6 Helpful Things To Consider To Make An Impactful Short Film

Short films have been an effective way for many screenwriters to showcase their storytelling skills. They can be shown at film festivals, industry screenings and events, and online to help promote your screenwriting career.

Here are some pointers that screenwriters might consider when writing a short film script:

1) Make It Short
A short film is exactly that – a story that typically runs for five to ten minutes. If your film runs over around fifteen minutes, festival programmers might have trouble finding a slot for you. This could mean the difference between getting your short screened to an audience or not.

A short film is not a proof of concept, a trailer, or the filmed version of the first ten pages of your feature script. It should stand on its own as a complete story. It should be clear who wants what, what’s in the way, and what’s the worst thing that can happen if they don’t achieve their goals? Just like a feature only in a compressed time period.

2) Make It Make-able
Before you write your short film script, conduct an audit of what resources you have available. These include cast, crew, locations, and equipment. If you’re an animator, you may be able to take on some of these roles yourself.

Even if you can only shoot your film, there are various funding sources to help with the post production. You can apply for various grants and programs to help you shoot and/ or complete your film if funders can visualize a finished film with a reasonable budget that showcases your skills.

3) Make It Focused
A short film relies on the efficient use of time, so keep your focus on one thing. This could be one main character, one location, one time period and one theme. That’s not to say you can’t have multiple characters in your short film, but bear in mind that there isn’t space for an ensemble cast each with their own character arc or epic locations. Ideally focus on the depth and journey of the main characters and how far they can travel in a short space of time.

4) Make It Personal
Your short film is your calling card to the industry. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate your uniquely specific world view and voice. Think about what compelled you to write this story and what it says about you.

The best way to do this is to make your story as personal as possible, Be granular and specific, but make it thematically universal and relatable. For example, how might you respond to a break up or winning the lottery?

Remember those scenes that you removed because you felt they made you too vulnerable and exposed? Put them back in because they will most likely be the ones that audiences respond to most because they’ll sense your passion to the story.

5) Make It Surprising
Utilize an unexpected response to a familiar situation. This will help you stand out from other writers. Try to steer clear of repetitive current topics or stereotypical points of view – uptight career city person who’s neglected their relationships anyone?

An element of surprise will be a key element for audiences to remember your film.

6) Make It Memorable
Your closing images are your last opportunity to make a lasting impression on your audience. Stick the landing. Don’t overstay your welcome. Short films need a definite conclusion. Don’t rely on open or confusing endings in the hopes that they will inspire discussion and debate.