5 Rules to Remember When Writing a Short Film Script
By Birgül Tombul
What is a Short Film?
A short film is a cinematic work with a theme, story, and script that conveys a message. Contrary to some misconceptions, it is not just a collection of random visuals or a shortened feature film version. It carries its own value proposition and tells a complete story. It must do so in a short time, in a precise and profound way. As a result, short films are emotionally intense. Due to time constraints, their preparation and scripting require careful planning and attention to detail.
How is a Short Film Script Different?
When we think of a script, we often imagine one for a feature film. However, just as feature films have scripts, so do TV series, documentaries, theater plays, commercials, music videos, and short films. Each format has unique characteristics.
A short film script differs from a feature film script in several ways. One major distinction is that feature film scripts are often written in the French format, whereas short film scripts typically follow the American format. Additionally, while a long film may contain a single long take, a short film can consist entirely of one continuous shot. When writing a short film treatment, overly literary or decorative language should be avoided.
There are various software programs designed to simplify the short film scriptwriting process. However, the biggest challenge remains making it short, precise, and impactful. There is no room for long glances, redundant lines, or unnecessary characters. This constraint can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On one hand, it reduces costs and allows for practical production. On the other hand, it demands greater creativity in both scriptwriting and filming.
Conveying the physical and psychological characteristics of characters within a short timeframe and leaving a lasting impression on the audience is not an easy task. This is why short films have a unique and dedicated community of creators and viewers. This genre deserves continuous support. Platforms dedicated to short films play a vital and valuable role in this ecosystem.
Five Rules for a Compelling and Concise Narrative
- Read Extensively: Before even coming up with an idea, the most important rule is to read as much as possible. While scriptwriting techniques are essential, understanding how to craft a compelling story is even more crucial. Reading a variety of genres helps expand the imagination and improve storytelling skills.
- Define Your Theme: What is your story about? Does it address a social need? Does it create value? The theme is the core message of your script. A story can be told without dialogue, but it cannot exist without a central theme or idea.
- Keep It Simple and Original: The story should be presented in a clear and concise manner. Unlike feature films, short films eliminate unnecessary details, characters, and settings. To refine the script, it can first be written in full length and then trimmed down, removing anything that does not serve the story. A unique style and personal voice should also be reflected in the storytelling.
- Maintain Consistency: All technical elements—characters, plot structure, setting, and period—must be well-defined and cohesive. If the story takes place in a specific era, all details must be historically accurate. This requires thorough research and observation.
- Ensure Internal Coherence: Every stage of the script—synopsis, tretman, sequences, scenes, and dialogues—must be written with precision and coherence. Typically, one page of script corresponds to one minute of film. Sometimes, even a one-minute short film can convey a powerful message. The success of short films lies in their ability to do just that.
Short film scriptwriting is much more than simply putting words on paper—it is an art form that requires discipline, creativity, and originality. As legendary director Abbas Kiarostami once said:
“Good cinema is what we can believe in; bad cinema is what we cannot.”
If you can make us believe in your story, take the leap—write your script and bring it to real!
