Conventions of short film

Unlike feature length films, short films or “Shorts” are notorious for being quick to the point, but with a fantastic story line and message. The name is self-explanatory and basically sums up this type of cinema in a nutshell. But there is a lot more to short films than people think. Anyone can make a short film, but for it to be successful, it needs to contain the conventions that all short films have.

Present the morale of the story in the time used:

Short films need to be straight to the point when creating a narrative. Feature length films can afford to almost avoid the main story line in some parts of the film – if we think about side stories which could lead to a twist. Short films are sometimes not funded enough to last long amounts of time, so getting to the point is very important. Despite not having the longest story line, short films can still deliver effective narratives.

Have the element of surprise:

All good short films either have the element of surprise or a plot twist, which are made even more effective due to the fact that they have a lot less time to build up information on. Short films will tend to have subtle references or foreshadowing in their storylines, which will then take the audience by surprise at the end of the film.

Stick to no more than 2 or 3 characters:

Short films have a limited time to build a deep relationship between character and audience, so the amount of main characters is limited to ensure that the story can be concentrated on, rather than the life of the characters.

Having a low budget:

Short film producers tend to have a very low budget. Short films have a limited running time, which helps them with their limited budget. Short films tend to use props and costumes that are already owned by the cast

members and producers. In all of the occasions that I have made a short film, I have literally not spent a penny on any props or costumes. Digital cameras also benefit the production of short films hugely, as they do not cost the producers anything in terms of film usage.

Being short:

Whilst seeming blatantly obvious and rather pedantic, short films actually have to be short. The cost of making a (good) feature length film is something that exceeds the budget of a short film by a considerable margin. Short films tend to be around 15 minutes long, however, they can last as long as half an hour without escaping the genre.

Situation:

A lot of short films have been known to base their storied on day to day situations that a lot of audience members can relate to in one way or another… but flip it ion its head in some way. The use of the “norm” is perhaps one of the most effective ways of producing a film, because it allows the audience to get a real feel for it. Personally, from a film fan point of view, there is nothing better than being able to relate to a film.

Sticking to an equilibrium:

Narrative theorist Todorov explains how all stories follow a particular equilibrium before reaching their climax or ending. Short films follow the typically common equilibrium of beginning, middle and end – with the problem or conflict almost always being resolved at the end. Short films have been known to end on cliff-hangers, which are very effective in not only adding to the drama of the film, but enticing the audience to follow onto the sequel.