How to Write A Short Film Script

Introduction

Writing a short film script is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. In this article, we’ll explore what you should consider doing before you start writing your script, including effective planning techniques that can set you up for success.

Getting Started

First off, congratulations on deciding to write your first short film! It’s no small feat, but with determination and the right approach, you can certainly achieve this. Keep in mind, though, that I’m not a professional writer; instead, I aim to focus on the writing process rather than the specific creative elements.

There’s no single best way to write or plan out your script, but here are some tips that have worked well for me throughout my own writing journey.

Read Scripts

The first piece of advice I received on how to learn screenwriting was to read lots of scripts. This has proven to be immensely helpful. To do this, look for scripts from your favorite movies and immerse yourself in them. Observe how professional writers craft their work. If you have a specific genre in mind for your short film, seek out scripts pertinent to that genre.

A Quick Note:

Established screenwriters don’t always adhere to screenwriting rules, and this can be frustrating for new writers. However, I recommend that new writers stick to the rules initially. Although these rules may seem limiting, they offer a framework that can help facilitate your writing process.

Planning is Key

Having a brilliant idea is great, but short films require thorough planning. While some writers may type away in a flow of creativity, planning can simplify your writing process. Focus on three critical elements of preparation: log lines, treatments, and outlines.

Loglines

A logline is a concise summary of your film, typically one or two sentences long. Its primary purpose is to entice and hook the reader. A strong logline introduces the main character, their objective, and the obstacles they face.

Writing a logline serves two essential functions:

It prepares you to answer the inevitable question, “What’s it about?” concisely.
It acts as a guiding principle throughout your story development.

Treatments

A film treatment is an overview of your story. It can serve as a roadmap for the writing process or as a pitch to other readers. Your treatment should include:

The logline,
An introduction to key characters,
A synopsis of the story structure.

In the synopsis, outline your story using a variety of frameworks, such as the three-act structure or Dan Harmon’s story circle.

Outlines

An outline breaks your story down into individual scenes, providing a road map for your writing. This step is helpful to streamline the whole writing process. To create an outline, start with your film treatment's synopsis and break it down into organized scenes.

Time to Write

Now that you’ve done your homework and planned out your story, it’s time to write. Make sure you have your writing tools ready, whether that is headphones, your laptop, or your preferred screenwriting software.

I personally use Fade In, a relatively inexpensive software that is user-friendly. Other fantastic options include Celtx and Final Draft, the industry standard. For free software, consider Trelby or WriterDuet.

Writing Tips

Once you begin writing, here are two useful tips:

Just Start: When you begin to flow, keep writing. Don’t get caught up trying to make the first draft perfect; it won’t be. The goal is to complete the first draft, which will require multiple rewrites.
Set Goals: Whether you set a page count, scene count, or time limit, establishing daily goals will help you feel accomplished and maintain your writing momentum.

Conclusion

Writing a short film script can be a daunting task, but don’t get discouraged. Many writers face similar challenges, and perseverance is key. Keep writing, and something good will come from your efforts.

Feel free to share your own tips for writing a short film script in the comments! Also, don't forget to subscribe to follow along in the series on how to make a short film.

Keywords

Short film script
Planning
Logline
Treatment
Outline
Screenwriting software
Writing tips

FAQ

1. What is a logline? A logline is a one to two-sentence summary that encapsulates the essence of your film, highlighting the main character, their objectives, and the challenges they face.

2. Why is a treatment important? A treatment outlines the highlights of your story and serves as a roadmap for your writing process; it can also be a pitching tool for producers or other readers.

3. What is the best software for screenwriting? Popular screenwriting software includes Fade In, Final Draft, and Celtx. Free options like Trelby and WriterDuet are also available.

4. How can I improve my writing process? Establish daily goals, such as a specific page count or time spent writing, and focus on completing the first draft without editing it too much.