SHORT FILM IDEA

For our short film we are going to create a dystopian, sci-fi type film. Whilst we may dip into other genres, for example our script may feature aspects of comedy, these are the main genres we will be sticking to throughout. Our production will be 5 minutes long, falling into the bracket of a short film.

Length

A short film will most commonly last between 3 to 20 minutes, however the length varies greatly and can last as little as a minute and up to 40. Storylines are generally kept simple and easy, and the narrative is usually condensed and there will be limited dialogue. 

Character

A short film will usually introduce between 1 and 3 main characters. Short films will usually last only long enough to connect the audience to few characters and will not have a developed enough storyline to hold a large cast.

Twist

Including a twist is a common convention in short film although this is not a general rule and not all short films will use this format. However, a twist allows the film maker to tell a short story in an interesting way and they are able to do this as the short storyline gives less clues to the ending.

Creativity

Overall short films allow for much more creativity and abstraction. They will often be made up of a number of creative shots and soundtrack making up an artistic and sometimes quirky piece. 

Budget

Budgets for short film are usually quite low. Short films are unlikely to make any money which effects the amount spent in the making and they are often made by first time film makers or experimental artists and film makers with no or little funding. This effects the overall look of the film creating a more home made or arty look. 

Niche Audience

Short films have a lot smaller and niche audience than mainstream due to the creative nature, length and simple storyline. Although largely accessible, many are not aware of short film. Short film also varies in genre and style and will appeal to a much more specific audience.

Emotion

Short films are used to convey a strong emotion to the viewer whether this is laughter, pleasure, sadness or anger, sometimes making comments on morals or society in the process. There will also usually be a stronger connection to the characters as they are shown closely throughout, with the creativity allowing for more humour and pleasure.

Online distribution

Unlike mainstream film, short films are largely accessible for free through the internet. There are many sites who distribute short films online from independent to established sites such as the BBC. This is the easiest and most effective way for short film to reach audiences as they are very rarely shown at cinemas or on television. As short film is based much more on creativity and expression rather than mainstream and profit, it is much more important for the film maker to reach a wide audience and distribute films to them for free.

Opposition to mainstream

All of these codes and conventions largely make short film in opposition to mainstream. They hold a very different format and style to each other and short film will usually try to give audiences a different outlet of film to the mainstream.