How to do an effective short film script

1. How to write an effective short
film script
The Milk project isn’t finished…

2. THE SHORTER THE BETTER
10 minutes

3. BE REALISTIC

4. MAKE IT VISUAL
“Film is a visual medium”.
“Show, don’t tell.”
• The lunch date

5. FIND “A STORY”
a conflict that has to be resolved,
a dilemma
a choice that the protagonist has to make.
Sebastian’s voodo

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF
THE BEGINNING
AND
THE END

7. Step by step
1. Characters: Define each one with about
three descriptors rather than a complex
biography. “Anxious teenager who needs a
job”. Create a voice

8. Step by step
2. Setting: Time and place (not very detailed)

9. Step by step
3. Conflict: What just happened before this scene?
Where are the characters going?
Do they fear something or are they excited about
something?
Does one character believe something while
another thinks the opposite?

10. Next task
• Characters
• Setting and place
• Conflict. Examples:
– Interview: answer questions
– Travel to past / future / present / a different country
/ to heaven
– Attack (verbal or physical) / war / fight / aliens /
zombies / etc.
For next week