The Short Script Project

You have read some scripts, you have seen many films. Now it's your turn to write a very short film script (4-6 pages). Due: Monday, May 17. Finished early? Start filming!

Some advice:

The problem with short films is that they are short. You do not have the luxury for long, character and plot development. The inciting incident should attack the plot just before the climax. This means characters need to be depicted quickly, using visual clues that establish setting, character, mood, conflict and theme.

To help you, follow the steps outlined below with appropriate advice:

1. Decide on the message or theme of the script. What do you want to say to the world about the world?

2. Decide on the best genre to convey your message clearly.
A. Sample genres (how the story is told): realistic drama, comedy, black comedy, farce, romantic comedy, historical drama, sci-fi, fantasy, western, chick flick, urban, musical, action, suspense, horror, mystery, educational, gangster, martial arts, etc.
B. Sample styles (how the camera is used): film noir, expressionistic, slapstick, screwball comedy, exploitation, naturalistic, formalistic, avant garde, b-movie, surrealism, bollywood, parody, silent, mockumentary, Hitchcockian, gritty, neorealism, dogma 95, etc.

3. All films (and stories) need three basic components:
A. A setting (or world): You need to establish a world (diegesis) quickly in order to move quickly to explore a character’s problem. Setting your film around a familiar event or ritual helps make this happen: a funeral, a birthday party, a graduation, Thanksgiving with odd parents, etc. The more recognizable the setting, the more you can focus on the problem and character. It also helps to give your story a finite time frame. Giving internal deadlines helps pace the film.

B. A character (or protagonist): characters are interesting because of their goals. What does your character want that she cannot do without? The stakes should be high enough for an audience to care. Wanting a sandwich is not good enough, unless the character is literally starving and this is the last sandwich on earth. Drive your character to act by a specific want, need or obligation. Even if the character isn't aware what it is she wants, the audience needs to know this up front and quickly. Otherwise we will lose interest.

C. A problem (or conflict): your problem should reflect your theme. You want to convey your message or world view to the audience. Think how problems facing the character may help do this. Keep notching up the stakes for your character until the concept sounds interesting. Make the character suffer a bit (and act) before rewarding or completing your plot line.

4. POV matters. Snow White from the Witch's POV is a different story than that of Prince Charming. It's all a matter of perspective. Pick an interesting perspective.

5. If you don't know what your theme is, neither will your audience.

6. Successful short short films focus on one moment or event. This moment should be something important or significant not only from the character's perspective, but also important/significant to the general audience member.

7. Limit dialogue. Film is a visual medium. Use its strengths to your advantage. Show don't tell.

Need help? Inspiration? Models? Look here!

Simply Scripts (short film samples)

Here are some websites with short film samples (videos).

Studentfilms.com
Student Short Films (public access TV show featuring student films)
Futurestates.
Futureshorts (another site to watch short films)