Conventions of a Short Film

Duration

  

-defined as being any film which lasts under 35 minutes. they are usually between 5-10 minutes.

 

The chosen duration of this film leaves the story on a cliffhanger after the short narrative, and leaves the audience making their own conclusions about the story. The audience are left out of the loop until the end and then the film finishes abruptly. For example this short film has a non-linear narrative that is confusing at the start, but comes together at the end showing how the characters are all connected to one and other.
 I may use a short duration/cliffhanger in my own short film to leave the audience wondering what happens next, and letting them make up their own mind.

 Budget + Storylines

-small cast, basic equipment and small range/lack of mise-en-scene

This short film is a good example of a low budget film. The cast consists of one actress, the costumes remain the same and the locations are quite simplistic. This film's narrative is quite simple but leaves the audience room for their own interpretations. The impact it has on the audience makes it clear that the film-maker is not usually of a high level of fame, meaning the content is more important. The narrative is quite difficult to interpret but is only exploring one situation at one time.

If I make a short film, it would definitely be low/no budget since we would have a small cast and is a school production meaning we have no cost in terms of equipment. 

Characters

-usually between one and three characters, little background is given

 

This is a good example of a short film focusing on characters. The characters have never officially met but build a bond from seeing each other each morning. There is little background given, just that the little boy is sick. It allows the audience to watch the relationship grow and learn more about each character as they see each other more.
I may use this in my own short film in a similar way, with little dialogue and have two characters finally meet after seeing each other every day for years.

Twist

-short films usually contain an unexpected turn of events

 

This shows how there is a mirror in the events which the audience wouldn't expect. This has been used in this short film to show the theory of "what goes around, comes around". The lie of the character's grandma dying then grows and then eventually he finds out that his grandma really passed away. The impact on the audience is it keeps them intrigued and engaged.
I may use this in my own short film in a similar way or making a short film that is very predictable with its events then having a very dramatic twist so it catches the audience off guard.

Abstract Creativity + Niche

-ideas in short films are usually abstract or controversial

 

This film is quite unconventional for a short film for example the amount of dialogue as the voice over is the main sound element throughout the whole film. The concept of the unfocused camera work to relate to the narrative is original. The impact it has on the audience is quite dependable on the type of viewer. Some may find it interesting, whereas some may find it hard to follow which creates the controversy since it lacks traditional sellability and doesn't have much action.
I may use this approach when making a short film since it appeals to a limited audience and keeps the audience thinking as they view the short film.

Emotional

-convey a clear emotion to the audience 
 

The main emotion conveyed in this short film is fear, since the man worries he will not be able to protect his daughter. The camera work shows his fear through close ups and the rushed action of him running, this has a direct impact on the audience as they feel they have been thrown into the narrative and they themselves understand and see the emotion the characters feel.

 I may use this approach when making my own short film as it is easy way to focus your whole film around whether it be sad or scared, and therefore will convey the emotion clearly to the audience.

Sound

-often minimal dialogue, voice overs common 

 

This short film has very little dialogue but the strong narrative compensates for this and keeps the audience engaged with the use of music that compliments the shots and makes them more powerful. The narrative is very engaging and the concept is original, revealing the beginning of the story at the very end which makes the audience interested.

I may use this in my own short film by having very little dialogue, good music and an original narrative that the audience engage with even if it may be slightly confusing to start with.