How to Write a Short Film

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By Shannon Bennett
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Make it Worthwhile

Shorts are a great way to break into the film business. The market is growing, and festivals are in constant need of pieces for their shorts entries.

However, making a short is a different beast than making a feature. What does a Short Film require in terms of story? Read on to find out.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

An Idea

Step 1

Shorter = Better -

You are much more likely to sell a piece that runs 2:23 than you are to sell one that runs 20:23. The time limit on a shorts program may give you a time limit of, say, 30 minutes, but only the truly exceptional films that run that long will be taken in.

Remember, it's much easier to plug in a piece that's in the maybe pile if it'll only take up five minutes or so. You will up your circulation tremendously by creating a short that's actually ... short.
Step 2

Keep it Simple -

Adultry! Time Travel! Jewel Theft! A burgeoning water crisis!

Keep it canned. Piling on that much information in under ten minutes will probably stress your viewers out rather than entertaining them.

Picking one theme or story point to focus on, and maybe tossing in a side dish is the best way to go. This will keep things clean and precise, and overall, much easier to follow.
Step 3

The Starting Point -

Once you have an idea, think about where you want to come in on your story. If you're writing about Ted dealing with the fact that he ran over his neighbor's cat, should you set it up from the beginning? Start at the moment Ted hits the cat, or come in as Ted pats down the last bit of dirt over the makeshift grave?

Because you're writing a short, organizing your information will be important for keeping the viewer compelled and informed, and giving you the ability to wrap up quickly.
Step 4

Balance -

Don't spend half the film introducing your characters, and then have them fall into bed and roll the credits. You want a circular pattern to your short, since everything is going to happen rapidly.

Attempt to pace the same number of beats on each story point.
Step 5

Avoid Heavy Drama -

Sorry, but this is something most of us just have to accept. We're not going to care that Roger accidentally shot Celine when we've only known them for a few minutes. His anguished cries of remorse may be wonderfully acted, but unless the audience is invested, it's not going to ignite much more than an uncomfortable silence.

Obviously, there may be writers who are exceptions to this rule, but for most of us, and especially for beginners, stay away from the heavy stuff.
Step 6

Make it Fun to Watch -

I don't mean use pyrotechnics and obscenely beautiful actors; that's not something you can guarantee when writing a script.

You should create scenes, moments, that will get a laugh or a cheap scare. Things people will want their friends to see later. When something is short, it's best to have a punchline.
Step 7

Substance over Style -

Don't write a script that centers around the fact that you got this really awesome yacht location and you need something to shoot there. The viewer won't care that we're on a yacht, or in space, or standing in front of a Reniassance fresco if the story isn't compelling.