Conventions of Short Film

Short films are usually: 

• 55 minutes or less
• Based on reality
• Screened before a featurette
• Can be fiction/non-fiction
• Small set of characters
• Low budget
• Abstract
• Range of editing techniques
• Targeted at a niche audience
• Used for a purpose, for example, political or charity etc
• No boundaries and controversial
• Can be shocking
• Gains recognition at film festivals
• The genre is less specific
• Not cliche
• Tells stories
• Made to entertain the viewers
• Exhibited online 
• Mainly produced by amateurs

Differences between mainstream and short film

Slower moving pace/narraitve : Faster moving pace/narrative
Large budget : Small budget
Star cast : Aspiring actors
Large audience : Niche audience
Special effects : A few/no special effects
Large production team : Small production team
Conventional : Abstract
Long time in production : Small production time
Cinema exhibition : Online exhibition
Profitable : Not profitable
Preffesional equipment : Amateur equipment
Glamourised : Gritty


Catherine Des Forges: 'Spare economic narratives, interesting storytelling, well structured work which draws in the audience quickly.'


Gareth Evans: 'Short films are long films that end earlier. A good idea, succinctly told, less is more'