Key Concept Analysis- Media Language (Codes and Conventions)

Media Language (Codes and Conventions)

In terms of cinematography, short films are normally more varied, they use a range different camera angles, rarely repeating and using the same type of shots, because there is less time to tell the story. so every shot used has to be necessary and effective. There are also a lot of effects used which are rarely done in major productions such as jump cuts, which is a way of showing that a long time has passed, even though the scene may only been a couple of seconds long. Some effects are used because of time restarints, but others are done for artistic effect, such as when an actor looks directly at the camera, an effect which isn't done a lot in regular films, but is common use in short films. The use of camera shot/ angles is one way that allows directors to set apart their short film, and make it different to the regular film.

A large percentage of short film do not use dialogue, and some rarely use any sound at all. The story in short films are told through what happens, for example in this particular one, "2AM", no dialogue is used. There are sound effects however, and these are used with an emphasis (the footsteps) wich add tension to the film. This effect is a common feature of the horror genre. 

   

For a film like this, it is vital that the genre (in this case horror) is easily identiable for the audience. This is the same case with genres like comedy, zombie, etc.