Short films are powerful tools in the film industry, winning prestigious awards such as BIFAs, BAFTAs, and Oscars. They kickstart careers and captivate audiences with concise storytelling. Whether you're a new filmmaker looking to make a name or an experienced writer with a brief story to tell, crafting a short film is a valuable endeavor. Essentially, a short film is a condensed movie with a clear, engaging plot.
Defining a ‘Short’ Film: There's no strict Hollywood rule on the length of a short film, but generally, it's under 50 minutes, with an average duration of about 20 minutes. Short films can be live-action, animated, or computer-generated, sharing a clear beginning, middle, and end. The best short films focus on a single idea, use minimal settings, and have a limited number of characters to tell their stories effectively.
Ideal Length for a Short Film Screenplay: When writing a script, remember that one page typically equals one minute of screentime. Therefore, for a short film under 50 minutes, your script should be no longer than 50 pages. A good starting point is a 15-page script to see where it takes you.
Many successful short films serve as proofs of concept for larger projects, helping screenwriters or directors secure funding for feature films or TV series.
The Importance of Writing Short Films for Aspiring Filmmakers: If you're aiming to direct, produce, or sell feature films, you might think short films are unnecessary. However, short films offer numerous benefits for both aspiring and experienced filmmakers.
Finding Representation: Short films can act as stepping stones to more opportunities and help new screenwriters and filmmakers find representation. They are easy to distribute and provide a quick glimpse into a filmmaker's creative voice and perspective.
Gaining Visibility: Submitting a short film to festivals is a great way to gain exposure. Screening at prominent festivals can earn you recognition as a director and open doors to bigger projects. Remember, shorter films have a better chance of being accepted, as festivals aim to showcase as many films as possible.
Self-Distribution: While distributing an independent feature can be challenging, short films are easy to upload and share on platforms like Vimeo and YouTube. Research your target audience to maximize your film's reach.
Securing Funding: Many feature films, such as Damien Chazelle’s "Whiplash," Neill Blomkamp’s "District 9," and James Wan’s "Saw," started as short films. These successful shorts helped their creators secure funding for larger projects.
Steps to Writing a Short Film: There are four basic steps: brainstorming, outlining, writing, and rewriting.
Brainstorming: If you don't have a plot idea, start by brainstorming. Consider your clear memories, favorite film themes, and genres you enjoy. List all the scenes, set pieces, and dialogues you want in your film without worrying about coherence initially.
Outlining: Once you have a clear idea, outline your film. Like feature films, short scripts need a clear beginning, middle, and end. Some writers prefer to know every scene before writing, while others are comfortable with a broad framework. A beat sheet can be helpful during this stage.
Writing Your First Draft: Start writing your script, remembering to "enter late and leave early" in each scene. This means starting scenes as late as possible and ending them as soon as the necessary action is completed. Avoid unnecessary scenes, dialogues, or background information.
Rewriting: As the saying goes, "writing is rewriting." After completing your first draft, seek feedback from friends or mentors. You might need to revise your outline or make minor edits to improve scenes or dialogues.
Three Tips for Writing a Short Film:
Focus on a Simple Premise: Great short films have clear, concise ideas. Give your main character a specific goal or a tight deadline to create a compelling story within a limited timeframe.
Limit Characters and Backstories: Short films don't have time for extensive character backgrounds. Focus only on what's necessary for the audience to understand the protagonist's journey. Minimize supporting characters and subplots.
Reduce Locations: Many successful short films are set in a single location. This approach can help you streamline your story and manage your budget effectively. For example, the award-winning short "Sam Did It" takes place entirely in a mortuary operating room.
Conclusion: Writing a short film can open many doors, providing opportunities you might not have considered. Whether you're an aspiring blockbuster filmmaker or an indie director, writing short films can be a rewarding experience. Have you started working on your next short film, or are you planning your first one? Check out our article on how to pitch your screenplay for more insights!
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
What OPPRIME.tv Offers Filmmakers
OPPRIME.tv is a dedicated streaming video-on-demand platform showcasing award-winning independent films. Our platform, www.opprime.tv, aims to empower independent filmmakers with insights into the industry’s business model, promoting effective monetization and successful film launches.
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By leveraging OPPRIME.tv, filmmakers can maximize their film’s potential and reach their audience effectively, all at no cost to the filmmaker.
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