Codes and Conventions of a Short Film

Before producing our short film we have to critically analyse the structure, codes and conventions associated with this particular genre. Short films normally have an interconnected narrative and constructive format in which the story is explained.
Short films usually consist of one main focus character but however use external characters to assist in the progression of the film; conversely these external characters can have a negative impact on the short film so in that sense are not always required. These characters linked with the protagonist generally have basic/simple relationships or connections related to the focus character but however they can be used in a positive way, as they can be used to express the individual’s emotions, feelings and the way they live.

Short films mainly consist of one main plot otherwise known as (Linear), due to the duration is which short films last for, as the audience has to understand the plot being explained in that short space of time. Due to the time consumption of short films it is relatively rare to come across a short film that demonstrates, development into other sub plots within the narrative. Because of this lack of complex development within the narrative the film usually ends by leading up to the climax. Many short film directors recognise this and generally want to have a clear almost disturbing message to leave with the audience. The directors achieve this by ending the short film with an exceptionally unexpected event which leaves the viewers shocked and keeps them talking about the striking disclosure of the film. A good example of this is from the short film ‘About a Girl’ where towards the end we see her carrying the plastic bag, which she drops in the canal that contained her baby as she is incapable of looking after it. This ending I think does leave the audience very disturbed and shocked from this event. Flashbacks can occasionally be used in short films as they can have a very positive impact as they can relate the external characters to the main character and also can help explain the focus character’s story, events that reflex’s the situation that the character is now in to the audience (Not usually used in short films because you come away from the one idea). However the most crucial aspect of a short film is to keep the plot simple which has some complexity but this complexity must not be intermittent into confusion. If this is achieved successfully then complexity can be effective in constructing enigmas for the audience.

Many short films don’t follow or use the ‘Todorov’ Theory stating that all films narratives have equilibrium: the normal state at the beginning of the film. Any opposing forces are in balance, disequilibrium: an action or conflict is introduced into the narrative, new equilibrium: the conflict is resolved and the narrative strands are tied together. Sometimes short films may start with disequilibrium or on the other hand they could follow a completely different theory but what is clear is that short films don’t have to follow a structure like having a beginning, middle and ending.

Locations in Short Films are essential to the narrative as they give the audience particular representations of the characters. This is why directors of short films predominantly use stereotypical locations to help accentuate the personality of the character. The Locations of a Short Film are generally set in a one particular place or setting which has relevance to the narrative. Also Locations have a significant importance as they are a major factor of the mise en scene, which assists in giving the audience a considerably broader understanding of that individual character.

Stereotypes are used to give the audience simplified conceptions of specific social groups, or types of individuals based on several prior assumptions. The main aspect that contributes towards creating stereotypes within the narrative is all the elements that make up mise en scene. The dialect which the character uses is a clear indication to the audience of what specific social class they are from and also where the character is from or originated from. The costume of a character can represent to the audience class, wealth or age. The other elements of mise en scene props, lighting and composition, the decor and colour in a setting also have a factor in contributing to explanation of the story.

When it comes to distribution of a Short Film it is approached in a very different manner to Feature Length Films for many reasons. Firstly a fairly obvious point Short Films generally last from five minutes to forty minutes where as Feature Length Films on average last from ninety to one hundred and twenty minutes. Because of this Short Films mainly have simple plots and therefore only require minimal actors/actresses at a time. Whereas Feature Length Films have many and complex plots that requires a major budget and a significant amount of actors/actresses. Also Feature Length Films have a major budget for the appearance of major stars within the film to help create a word of mouth about the film and also attract audiences.

Unlike Feature Length Films which are distributed to global cinema complexes, short films can educate audiences and put across a serious point to the audience and because of this they are distributed on the internet (YouTube), film clubs, art galleries and on the television (BBC, Channel 4). However if the director of the short film wants to develop his career into the film industry, short films are often shown at short film festivals in order to promote yourself as a director.



By Oliver Fitch