What are the 15 Worst Short Film Cliches You MUST Avoid?

Short films are as prominent as ever as an effective form of expression for emerging filmmakers. However, a constantly used form runs the risk of certain techniques becoming overused and cliched. There are certain short film cliches that will instantly turn off audiences and those in the industry.

With limited time and usually budget, it can be easy to fall back on these cliches to fill in gaps or force the film to progress. But remember, the foundation of a short film should always be a strong and original story. Short film cliches can have the exact opposite intent of the short itself; to impress the viewer with an original voice. Instead, they demonstrate a writer or filmmaker running on empty (typically) at the start of their career. This doesn’t exactly bode well for their work moving forward.

So without further do, here are the 15 worst short film cliches that you should avoid. How do you make sure your short film isn’t demonstrating a lack of originality?

15 Short Film Cliches to Avoid