How to Write a Short Film

Tyler Mowery

28 Jun 201922:09

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video debunks common myths about writing short films and provides a step-by-step guide to developing a compelling narrative. It analyzes the award-winning short film 'Stutterer' as a case study, breaking down how it establishes strong philosophical conflict and resonant ending. The creator walks through building layered characters, crafting an impactful unfamiliar situation to pressure beliefs, and structuring the story via harmonious story circle. Takeaways focus on core dramatic elements applicable across genres to write short films with emotional depth and insight.

Takeaways

😀 Short films can be meaningful and dramatic if focused on fundamental story elements
👍 Setup is still necessary in short films to orient the audience quickly
🎥 Stunning visuals alone won't make a good short film, strong storytelling is key
🤔 Start short film ideas with a simple concept then build out characters and conflicts
📝 Use story structures like the story circle to plot short films for maximum drama
😠 Raise the stakes for characters by making their actions come at a cost
🔁 Returning to a familiar situation brings the conflict to its breaking point
👫 Supporting characters should hold beliefs that philosophically oppose the protagonist
🎬 Every scene should relate to the core philosophical conflict driving the protagonist
😌 The ending should resolve the philosophical dilemma in a way that provides catharsis

Q & A

What is one of the common pieces of bad advice given about writing short films?
-One common piece of bad advice is that you should just watch a lot of movies to learn how to write short films. However, short films are very different from feature films, so simply watching movies doesn't translate well.
What are some of the reasons short films are made?
-Some reasons are: for a director or cinematographer to show off their skills, as an ad for a product or service, or sometimes writers abandon dramatic narrative when writing shorts and focus too much on visuals.
What is the first step recommended for developing a short film idea?
-The first step is to start with a simple idea or concept, such as "a story about a man who stutters." This concept can then be built upon to create the full story.
Why is it important for short films to have philosophical or moral dilemmas?
-These dilemmas are what truly engage the audience and make them invested in the characters. Without an internal conflict or beliefs that lead to consequences, the external plot is less compelling.
What tool is recommended for structuring the narrative of a short film?
-The video recommends using Dan Harmon's story circle, because it focuses on fundamental dramatic elements rather than formulas that only apply to feature-length films.
How does the character of Ellie add to the philosophical conflict?
-Ellie holds opposing beliefs to the main character Greenwood. She has accepted herself despite her obstacles, whereas Greenwood is wallowing in self-pity about his stutter.
Why is it impactful when Greenwood finds out Ellie is deaf?
-It shows that his own flaw of stuttering isn't really a flaw at all. It allows him to accept himself and for Ellie to accept him as well.
What are some examples of Greenwood's internal conflict shown externally?
-His struggles to order food over the phone or intervene in an argument show externally how his stutter and self-limiting beliefs affect his life.
How can these concepts be applied to other genres and lengths?
-The core ideas around character wants/beliefs, philosophical conflict, and narrative structure can work for any type of story, regardless of length or genre.
What is the key thing the writer should focus on rather than formulas?
-The key thing is focusing on the fundamental elements of dramatic storytelling - character, conflict, growth - rather than specific structural formulas.

Outlines

00:00

😄 Introducing the video and debunking myths about short films

The paragraph introduces the video, stating the goal is to provide guidance on writing strong dramatic narratives for short films. It then debunks some common myths, like short films can't be meaningful or lack setup time. It emphasizes short films need strong stories just like features.

05:01

😃 Building the core story elements: character, conflict and philosophical beliefs

The paragraph discusses building core story elements for a short film: the main character Greenwood who stutters but wants an intimate relationship, representing his central conflict. His belief that his stutter holds him back is examined. A love interest Ellie is introduced with contrasting beliefs.

10:02

😌 Structuring the narrative and moving the story forward

This paragraph focuses on structuring the narrative using Dan Harmon's story circle method. It maps the existing story elements to the story circle framework as a guide. An unfamiliar situation is devised to challenge Greenwood's beliefs and push the drama forward towards resolution.

15:06

🤔 Building supporting characters that enhance the conflict

Additional characters like Greenwood's father are discussed. They are designed to directly enhance the central philosophical conflict. For example, the father represents someone accepting Greenwood as-is, contrasting with Greenwood's self-limiting beliefs about his stutter.

20:07

😎 Devising the climax and ending to resolve the conflict

The ending and climax are constructed to resolve the philosophical conflict. Ellie is revealed to be deaf, complementing Greenwood's speech challenges. This allows acceptance of each other as-is. Greenwood's change in beliefs provides resolution and a dramatically satisfying ending.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡short films

Short films are films with a run time of usually less than 40 minutes. According to the video, short films are often written for different reasons than feature films, such as to showcase a director's or cinematographer's skills. The video aims to provide guidance on writing dramatic narrative short films.

💡story elements

Fundamental components that make up an engaging dramatic narrative, like characters, conflict, philosophical beliefs, desires, structure and endings with meaning. The video emphasizes focusing on these core story elements when writing short films.

💡character beliefs

A character's worldviews, philosophies and ways of thinking that determine their actions and drive the conflict. The video stresses the importance of establishing the main character's beliefs and bringing them into conflict with other characters.

💡philosophical conflict

A conflict driven by the differing beliefs and worldviews between characters. The video advocates centering short films around these deeper internal conflicts rather than just external problems.

💡story circle

A narrative structure model proposed by Dan Harmon involving 8 steps that focus on character motivations and change. The video praises it for emphasizing core dramatic elements over formulaic structures.

💡familiar situation

A story point where the main conflict or dilemma returns, usually more intensified. This increases drama and sets up the resolution of the philosophical conflict.

💡setup

Providing initial story information to orient the audience quickly. The video argues short films still require setup even with limited screen time.

💡catharsis

The release of narrative tension and emotion at the story's climax and resolution. The video advises structuring short film narratives to build to a cathartic release.

💡character change

A transformation in the main character's beliefs and way of thinking as a result of the story events. The most dramatic short film narratives end with meaningful character change.

💡honesty

A virtue valued by one of the characters that counters the main character's tendency for self-pity and motivates his change. It relates to a theme of self-acceptance.

Highlights

Short films can absolutely be meaningful and dramatic if you focus on building them on fundamental story elements

Setup is necessary to a story even if you start right in the middle of the action

Even in a short film, the story is still the core element

The story circle focuses on the fundamental elements of the story

The story circle moves away from screenwriting formulas and focuses on the innate, natural elements of a dramatic story

A character struggling with their own beliefs as they come into conflict with the world

Ellie holds beliefs that oppose Greenwood's

Greenwood must adapt to this new situation

Characters heading towards what they want or getting what they want should always come at a cost

The return is bringing the philosophical conflict to its breaking point and reaching catharsis

Being honest and taking a risk worked in his favor

This reveal has a major impact on the philosophical console in the story. That's what makes the reveal impactful

Greenwood is constantly being pressed by what he believes and how those beliefs shape his life

It has strong philosophical conflict, good structure, and an ending that works perfectly

By understanding those fundamental elements of story you can write your short film as a strong narrative drama

Transcripts

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