How to write a micro-short film
So you want to write a screenplay? That's awesome! Screenplays are a great way to practice your craft and get better at telling stories. But if you've never written one before, it can be intimidating. Luckily, you don't have to spend hours hunched over the keyboard in order to write an effective screenplay. In fact," micro-shorts" are a great way for beginners or experienced screenwriters alike to hone their skills on something that doesn't take forever—and still feels like a big deal when it's done!
Short films are a great way to practice your craft.
Short films are a great way to practice your craft. They allow you to explore the different aspects of filmmaking, from writing and directing to editing and cinematography.
If you're interested in making short films, here's what you need to know:
Short films will teach you how to tell stories quickly and efficiently. You will learn how to get ideas from your head onto paper (or computer), develop those ideas into full stories, edit them down into manageable chunks of time and then make sure that everything fits together seamlessly.
Designing an interesting premise
As a filmmaker, you have to be passionate about what you're making. You need to know your story inside and out. With a micro-short film, there isn't a lot of time to tell the story, so it has to be something that can be told quickly and efficiently. It also needs to be interesting, funny or surprising.
When coming up with an idea for your short film idea, try not to make it too complex or complicated. Make sure that the premise is simple but still tells the audience everything they need about your characters' motivations, so that when the action starts, they won't be lost in confusion as they watch!
Take time to write your screenplay.
The first thing you need to do is write your script. You should not worry about writing a perfect script, just get it down on paper. It's much easier to fix a second drafte than it is a blank page.
Writing the screenplay in a way that you would like to see it shot is also important as this will help you visualise the film better and make sure all aspects of production are covered from start to finish.
Use the "Traffic Jam" formula to overcome writer's block.
Focus on a single character
Focus on a single location
Focus on a single event
Focus on a single line of dialogue
Focus on a single piece of action
Writing a micro-short is not that different from writing any other screenplay, except that it's shorter. You still need to have an interesting premise and compelling characters. You still need to take time to write your screenplay before you begin shooting. And when you're stuck in writer's block, try using the "Traffic Jam" formula! It'll get those creative juices flowing again in no time!
