conventions

1. SHORT FILM
CONVENTIONS
Sophie Purchon

2. Quick build ups
• As a short film is about 5 – 15 minutes, you have so little
time to make an impression the impact of the first scene is
crucial.
• It needs to have a quick build up to what happens which
engages the audience straight away; however, it is
common in short films that they have a simple story line
then at the end something happens which changes the
audiences whole opinion.

3. Sounds
• The sound is very important in short film because in some
cases the sound has more of an effect in the story than
the actual acting. It has to fit in and make an impact on
the audience, thus it has to have a bold and strong script
which fits in with what is happening and makes a point to
the audience.
• Some of the best short films only have non-diagetic
sound, this gives more of an effect on the audience as it
allows them to guess what is happening in the film and
they just watch the acting within in it.

4. Clichés
• A cliché is an expression, idea, or element of work which
has become overused to the point of losing its original
meaning or effect. They can often become irritating and
boring to the viewer, when it comes to films as people
more likely want to see films which are different and
unusual especially short films.
• Clichés are common in short films, however it makes
short films better when they are different and have a twist
towards the end to excite the audience and change their
opinion on the situation and/or character.
• Stereotyping in short films is also a common convention
but like clichés, they are not as good unless you make
them different of have a slight slant on them.

5. Meanings/morals
• It is important that there is a meaning within a short film
as they are wanting to make an impact on the audience. It
is not often when there is a short film with no meaning in
and the ones which don’t are usually not that good, from
my research on short films.
• The meaning/moral in a short film is usually about being
and/or trusting yourself, this is because it relates to a wide
range of people who may feel insecure about themselves.

6. Relatable
• Many short films include scenes or situations where the
audience can relate, this convention is effective as it engages
the audience and becomes more meaningful for them.
• The clip below is of a short film, which is set in a classroom and
they are learning about sex education and the discomfort from
it. Instantly nearly everyone, young and old can relate to this or
feel as if they have been in a situation similar. However, the
young boys imagination goes too far and ends up humiliated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3gNQ2KYCb4