With a blow from the top-maul Ahab knocked off the steel head of the lance, and then handing to the mate the long iron rod remaining, bade him hold it upright, without its touching off the steel head of the lance, and then handing to the mate the long iron rod remaining. without its touching off the steel without its touching off the steel
Read MoreShort films aren’t a lesser form of cinematic storytelling. In fact writing them requires the exact same skills as writing a feature length script – though on a smaller scale. Although TV broadcast opportunities may be limited, there are more and more outlets for these opportunities
The key to writing a short film is to keep it simple. It’s just not possible to squeeze a feature film idea or a particularly complex idea into a short format and do it justice.
It is duly noted that there are numerous successful short films that are experimental or metaphorical or anti-structure. These films don’t follow a conventional narrative or structure. And that is absolutely cool. But whether you are exploring a heady concept or telling a conventional story – your screenplay needs to consist of one core idea and everything needs to serve that idea – every action, image and line of dialogue. There’s no time to develop an elaborate plot, a raft of characters or lengthy set ups.
Short & Simple: A short film can be anything from fifteen seconds to forty five minutes in length. Make your short film script as short as possible because the shorter the short, the less costly it will be to produce. Of course, digital technology frees up filmmakers, yet time still costs money, so does feeding a hungry crew. Make it Visual: “Film is a visual medium”. “Show, don’t tell.” Film is about telling stories in pictures. Create visual backstories for your characters. Externalize through visual images their temperament, their profession, their status, etc. Define Genre: Construct your story keeping in mind of the genre of the movie you want to do. Don’t try to make the viewer laugh, cry, amuse, scare or shock in a single movie. Choose genre wisely & in a constructive way. . Story Telling:Tell a compelling story. Don’t go for any concept driven story or ideas. As a rule of thumb, unless it is extremely brief a short film should have a hero with a goal and an impediment/antagonist in the way. Focus on One Core Idea Scope Your Story Who is the Protagonist? Define Your Genre Define the Tone and Style Know Your Antagonist Decide on the Point of View Focus on the Central Question Weaving the Plot Reconstructing the Plot Identifying the Theme
