Short Films of the Horror Genre

Conventions • In its entirety it often lasts for around 5

minutes, however can range massively from as little as 30 seconds to 45 minutes

• Usually only has the disruption and maybe resolve, rather than equilibrium at the start

• Narrative is far simpler• No back story or character development,

straight into the disruption

horror shorts• Immediately starts with disruption• Usually paranormal or psychological• Often around the 2-4 minute mark• They are usually very simplistic and often

there is never a resolve, usually just the disruption

• End on a cliffhanger

Examples • Most successful= Lights out, made into a

full motion picture 2016• Don’t move- on of the most violent and

gory, a lot of cgi for a short • Jack- A very effective short which lasts for

30 seconds

Distribution and Awards

• A lot of the short films are easily accessibly as they are often put on the internet, many are on YouTube

• Short film festivals and awards create added exposure for short films• Short films have categories at some of the larger awards such a the

Oscars and Bafta’s• The Encounters Short film and animation festival creates great

exposure for short films• The Encounters festival gives £2300 to the winner of the Grand prix

category• Smaller categories award less from £500- £1000• Prizes can fund further projects as short films have very low budgets