Sean Katy James Ross' A2 Media Coursework Blog: Conventions of Short Films

We have analysed a handful of short films including but not limited to:

• ‘Sold’ by Nadua Attia
• ‘Double Take’ by Toa Stappard
• ‘For The Love Of’ by Chris Sheriff
• ‘Gravity’ by Colin Hutton
• ‘Ataque de Panico’ by Fede Alvarez
• ‘Alive in Jo’burg’ by Neil Blomkaup
• ‘BEFORE AFTER I & II’ by Victor Quinaz

Short films generally have just one or two characters, which we do not learn much about as there simply isn’t the time. Circular narratives are a popular technique use in short films with shots being repeated at the beginning and end or with situations reoccurring. Narratives are also a mixture of linear and non-linear, when linear the use of ellipses is often apparent however they are also often filmed in real-time, with a 10 minute short film depicting 10 minutes of a character’s life. Short films which are non-linear are often experimental works of the director. Another narrative technique often used is twists which change much of what the audience has learnt in the brief duration of the film.

In terms of cinematography, shorts films are often used to depict realism and techniques used are often experimental and unconventional as the director uses the film as an outlet for creativity. Shots such as, extreme tilt shots, birds-eye shots and POV shots are used. High key lighting is used in many to give a realistic look to the film, which is also achieved by filming on DV tape, which many short films do. Generally, the low budget of short films means that they are often filmed on location, and with open sets. In the vast majority of short films, there will be minimal editing involving no special effects. Titles in short films are very different to most TV shows and films as the title of the film will be shown prior to any content and then all credits are at the end.

There are some very key differences between short films and feature films. Firstly and most obviously, short films are shorter in length, short films are generally defined as films up to 40 minutes long whereas feature films usually last around 2 hours. Also feature films are made to be the main attraction of places they are shown, rather than any short films and they receive greater distribution in cinemas and then when released for home distribution via DVD, Blu-ray and download. Feature films such as I,Robot (2004) use and often depend on well known Hollywood actors to star in the films such as Will Smith whereas short films mostly use unknown, sometimes emerging actors due to low budget and profile. Short films are also usually filmed on location, with open sets with a lot less post-production editing used, usually with no special effects, unlike feature films.

‘Sign Language’ (2010) is a short film directed by Oscar Sharp and winner of the Grand Prize at the Virgin Media Shorts as well as other awards and nominations. The film focuses on Ben, who holds an advertising sign for a living in London’s Oxford Street during his last day of work before promotion. The film is on a linear narrative with ellipses of time, showing Ben’s finally shift. It is also a circular narrative as the girl referred to and shown in the film in the end of the film takes Ben’s old job. It is also filmed as a monologue, breaking the fourth wall by interacting with the audience in realistic, documentary style filming. The film is also made realistic by the use of handheld kinetic camera work on DV tape and due to the low budget, is filmed on location in Oxford Street with an open set. The film’s title ‘Sign Language’ is shown at the beginning with the credits at the end.

Opening Title 'Sign Language'

Ending Credits

'The film is shot as a monologue.

‘Gravity’ (2004), by Colin Hutton is a short film that deals with gun violence. It tells the story of 3 boys who find a gun and end up shooting a young boy. It is a circular narrative as the film opens and ends with a shot of the young boy on a swing, the ending shot being a twist as we are led to believe the shot missed the girl and everything was okay, however it killed her brother. It is this that gives the film its gritty and social realist element; this is also shown by the use of untrained, amateur actors who use semi-improvised performances. The short film uses experimental camera angles and movements such as extreme tilt shots and extreme crane shots. The film also uses the aural motif of the sound of the swing.

Gravity from Colin Hutton on Vimeo.