Writing

Short Film
Scripts
A Student Guide to Film-making

Samuel Taye

Writing Short Film Scripts for Educational Purpose

Contents
A Note for Teachers Iv

Script 1

Plot 6
Character 12
Theme 15
Language/Dialogue 18
Music/Rhythm 27
Spectacle/Surprise 29
Summary 31
Formatting 34

Support 38

Producer 40
Writer 42
Director 43
Other possible roles 46

Storyboard 54

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Structure 62

Respect the hierarchy 64

Hold meetings 67
Accept change 71
Make lists 71

Prepare schedules
and call sheets 74
Do your research
and work hard 81
Stick to short and
long-term deadlines 82
Communicate on
all matters 84

Shoot 87
Shape 101

Film editing 103

Editing techniques 104
Crucial factors in
post-production 108

Screen 111

Evaluation and
self-assessment 112
Get your film out there 114
Making another film 117

Writing Short Film Scripts for Educational Purpose

 Index of Films 119

Photocopiable sheets 120

About the Author 122

Acknowledgements 122

A Note for Teachers

What
Writing Short Film Scripts – A Student Guide to Film-making is designed to: a)
help students learn the basics of writing and producing a short film, including how
to get started; writing the short film as a screenplay; storyboarding the screenplay;
and shooting, editing and screening the short film for an audience
b) examine where ideas come from, what makes a ‘good idea’ for a film, how to
structure the story, and provide students with a step-by-step instructional guide to
write and create their own short films
c) provide exercises and stimulus to assist students in developing their ideas, forming
teams and making their films
d) direct students to relevant websites and resources to help them write and produce
their films, and explore the general art and industry of film-making.

Why
The book is invaluable for secondary school teachers and their students in the areas of
Media, Drama and English as it is:
a) relevant, focusing on aspects of the curriculum in the areas of media, production,
teamwork, communication, creative writing and expression
b) comprehensive in its information on all areas of screenwriting and the steps
involved in writing and making a short film
c) easy to navigate, making it possible to locate material on all areas of the subject
quickly and efficiently

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d) practical, providing examples, activities, quotes, definitions and web references for
teachers to use in class.

How
The book is divided into seven chapters, based on an inverted pyramid style of film
creation and production and the seven Ss.

Writing Short Film Scripts for Educational Purpose

 v

S CR IP T
SUPPORT
STORYBOARD
STRUCTURE
1 . SCRIPT SHOOT
Focusing on story, dialogue,
formatting, character, plot, SHAPE
theme, momentum and the
SCREEN
document itself.

2 . SUPPORT
The Seven Ss of Film-making
Focusing on the film-making team – 5 . SHOOT
producer, director, cast, crew, and Focusing on the shoot itself, things to
their roles and responsibilities. consider and be aware of.

3. STORYBOARD 6 . SHAPE
Focusing on how to turn the script into a Focusing on the post-production stage
series of pictures and images able to be including the editing, music, sound
filmed. effects and pick-up shots required.

4. STRUCTURE 7 . SCREEN
Focusing on structuring and Focusing on putting your film in front of
synchronising all aspects of the film an audience and using it as a ‘calling
before it is shot, such as the design, card’ to get into the industry.
locations, make-up, hair, catering and
any specific requirements of the film.
 Script

FILMS ARE A SERIES of pictures or images that tell a story communicating an idea
about the world. A film script, or document (regardless of the length), containing
dialogue and directions that actors, designers, directors and producers use to make a
film, is called a screenplay.

Myth buster
Is it possible to make a film without a screenplay? Yes, definitely.
Many short films are developed, produced and screened without using any kind of
written document. Even some feature films have been produced without a script, relying
on the characters improvising (making stuff up on the spot) and leaving the camera
rolling so the editor, after everything’s been filmed, can edit together ‘the best bits’.

Is it advisable to make a film without a screenplay? Definitely not! Why not?

For many reasons:

1. Number of people involved

Because so many people can be involved in the making of a film (actors,
director, producers, and potentially countless others), it is crucial everyone

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2 Writing Short Film Scripts

understands the goal trying to be achieved – who the characters are, the locations
required, what they should look like, props, costumes, lighting and so on.

2. Ideas can change

If the writer or director changes their mind about the film, the best way to
communicate these changes is via the script, which is then redistributed to all
involved.

3. Others want to contribute

A written document allows the story, plot, characters, dialogue and all ideas
contained in the script to be honed, clarified, improved and reconsidered for the
sake of making a better film, without shooting it first only to find out later that
some early discussion and rewrites would have been useful.

4. Money and resources

Even student films cost time, money and resources, whether it’s using class time,
a school camera, someone’s house or a particular location. Cast, crew, producers
and everyone else involved will be more inclined to give their time if there is a
blueprint document the director is following and everyone knows what’s being
filmed and (roughly) how long it will take.

5. Audience expectations
To be kept engaged or interested, audiences generally expect a good story, a
character pursuing a goal, a beginning, middle and an end. These sorts of story
elements can be improved in the process of writing a script. They are harder to
refine and improve without writing them down and knowing scene by scene,
how the story unfolds.

So, we agree. To make a film, we need a screenplay. But how do you write one and what if
you can’t think of anything?

Myth buster
What if I’m not a writer? Every writer thinks that at some point, even the most
professional writers, even writers who have won awards and had their films
produced.

Chapter 1: Script 3

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 The truth is that ANYONE CAN WRITE. Yes, writing can be hard, whether you’re a
new writer or have years of experience. The difference is that new writers (or people who
say they can’t write) use it as an excuse to stop, or never get started. Experienced writers
know writing is hard, but write anyway, whether or not they are in the mood. Yes, there
may be people who are naturally better at telling a story, but don’t let it stop you writing.
If you want to write, you can learn the craft. Your ability to tell a story will improve
with persistence and dedication. Reading this book is a great start.
If you are struggling to write something, be patient. It is common for writers to spend
time simply staring at a blank page. The answer might come when you least expect it. If
you’re worried about getting it wrong, don’t! Failing is learning and the sooner you mess
it up, the sooner you can fix it and get it right.
Writing a screenplay is like doing a jigsaw puzzle. There
are many bits to fit together; the puzzle won’t be complete
if all the bits aren’t included and placed exactly where they
need to be.

What makes a ‘good’ screenplay?

A good script essentially refers to one that entertains an
audience or makes an audience respond or feel the way you
want them to.

Where do you start?

An idea for a script or short film can come from anywhere – a news story you read or
heard, a person you know who you think would make a great character, an adaptation of
a fairy tale or something you heard on a bus or at school.

There are several websites on how to write and make a short film.
Here are a few to inspire you and get you started: http://www.
wikihow.com/Make-a-Short-Film or http://www.digitalfilmcrew.
com/2007/09/18/how-to-make-a-short-film-for-tropfest/ or
http://www.wheresthedrama.com. You can also google ‘how to make a short film’
and see what comes up.
4 Writing Short Film Scripts

What makes a good idea for a film?

Firstly, drama is about conflict, so ‘good’ ideas for short films are those that can sustain
conflict throughout. ‘Someone refusing to do the dishes’ in itself is not enough. But if

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that action was the last straw between two siblings and triggered the destruction of their
relationship, the conflict might keep an audience interested for the length of a short film.

Films are about a central dramatic question

Central dramatic questions are always in terms of your main character and must last the
entire film. As soon as the question is answered, the film is often over.
• Will Harry and Sally ever be more than friends?
Short films also require a dramatic question, even if the film is only a few minutes long. For
example:
• A tennis star’s hands are damaged in an accident. Will she ever play tennis again?
• A student wants to cheat in an exam. Will he get away with it?
• A young boy has a fight with his best friend. Will they resolve it?

Subject matter – getting started

A good way to start is by choosing a subject you’re interested in or an experience you’ve
had. Try the following steps to get you thinking:
• Write down all your interests or passions, in any order.
• Group your interests together to find a pattern or
link between them.
• Select the thing or subject you are most passionate about
and consider something you want to express on that idea; for
example, a thought, message or opinion you want to convey to a reader or an
audience.
• Write some possible thoughts for messages or
opinions underneath the actual subject or area of interest.
Some ideas to get you started:
• a holiday you’ve been on (message – there’s no place like home) • a childhood
memory (sometimes one must let go of the past to move on)

• the day you kidnapped a celebrity (fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be).
Other triggers for ideas might be:
• something in your bedroom that holds a magic power

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