Screenwriting : Writing a short film. by Shayne Carney

Just have a simple idea that you expect explore.

Have fun. Enjoy the process. When you're done, put it aside and write another short film script. Put it aside, and write another.

If you are starting out, I'd encourage you to explore the form. You will want a basic structure. For an 8 minute short, the first 1-2 pages could be set up, the next four pages could be exploration of the idea, and the last two pages could be the conclusion. Most longer screenplays follow that simple structure of beginning, middle, and end.

If you are writing something you want to direct or produce yourself, I would recommend keeping to one location and between 4 - 6 pages. A couple of the first short films I wrote were 4-6 pages and one location. This allows you to book cast and crew for a half day (4 - 6 hours) and it can be easier to find one location willing to allow you to film there. Any time you move locations, it can add an additional shooting day.

I've written a number of articles geared towards screenwriters and filmmakers starting out at:

https://medium.com/@lanceliot

And you can see a bunch of my short films at:

https://vimeo.com/bridgeportfilmclub

Good luck!

Simple template - set up the characters, the situation and quickly show the conflict and character's goal. Have obstacles arise. Watch the dance (trying to overcome the obstacles to compete the goal) end it with its natural conclusion.

Barry John Terblanche I removed that post as i thought no one read it, showed interest and it was too long post I thought. But yeah here are the softwares I listed which are free which Barry was talking about

1. Kit Scenarist https://kitscenarist.ru/download.html or the same developers https://starc.app/

2. Scrite http://scrite.io/

3. Trelby which Barry uses https://www.trelby.org

4. Writer solo which is similar to Writer duet http://writersolo.com/

5. Fountain a markup format language which you can use any editor like and write it in .fountain file format. fountain.io/

You can use this to write as well in that format http://ftneditor.cinemavision.com/

You can also buy Final Draft if you are American and wanting to sell to some studios. There are many online apps too to write

Now coming down to short films. Even I have been writing few but not sharing it across. Now I still have to make my own films, and I'm not sure what your interests are for now? Like just write stories or also make films. Your profile says 17 year old. So I would say find your own path and process to do things. Don't follow any set methods but make your own. Yes there are basic rules of screenwriting which you can surely find it online and people will help you. There are books, many online sources for filmmaking and even screenwriting which is good enough I feel. Like Save the cat book is good. Studio Binder, No film website, getting registered with WGA for screenwriting is good. There are so many stuff. But EXPLORE explore like an adventure is all I can say.

Shayne Carney You can use writerduet.com for free. That's what I use, if you need software. I love it. It saves your work in the cloud so you can access your scripts from any device any time, and collaboration with anyone in the world is simple. As for your short, just go for it. I love writing shorts. I suggest having the entire idea complete in your head before you sit down. Whatever your process is (walking a lot, talking it out with friends, breaking out the crayons and big paper) just try to have it complete before sitting down for the vomit draft. Shorts are supposed to be fun. Have Fun!

Even though you're writing a short, think: beginning, middle and end.

I teach screenwriting with emphasis on the short form and later on this year, I'll be teaching DSLR filmmaking (shorts). If there's anything I can do for you - just ask. I suggest you read Writing Short Films by Linda Cowgill as a strong start. Writing a compelling short film is one/the most difficult tasks there is. Most of 'em are nothing more than skits.

Write fearlessly

THanks for all the comments guys loli didn't expect so many responses

Have you looked at the films from a production stand point? I wrote and produced my own short films for several years and I think it was a big help that I was looking at it that way as I was writing them. It helped keep me focused on characters and story and prevented me on getting carried away on things.