Short Film Codes & Conventions

A short film can last anything under 50 minutes and will commonly target niche audiences. These audiences will be active viewers in cinema rather than passive. Their narratives are often experimental and use captivating imagery to portray this. Stories can be close to realism and often contain a sense of grittiness. They allow young aspiring actors and directors to show off their talents by being unique and capturing an audience with their different styles. It also allows them to create a piece of work without having the financial difficulties when creating a feature film. Short films can be anything from music videos to video diaries to documentaries.
You will never find one short film that is the same.

Feature Film	Short Film
60-180 minutes	5-50 minutes
High Budget/Production Value	Low Budget/Production Value
Wider target audiences mean bigger profits	Niche audiences mean not so publicised.
Experienced Directors and Actors Unique Selling Points	Young aspiring Directors and Actors
Large crew/cast à usually using “stars”	Small crew/cast à not so well known and cheaper
Mass distribution à Global	Niche distribution à Regional ( could be via Internet)

According to Catherine Des Forges, Director of the Independent Cinema Office, a short film involves: "interesting storytelling, well structured work which draws in the audience quickly."

Gareth Evans explains, "short films are long films that finish earlier. A good idea, told well. Less is more."