Codes and conventions

There is a lot of research that goes into creating a short film and some of the vital work that must be looked into are the codes and conventions of the film type in which you are choosing to produce. This is because you need to identify what the target audience of that genre typically enjoys. You can either choose to conform or subvert to this for your particular genre but it is best to research before you select either; it is important you are making the correct decision for what you would like to get out of the film.

I have chosen to produce a short film so I have looked into what codes and conventions this entitles me to include, which are the following:

• Characters- this is an obvious convention for any form of production however the significant part of a short film is that is sticks to 2 or 3 main characters. This is due to the duration of the film and how there is minimal time to create a deep back story or history for the characters. By keeping the numbers low it allows the viewer to relate to the characters in the small amount of time the characters on screen. After analysing various short films I have decided that I agree with this convention and I shall be conforming to this technique. It will allow the film to be much more relatable and concise in the time it will be shown.
• Twist- in short films there is often a twist that features within the plot that changes the story line. This element is used to make the film more interesting because of how short it is. A short film would no twist would be boring as there would be no main piece of action to intrigue the audience. For my short film this is another convention I would like to conform to as I want to keep my target audience excited about the events of my short film.
• Budget- short films tend to have low budgets as their directors are independent and therefore have no back up funding. To keep to a low budget, short films tend to stick to minimal locations and actors. I intend to conform to this convention as I will be an independent director with no back up funding.
• Length- as the name suggests, short films are typically 'short'. Usually they have a maximum length of around 35 minutes; if they were longer they'd be called feature films. The brief we were given instructs us to make a short film that is around 5/6 minutes thus I shall be conforming to this convention.
• Situation- generally short films take everyday situations to ensure that it is relatable for the audience in the short time it is on screen. By creating a normal situation in the film it makes it intriguing and relatable. For the plan I have for my short film it both conforms and subverts this convention; the main story line is a cliche situation however the 'twist' included makes it more intriguing. 
• Technology- in short films there is not often CGI, explosions or fantasy magic. There is basic technical equipment like SLR s and tripods. Another common element of short film is voice over and/or narration. Like other short films I shall be conforming to these codes and conventions.

Short films are not very big in the US but they are fairly popular in the UK and are often shown at film festivals and released by independent companies. The most popular form of short film is animation or live action. No expensive titles or soundtracks are ever used. The actors featuring in short films are often those who are young (16-25) and starting out therefore there are no big names for the film's advertisement and no star appeal. Those acting in my short film will also be within that age bracket and feature no full-time actors/actresses.