Codes and Conventions of short films

When writing a short film the way it is structured is different to a feature film. For many short films the structure is the most important thing in helping the film work properly and do what the film maker has intended to do.

They can either be:
-Experimental
OR
-Genre based

A good example of an Experimental film 'Un Chien Andalou' (1929) directed by Luis Bunuel.

Length:
This is important when thinking about your plot and structure as more can be done with more time. Typical short films are between four and ten minutes, but can be no longer than thirty minutes as any above is classed as a feature.

Plot:
Not a complete plot like in a feature film, short films tend to be a snapshot of the characters lives. Beginning and the ends of short films tend to throw the audience into the action. There is no need for complete character development. Think of a world, a character and a problem.
Without conflict there is no film. With the characters, who are they? What is their problem? How will the audience recognise this? There's a cause and effect relationship occuring in the time and space.

Overall:
Think that many short films can not be translated longer due to their structure, so keep it simple, substance over style.