Codes and Coventions of a Short Film/Trailer

The codes and conventions of short films are what make up the basis of short films throughout the world. The basic structure of a short film is quintessential for a short film to be a success. Even the short film we have witnessed within the lesson have followed the same codes and conventions as each other, Which means we as a group need to follow these codes and conventions to gain the best possible grade.

The codes and conventions of trailers are similar, but do differ in some areas. The main point of the trailer is to alert audiences of the film’s release, to gain as much popularity from audience as possible. Trailers wouldn’t normally be used for short films, simply because most short films are too short, and the trailer may reveal too much of the storyline.

On average, shorts films are between 2 minutes and 45 minutes. This is to include a long enough time period to include a relatively good storyline. Short films can be longer or shorter or longer than the average amount, but to keep interest in the audience for long enough, the films are usually between the 3 – 10 minute mark.

Trailers are a lot shorter. Due to the nature of a trailer, simply alerting audiences of the genre and release date, trailers are normally between 10 – 60 seconds. To prevent too much being revealed in terms of plot, actors and director are the only mention of what’s within the film. This attracts audiences rather well as good actors will normally invite audiences to watch the film, where as bad actors repel audiences.

Financing for both the short film and the trailer comes from different sources. Short films are usually a directors 1st major step in the world of cinema, so the director finances his films from their own pocket, to which he/she eventually gains institutional backing. Trailers are different, because they are usually a part of a film made and financed in Hollywood. Because of this, the financing of the trailer will be from Hollywood, so that the institution backing the production and the director can gain as big a profit as possible.

As well as this, short films quality is also affected. The number of cameras used is usually less than in a Hollywood film, the music is also found in sources where either the music is free or cheaply put together. Even the actors are found from unknown sources, usually found out to be friends of the director (to save money), whereas in a trailer, the music used is normally the soundtrack of the entire film, and the actors are well known throughout the world.

Overall, these codes and conventions will be followed whilst our film is in production, as financing for it shall come from our own pockets, as well as props and characters for the short film. A trailer won’t be used for advertisement because even though the film is 5 minutes long, we feel that the trailer may reveal too much of the storyline to the audience.