Writing a short film is a unique challenge for any aspiring screenwriter. Unlike feature-length films, short films have to tell a compelling story within a limited time, typically ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. This restriction forces writers to think concisely, focusing on efficiency in storytelling while still capturing the emotional or thematic essence of a narrative. Whether you are new to screenwriting or a seasoned writer looking to hone your craft, this guide will walk you through the essential steps how to write a short film that leaves an impact.
1. Find Your Concept
When it comes to the question “How to write a short film” The first and arguably most crucial step in writing a short film is finding a solid concept. Since you don’t have the luxury of time to explore multiple subplots or complex backstories, your concept should be simple yet engaging. Focus on one core idea or theme.
For example, Pixar’s short film “Piper“ (2016), directed by Alan Barillaro, tells a simple but heartfelt story of a young sandpiper bird overcoming its fear of the ocean to find food. The plot is straightforward, but the emotional arc and visual storytelling elevate it, making it memorable without needing dialogue.
Brainstorming Tips:
- Start with a ‘what if’ question: “What if a man woke up to find the world frozen in time except for himself?”
- Draw inspiration from personal experiences or emotions: Think about moments in your life where you experienced a major shift. How can you capture that feeling in a few minutes of screen time?
2. Keep Your Story Focused
In a short film, time is your biggest limitation. Therefore, your story should focus on a single situation, conflict, or turning point in a character’s life. Avoid overcomplicating the narrative with too many characters, settings, or plotlines.
An example of the question “How to write a short film” is “Whiplash”(2013), a short film written and directed by Damien Chazelle, the story revolves around a single intense moment between a young drummer and his harsh mentor. The story is focused on one central conflict, which was later expanded into the critically acclaimed feature-length film. Despite its brevity, the short film captures the tension and ambition that defines the full-length version.
3. Establish Strong Characters
Since you have limited time to develop multiple characters, your protagonist needs to be well-defined from the start. They must have clear motivations and a goal that propels the story forward. A strong character arc can make even the shortest film feel satisfying.
When developing characters for a short film:
- Give them a clear objective: What does your protagonist want? What are they willing to do to achieve it?
- Create conflict: What stands in their way? The conflict should be directly related to the character’s goal or desire.
- Show growth or change: By the end of the short film, your character should experience some form of transformation or revelation.
An example of this is in the short film “The Neighbor’s Window“(2019), written and directed by Marshall Curry. In just 20 minutes, the protagonist, a woman frustrated with her domestic life, undergoes a significant shift in perspective as she watches her young neighbors across the street. The film manages to evoke empathy and reflection without overcomplicating the storyline.
4. Write a Strong Opening
The first few moments of your short film are critical in grabbing your audience’s attention. You don’t have the luxury of a slow build-up, so your opening scene needs to establish tone, character, and conflict immediately.
One effective technique is starting in media res, where the story begins in the middle of action. This can quickly draw viewers in and make them curious about the backstory. Alternatively, a strong visual or dialogue hook can pique interest. Remember, in a short film, every second counts.
Example:
In the short film “Cargo” (2013), written by Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, the opening shot shows a father desperately trying to protect his infant daughter in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. This tense situation sets the stakes immediately and establishes the emotional core of the story.
5. Keep Dialogue Minimal
Short films often rely on visual storytelling rather than dialogue. Too much exposition can slow down the pacing and feel out of place. Instead, show your characters’ emotions and intentions through their actions, facial expressions, and interactions with their environment.
This doesn’t mean dialogue should be avoided altogether—when used, it should be purposeful and concise. Aim for dialogue that reveals character or advances the plot.
As filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock famously said, “If it’s a good movie, the sound could go off and the audience would still have a perfectly clear idea of what was going on.” Keep this in mind when writing your short film.
6. Build Toward a Strong Climax
Despite its brevity, your short film should have a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end. A well-defined climax is essential to give your story a satisfying conclusion.
In a short film, the climax often occurs near the end, leading to a quick resolution. This moment should be the culmination of your character’s journey, where the conflict is resolved, and the theme of the story is fully realized. Whether it’s a quiet emotional revelation or a dramatic action, the climax should feel earned.
Take the 2005 short film “Six Shooter”, written and directed by Martin McDonagh, for example. The film builds tension with dark humor and emotional depth before culminating in an intense and tragic resolution, tying up the narrative in a deeply impactful way. Watching this will help you to answer your question “How to write a short film”.
7. End with Impact
Your ending should leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s an emotional punch, a twist, or an open-ended conclusion that makes the audience think, your final scene should resonate with viewers.
Remember, short films are often judged by how effectively they stick the landing. Avoid cliches and predictable conclusions. Instead, aim for something unexpected or poignant that relates back to your film’s core theme.
Example:
The short film “Stutterer“ (2015), written and directed by Benjamin Cleary, delivers an emotional and unexpected ending. The protagonist, a man who struggles with a speech impediment, finds hope and connection in a heartfelt twist, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and inspiration.
Writing a short film requires precision, creativity, and an understanding of the medium’s constraints. By focusing on a strong concept, concise storytelling, well-defined characters, and visual narrative techniques, you can craft a compelling short film that resonates with audiences. Remember, the key to a successful short film is not in its length but in its ability to tell a complete, engaging story with a limited time.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to writing a short film that stands out in festivals and captivates viewers from start to finish. Did we answer your question “How to write a short film” well?
