Let’s make a list of tips for members who write short scripts/members who want to start writing shorts.
I’ll go first: You usually don’t have enough space in a short script for a B Story and Subplot, but if you can find a way to work them into the story without making the script too long, your script could be stronger.
And if you have any questions about writing short scripts, post them in the comments too.
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Start your story! Example: if it's 10 pages, don't use 7 pages setting everything up. Figure it out, and go! And, have a good close. Often most shorts end and they're meh ...
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Great advice, Lindbergh E Hollingsworth! I catch myself doing that sometimes. Using the first few pages or so setting things up. I end up cutting all of that out. Writing the extra stuff helps me figure out things about the script though.
And great point about endings. I think the reason some short script endings are meh is because the scripts feel like scenes from feature scripts instead of complete short stories. I've had that issue.
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I've got some tips in the form of questions. Does it need to be a narrative? Does it need to feature people? Does it even need to make sense?
Great questions, Anthony A Miller.
"Does it need to be a narrative?" It doesn't. I've seen a non-fiction short film. Maybe more than one.
"Does it need to feature people?" No. The characters can be animals, objects, shapes, whatever.
"Does it even need to make sense?" I say yeah because the producer, director, etc. reading the script would need to understand what's going on. Even if a writer made the movie instead of pitching the script, the audience would need to understand what's going on.
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Hi Maurice . Thanks for this publication because aligns with my doubts now! I want to write a thriller script, but what I have now is the thriller outline for a short. I decided to begin with the short and if the results are good, I will create the feature screenplay. To write a short, what do you think: 20 pages, 30 pages. What is usually the length of a short? 15m; 20m? One minute for page as we do in features? I have one character who also play her clone character. What tips do you have or there is a link where I can learn more about how to write a short?
Also, I want to produce and direct :)) I want to learn all the process. Thank you my friend!
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Hi, Sandra Isabel Correia. You're welcome. Some of your comment doesn't show up in the web browser.
"I decided to begin with the short and if the results are good, I will create the feature screenplay." I've done that. Short scripts are great for testing out concepts.
I've seen short scripts as short as a few seconds to 40 or so minutes long. I used to write long short scripts, but my scripts are usually 5-8 pages now. I see a lot of producers and directors requesting scripts that are 3-5 pages. If you produce and direct your short script, keep in mind that some festivals have a length limit on short films.
"One minute for page as we do in features?" That's how I do it with my short scripts.
Here are some Education webinars and classes about writing and making short films: www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Short%20film
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Thank you Maurice Vaughan for sharing with me! I will read carefully your tips and advices! I rectified in the web browser my comments. Thanks for that!
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You're welcome, Sandra Isabel Correia.
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The only thing I can tell you is to be creative, crazy, or even absurd with anything but the purpose of the film. It has to have a meaning and make sense. I hope this can help you
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Great advice, Pamela De Nicolo! I agree.
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Subtract most plot elements and focus on character dialogue and shot composition.
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Hey, Preston Poulter. Great advice! What do you mean by shot composition?
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Write a short that you can feasibly make with your own resources, then make it!
That's great advice, Pat Alexander! And writers can find producers, directors, actors, etc. and do 48-hour short film challenges.
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Write a short with two or three characters and one or two locations. Think very low budget.
Great tips, Jane Tumminello. I like to set my short scripts in houses since a lot of filmmakers have access to them.