A good short film is like a poem - it takes big themes and distils
them.
Less is more. Simple (but not simplistic) ideas are often the most
effective. Some of the most evocative short films revolve around a
moment, a human exchange or choice.
Don't be afraid of tackling big subjects with high dramatic
stakes. Short films can be incredibly powerful and deal well with
complex and brave ideas or emotions.
To thine own self be true: your story should express life as you've
observed (or dreamt) it.your personal vision.
Consider using a strong, universally resonant theme (e.g. search
for validation, pursuit of love). It will provide a direct emotional
route to your audience - vital in a short film.
Films under five minutes often work well with a visual (not verbal)
punchline that reinforces the characterisation or theme.
Every moment in your story should be intrinsically tied to the
theme and should exist in sympathy with everything else, with not a
second wasted.
Start strong, finish strong. Begin with the end in mind - the last
moment is the most important and should be an encapsulation of the
theme. The opening is crucial too - you don't have time to build the
story up - it needs to make an impact in around thirty seconds to
draw the audience in.
Character
Short shorts cannot deal with complex character development - the
audience needs to engage with a character as quickly as possible so
that they can get into the narrative - so look at using
character `types'.but not clichés.
Shorts tend to be concept rather than character driven.however,
characters are vitally important and should drive your plot.
Actions speak louder than words. Don't use your characters as
mouthpieces for your plot.
Try taking an established character type and showing them in an
original setting - a world the audience hasn't seen before.
Comedy works extremely well in short shorts.
Structure
A good short is self-contained and perfectly formed.
Structure can be effectively used as a framework for your story -
applying structure to your idea will give your audience a frame of
reference.
However, applying an idea to an existing structure can make it seem
formulaic.
Examples of structure that can be effectively applied to short
shorts: Linear/causal (The Talented Mr Ripley), Generic, Circular
(American Beauty, Italian Job), Repetitive (Groundhog Day, Run Lola
Run), Fragmented/synthetic (Memento, Mulholland Drive)
Time frame
Consider setting your story within a very specific narrative time
frame.
A good short drops the audience into a moment in time and explores
it.
Visual language
Think in pictures. Tell the emotion of your story through images
rather than words (dialogue). Use images to create strong atmosphere
and tone.
Shorts work wonderfully as visual `poems' with strong visual
metaphors and symbolism.
Do...
Ask yourself why you want to tell this story.
Aim to tell a fresh, entertaining story with emotional resonance
and meaning through pictures.
Ensure you reach the dramatic issue at the heart of your story.
Consider the audience that will watch your film and how your story
will connect with them. What experience do you want to give them and
what feelings do you want to leave them with?
Be inventive - short films beg originality and risk.
Ask yourself if your story `fits' the length you're aiming for.
Think about the types of stories that can be told in five minutes or
under.
Consider whether the script is viable for a low budget.
Be prepared to be open to constructive criticism.
Watch as many shorts as you can.
Don't...
Tack on an ending or `surprise' twist that bears no relation to the
theme and undermines the credibility of what has gone before.
Pack in too many events - let your story breathe.
Forget about genre but do approach it with a fresh eye.
Forget that rules are made to be broken.but only if you know why
you're breaking them.
