REFLECTIVE VIDEO

By Noor, Mariam, Joao and Rihab

Questions

What did you learn about short films? What genre did you research in detail as

part of your group? What codes and conventions does it

have? What camera techniques do they use? What editing techniques do they use? What mise-en-scene is used in this

genre? Finale – in the end? (Mariam)

Horror

Short films are not like feature films as they can only be under 40 minutes including all credits. They usually are used to portray a serious message to the target audience.

I researched horror shorts They usually are dark, somber. They have erring settings and

they grab the audience by using gory scenes. Camera techniques used are close ups to represent the

characters emotions and panic. Editing uses fast cuts and the frequency of these are quick. Non-

diegetic sounds are used to create suspense and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The Mise-en-scene is usually in the big haunted house, because its sets an eerie setting that creates tension. The characters consist of a big family or big group of friends to make it easy for the target audience to relate to it.

Comedy

Short films usually consist of two to three main characters, where there is a main protagonist who’s perspective the audience usually follow.

Comedy They use different types of humor to attract different target

audiences. For example – for children comedies they tend to use slapstick humor like tom and jerry.

Long shots are used so that you can see 2 characters in one shot and to introduce the audience to the characters body language.

Unlike horror jump cuts are not as common, if they are used the frequency of shots is not as fast. The soundtrack used is more upbeat and cheerful.

Comedy shorts can be set in homes, workplace. The lighting used is brighter than horror shorts they make you feel welcome and comfortable.

Romantic

Short films use a low budget, as they are usually independent and only have a limited amount of sufficient funding. This affects the editing because it cannot be complex.

Romance Romantic shorts have the narrative of a climax (problem)

resolution and a moral – this is where the audience are taught something valuable.

Shot reverse shots are used a lot as romantic shorts have a lot of conversations between the main two characters – shot reverse shots represent equality.

Non diegetic sound is used a lot, because you can have sad or lovey dovey soundtracks to fit with the scene.

The mise-en-scene from the romantic films I have researched were in a workplace and restaurant. The restaurant seems a suitable setting for romantic shorts as all couples are around.

Action

 - I learnt that you can manipulate the narrative to be unique in a way that feature length films cannot as they usually have the traditional beginning, middle and end. Most short films tend to take a much simpler narrative as they do not have as much time as feature length film which allows the audience to be left with an understanding.

 The genre I researched as part of my group was action. This is because I am particurlarly drawn to action movies.

•The codes and conventions of an action film consist of believable characters despite the film being unrealistic itself.•Humorous dialogue is used to diffuse situations•Exotic locations and hair rising adventures that keep the audience on their seats•The hero is always helped by an innocent group of people that get caught up in the action Many camera techiniques are implemented in action shorts such as Close ups Long shots Establishing shot Tracking shots Fast cuts and jump cuts A lot of propps are used depednigng on te storyline Lighting is used to convey characters moods.