Codes and Conventions of the Short Film Genres

Short films are identifiable by certain aspects that allow them to work. It is very important for the film to be understood, so considering the little time available to explore the storyline and characters, techniques are used to quickly clarify the film to the audience, and ensure it can be enjoyed just as fully as a full length feature film. Here are some of the techniques used:

• Establish characters quickly - sometimes through camerawork and sound, as there is minimal time for dialogue
• Little dialogue
• Not many locations - not enough time to establish them all
• Little costume change, or costume change indicates change of time/place
• Varied camerawork - as diverse as possible, show as much about the film as possible, depth
• Sound bridge - links the storyline
• Incidental music, major/minor key - emphasises emotion without much detail
• Silence - powerful tool, effective part
• Mainly cuts, some jump cuts
• Slow/fast motion
• Hazy glow, motion - flashbacks/forwards