the track. If the above codes and conventions are included in a documentary, this also can be recognized as a short subject.

(One of my personal favourite short films doubling as a music video, directed by Phil Atwell and Dr. Dre. The video depicts the lyrics illustrating an Eminem fan living with his pregnant girlfriend becoming overly obsessed with his idol, leading to his demise)