Codes and Conventions of Short Films

Technical ideas

Short films are not very technical at all, you do not usually see CGI being used such as an explosion or special effects. Mainly just basic equipment is used like a tripod and camera. It is mainly about the story being told than being technical and using CGI.

This is why I chose a plot where it doesn't need CGI or special effects, simply my short film is after all that CGI would be needed. All I need for my short film is basic filming equipment like it states for the typical code and conventions.

Todorov

Todorov is a very popular theory of equilibrium that is applied for short films. Firstly everything is normal, then a problem occurs of some sort, then the problem in the end is solved. This has became a well known theory that you see in most short films. I am going to try and use a different theory in my short film, to be more unique.

I am not following this, as this theory is very generic. I want my short film to be more unique and intriguing, not following the same structure that is predictable.

Character

In short films, there are typically only 3 or 4 characters as too much characters would make it too complicated as we are just seeing the film for a short time. We do not have time to see the backstory of lots of characters so they are kept low numbered. This means it is more effective and we can relate more to the characters as we see them more. There is mainly one protagonist, a leading character throughout the whole plot.

My short film defiantly follows this code and convention as my short film only contains one protagonist and only explains his backstory. As you do not have time to seek anyone elses. I will have a few other actors that only have a few seconds on show, but the main focus is on the protagonist.

Budget

The majority of short films have a very low budget, or not even one at all. This is because they are mainly independent directors, and they only use a few locations with little actors too. Moreover, In short films you typically see amatuer acting at a young age so it's not costly. Short films are for people that are starting out usually, as there is no big names in it so therefore no star appeal.

This is why I chose a plot with very little budget needed. A post apocalyptic world is very basic and you are not needed any amazing locations, I can just use abandoned areas near me. I do not need any actors other than one protagonist and a few family members, which will not be paid. So I am following this convention well.

Twists

Short films almost certainly all have a twist of some sort. They do this to make the short film more engaging and interesting as they are so short, so this makes it worth watching. Usually this twist is shown at the end to keep viewers at the edge of their seat and maintaining interest to keep them watching throughout.

I may be adding a twist, however I haven't decided that for sure yet. I may make it so the protagonist finally sees a human at the end after 2 years of searching.

Length

Short films are short, as said in the name. They are usually 5-10 minutes in length, if they were any longer they would not be short films. It is unncessary to make it any longer as there are not a lot of characters so we do not see a lot of backstories and we don't have a lot of time for them anyway. Most popular short films are live action or animation, here are some examples:

Geri’s game - 5 minutes long

Streamboat willie - 8 minutes long

Tin Toy - 5 minutes long

I will be making my short story at this length, most probably on the lower end of 5 minutes. I want to keep it short and engaging. To peoples attention spans.