Codes and conventions of a film review.

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Secondary research: film magazine reviews conventions-

• magazine name is clearly indicated
• house style of colours and font is used in review
• large images of film are used
• quotes, ratings and facst and used

Codes and conventions of a film poster.

Analysis of Posters

Reflection

• large image of the main character
• large font that is easy to read
• different sized fonts eg- title of film is largest
• a suggestion of the film genre
• a tagline may be evident
• actors names positioned above title

Audience research: primary & secondary.

Secondary research: The short film industry has a specific audience compared to the mainstream feature film audience. For example, niche audiences are a specific group of people that have a unique interest in the market. Arguably, this audience is targeted for the short film industry. The two main groups of audience for short film according to my research shows they are young students producing short films and people working in the shot film industry. For young students interested in short films, the target audience would be in the demographic social group of E due to unemployment. For the employers in the industry they would be categorized into the social group of A-C.

Primary research: the target audience for the Pixar short of 'Day and Night' would be targeted for children due to the company making child-like films such as 'Toy Story' etc. However, due to light hearted nature and fun narrative, I believe this short could be targeted for any age. Alternatively, the music targets adults as it shows a classical piece playing throughout the whole film, and children wouldn't know the composer etc.

Day and Night

'Benigni' on the other hand targets adults as the film shows affection for a child-like character which could relate to adults having children. Another reason for this is because the film ends where the film begins: the protagonist being lonely. This theme of loneliness, and the death of the child-like figure would be too upsetting for children to watch, hence the target audience of adults. The social group may be positioned in A-C as they could feel pleasure knowing the main character is in a lower position than them (dirty small flat).

Benigni

However, the short film 'Alarm' clearly targets an audience of teenagers/young adults as the protagonist shows young features: eg not wanting to get out of bed. The mise-en-scene of the gun also indicates a fantasy  feature to which teenagers/young adults may relate to. The small flat may relate to graduates at university or it could relate to young adults living alone for the first time with their first job (indicated by suit in the lift) 

Alarm

Short film: alarm.

In this short film, Alarm, I really like the use of shots and camera work.

Short films: theme of love (negative)

Benigni

Lifeline

Short films: theme of love (positive)

heartstrings

when you love someone

Codes and conventions of short films.

Length: A short film will most commonly last between 3 to 15 minutes, however some can last for 40 minutes.

Storylines: Storylines are generally kept simple but are sometimes hard to follow as they contain a sense of ambiguity. Narratives include linear, open, closed, circular which is usually condensed with limited dialogue. In particular, voice over’s are also used instead of dialogue which usually focuses around the central protagonist. For example, The Man and The Rat is narrated to follow the storyline.

Character: Due to the length, short films will usually introduce between 1 and 3 main characters. The central protagonist will remain central in the frame and an example of this is ‘Geri’s Game’ were he is the only character. This is done in order to keep the audience engaged and be able to follow the storyline without confused or diatracted with new information or new characters. Short films will last only long enough to connect the audience with the characters.

Twist: Including a twist is a common convention in short film which allows the director to tell a short story in an interesting way or in their own style.

Creativity: Short films tend to include creativity as they portray ideas in original yet vague way. This is made through a number of creative shots which enables the director to show their own style. This is particularly evident in Tim Burton’s work as he portrayed alternative sinister ideas through ‘Vincent’ which was carried through his other work in ‘Corpse Bride’.

Niche Audience: Short films tend to have a smaller yet niche audience, compared to mainstream work in feature films. Due to the creative nature, length and simple storyline, short films include a unique style which appeals to a much more specific audience.

Emotion: Short films are used to convey a strong emotion to the audience whether this can be sadness, happiness, or anger to make certain comments  in society.