How to Write a Short Film

Summary

This video delves into the intricacies of screenwriting and storytelling, focusing on crafting a short film with a strong dramatic narrative. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a philosophical conflict, attaching beliefs to characters, and utilizing a structured approach like Dan Harmon's Story Circle to create a compelling story with momentum. The video also addresses common misconceptions about writing and encourages new writers to learn the fundamentals before attempting to break rules.

Takeaways

• 📝 Start by understanding the fundamentals of screenwriting and storytelling, such as conflict, character structure, and dialogue.
• 🎬 Transition from theory to practice by writing a short script, applying the learned concepts.
• 💡 Focus on creating a strong, dramatic narrative for your short film, using detailed and specific elements.
• 🚫 Don't get caught up in exceptions or rule-breaking; as a new writer, mastering the basics is crucial.
• 📺 Use existing narratives, like the main plot of a 'Rick and Morty' episode, as examples for learning purposes.
• 🎯 Identify and build upon the philosophical conflict within your story, establishing a viewpoint versus viewpoint dynamic.
• 👥 Attach distinct philosophical beliefs to your characters, which will drive their actions and conflicts.
• 🏁 Follow a structured approach like Dan Harmon's Story Circle to build narrative momentum and character development.
• 🔄 Understand that philosophical conflicts and character beliefs should be reflected in their actions and decisions throughout the story.
• 📉 Recognize the importance of story structure in short scripts, just as in feature-length screenplays.
• ✍️ Don't let procrastination or the need for perfection delay the writing process; focus on learning through writing.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 12th video in this series?

The main focus of the 12th video is to provide practical guidance on how to write a short film with a strong dramatic narrative, by going granular into the process and using Rick and Morty episode 202 as an example.

Why does the video use Rick and Morty episode 202 as an example instead of a short film?

The video uses Rick and Morty episode 202 because most short films are not well-written narrative dramas and are often more focused on concepts, experiments, or used as part of a director's reel. Rick and Morty's episode provides a clear narrative structure that is similar in length to a short film, making it a useful example.

What is the significance of philosophical conflict in storytelling?

Philosophical conflict is significant in storytelling because it represents the differing moral, ethical, or philosophical beliefs within the story. It forms the backbone of the narrative and drives the events and character actions, creating a viewpoint versus viewpoint dilemma that engages the audience.

How does the video suggest a new writer should approach the writing process?

The video suggests that new writers should focus on learning the principles of storytelling rather than trying to break the rules. It encourages writers to immerse themselves in storytelling through reading novels and watching films to naturally generate story ideas.

What are the key components of a narrative drama according to the video?

The key components of a narrative drama are a clear philosophical conflict, characters with distinct beliefs that drive their actions, and a structured narrative that builds momentum through the characters' decisions and the consequences of those decisions.

How does the video advise writers to handle the structure of their short script?

The video advises writers to use Dan Harmon's Story Circle as a versatile and organic way to structure their story, emphasizing that story structure is just as important in a short script as it is in a feature-length screenplay.

What is the philosophical conflict in Rick and Morty episode 202?

The philosophical conflict in Rick and Morty episode 202 revolves around absolute morality versus moral relativism. Morty believes in an absolute morality where selling a weapon to an assassin is wrong, while Rick believes in moral relativism, thinking he can define his own morality and there's no objective wrong in his actions.

How do secondary characters like K Michael and Fart contribute to the philosophical conflict in the episode?

Secondary characters like K Michael and Fart contribute to the philosophical conflict by embodying certain beliefs and forcing the main characters, like Morty, to make choices based on their own philosophical viewpoints. Their actions and interactions with the main characters play out the philosophical conflict and challenge the audience's beliefs.

What is the narrative climax of the episode and what does it represent?

The narrative climax of the episode occurs when Morty realizes that his action of saving Fart leads to the potential destruction of the universe. Morty ultimately kills Fart, representing a philosophical change where he understands that doing the right thing is more complex than he initially thought. The story makes a philosophical statement that moral decisions are not always clear-cut.

How does the video address the concern that following the provided guidance might be too formulaic?

The video acknowledges that some writers might find the guidance too formulaic, but it emphasizes that as new writers, it's important to first learn the principles and fundamentals of storytelling. Breaking rules comes after understanding them, and the provided guidance is meant to offer a solid foundation for new writers to start with.

What advice does the video give regarding the writing process for a short script?

The video advises not to spend more than a day or two on outlining the short script and not to be overly precious about it. It encourages writers to resist procrastination, to stop searching for more answers, and to simply start writing, emphasizing that learning takes time and practice.