It would seem that shooting a short film is much easier than a full-length tape. In reality, implementing such an idea is an order of magnitude more difficult. Indeed, for a short period of time you need to introduce the viewer to the characters, to reveal the plot background. How to write a short film script for children and adults? We offer you to familiarize yourself with good advice on creating a good story.
Script structure
The structure of the script for a short film in general terms should correspond to the following scheme:
- The exposition is the plot of the whole story when the viewer is introduced to the scene, characters, the main character, an antagonist. It is here that the central plot line is indicated. The success of the works of the author of the script largely depends on the quality of the exposure. Often, people interested in the work refuse to familiarize themselves with the manuscript as a whole, if the tie turned out to be sluggish.
- The hero’s inner conflict - in the second conditional part of the short film script, the story of the obstacles that arise in the way of the central character takes place. The voltage is rapidly increasing.
- Development of actions - the character is fully aware and accepts the challenge of fate. Overcoming difficulties, the person changes. The hero reaches the line, stepping over which it will be impossible to go back.
- Preparation for the climax - reveals the whole dramatic nature of the story in a short film script. The character is in a difficult position. Goals and motives seem blurry. Suddenly, fate presents the hero with a chance to achieve what he wants by getting rid of internal conflict. The character is set to achieve victory.
- The denouement is the final part of the narrative in the short film script. The last act represents the most emotionally saturated, dynamic segment of history. The central character finally solves the problem. The finale is coming, which may be accompanied by an unexpected plot twist. The hero makes the final choice. The viewer is aware of the changes that have occurred with the character. The culmination should never look protracted. The author of a short film should focus on action, avoiding reasoning.
"Brevity is the soul of wit"
How to write a script for a short film? Try to shorten the story as much as possible. Proper implementation of the idea allows not only to make the plot extremely saturated, but also to minimize the cost of producing the tape. The author must realize how to make the picture cheap, but create an impression of high cost around what is happening on the screen. If you plan to submit to the competition of short film scripts, try to set the timing in 7-8 minutes. Organizers of festivals do not like paintings that “eat” time in vain in a general display. In addition, the story will look written more talented if the plot evokes the most vivid emotions from the viewer within minutes.
About plot selection
When preparing to write a script for a short film (comedy or drama), try to form a non-standard concept. The plot should look somewhat grotesque, exaggerated. As an option, take on a few situations that come to mind at the moment. Make the story strange, inspired by memories from deep childhood or resonant events in society. Modify ideas from popular films. Imagine, think about ethical issues. The main thing is to write about things that cause you vivid emotions, to tackle topics that are similar in spirit.
Generate an interesting hero
Often in short films, the whole action is focused on one character. The solution makes it possible to qualitatively reveal a person’s personality within a short time period. Describe the character in such a way that the viewer experiences vivid emotions, such as empathy or joy. Avoid common stereotypes. For example, reveal the image of a person who seeks to do good, but is extremely limited by an unfavorable social environment, circumstances, material capabilities.
Reduce the number of scenes
Producers often read scripts saturated with scenes of fights, accidents, chases, and more. Story writers find it difficult to realize how difficult it is to cram such ideas into a limited timing. With that said, consider each line you write as a scene of active action. Avoid large-scale thinking if limited resources are used to shoot a future movie.
Script writers make a major mistake, fitting the idea for filming a full-length tape in a short film. Such solutions simply do not work here. The task of a full meter is to send the viewer on a certain journey with numerous branches of the plot. Short films suffer from a lack of time to focus on secondary characters and events. Many successful films of this category are presented in the form of a “slice of life” of a single character, where a powerful presentation of character traits comes first. The presence of numerous ideas in one short film worsens the message and reduces the intensity of passions.
Good short films take place in one or a pair of locations. The focus is on the central storyline. Usually, it is possible to acquaint the viewer with the main idea of the author thanks to the filming of several short scenes.
Make concise dialogs
When writing character cues in a short script, create small phrases. Once again, focus on the limited timing of the future tape. Usually long, prolonged and verbose dialogues that act only as accompaniment of scenes quickly bore the viewer. Phrases should maximally reveal the character of the characters, hint at certain options for the development of the plot. Trim the dialogs to suit the actions that will take place on the screen.
Surprise the viewer
While writing the script, try to turn the minds of people who will view the finished short film. Take a seemingly simple situation and present the story in an unexpected light. As an example, consider the following situation. Robbers infiltrate the house of a sleeping family. The viewer is initially clear who is the victim. However, suddenly an unarmed landlord rebuffs uninvited guests, forcing attackers to be in a position of the weak side of the conflict.
Get inspired by other people's creations
To write a good script, look at tapes that are already popular among a wide audience. It can be children's short films, creations in the drama genre, horrors. Discover heart-breaking romantic stories. Keep a close eye on changes that happen to characters in a short time.
Organize proofreading script
Invite friends to listen to the story. Reading the script will allow you to understand how naturally the dialogues and actions of the characters look. Ask your comrades to evaluate the consistency of scenario moves. Get the opinion of as many people as possible. Let the script read to individuals who have already established themselves in the film industry.
Finally
So we found out what aspects should be guided by, starting to write a script for a short film. In fact, there are exceptions to any rule. Therefore, it is not necessary to rely entirely on the above recommendations. Sometimes other, original creative approaches work. Much is determined by the purpose for which the script is written, and for whom the result is calculated. Perhaps, in some situations, you should move away from established rules and violate unwritten laws.