How to Write A Short Film Script

Summary

In this second installment of the 'How to Make a Short Film' series, the host congratulates viewers on embarking on scriptwriting and emphasizes that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The video offers practical advice for beginners, advocating for reading scripts of favorite movies to grasp professional writing styles. It underscores the importance of planning with loglines, treatments, and outlines before writing. The host recommends using screenwriting software like Fade In and suggests setting daily writing goals. The video concludes with encouragement to keep writing despite challenges, inviting viewers to share their own scriptwriting tips.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Congratulate yourself for deciding to write your first short film script, it's a significant step.
• 📚 Read scripts of your favorite movies to understand how professional writers craft their work.
• 🚫 Recognize that established screenwriters may not always follow the rules, but as a new writer, it's better to adhere to them initially.
• 💡 Create a logline, a one to two sentence summary of your film, to entice and hook potential viewers or readers.
• 📝 Write a film treatment to serve as a story roadmap or a pitch, including the logline, key characters, and a film synopsis.
• 📋 Develop an outline to break down your story into individual scenes, providing a roadmap for your writing process.
• 🖥 Use screenwriting software like Fade In, Celtx, or Final Draft to help with the writing process.
• ✍️ Start writing without worrying about perfection; remember that the first draft will likely require multiple rewrites.
• 🎯 Set daily writing goals, such as page or scene count, to maintain momentum and a sense of accomplishment.
• 💪 Stay persistent and don't get discouraged; writing is challenging, but continued effort will yield results.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video series?

The main focus of the video series is to guide viewers on how to make a short film, with a particular emphasis on the scriptwriting process.

Why does the speaker suggest reading scripts of favorite movies?

Reading scripts of favorite movies helps to understand how professional writers structure their work and provides insight into the genre-specific writing styles.

What is the significance of following screenwriting rules for new writers?

For new writers, following screenwriting rules provides a structured framework to work within, which can make the writing process easier and more focused.

Why should a writer not immediately start writing their script after getting an idea?

Writers should not immediately start writing because short films require more than just a great idea; they necessitate thorough planning to ensure a coherent and compelling narrative.

What is a logline and why is it important?

A logline is a one to two-sentence summary of the film that aims to entice viewers or readers. It's important because it helps to quickly and intriguingly answer the question 'what's it about?' and serves as a guide for the story development.

What is a film treatment and what does it typically include?

A film treatment is a document that outlines the highlights of the story, typically including the logline, introduction to key characters, and a film synopsis that summarizes the story structure.

How does the outline help in the scriptwriting process?

The outline breaks down the story into individual scenes, providing a roadmap for the writer to follow, which can streamline the writing process and make it more efficient.

What screenwriting software does the speaker recommend and why?

The speaker recommends Fade In for its ease of use, affordability, and one-time payment system as opposed to monthly subscriptions. Other options mentioned are Celtx, Final Draft, Trelby, and Writer Duet.

What are the two main tips given for writing the first draft of a script?

The two main tips are to start writing without getting caught up in perfection, as the first draft will require rewrites, and to set daily goals, such as page or scene counts, to maintain progress and motivation.

How does the speaker encourage viewers to approach the scriptwriting process?

The speaker encourages viewers to approach scriptwriting with persistence and a willingness to learn, acknowledging that writing can be tough but emphasizing that continued effort will yield results.