Coming up with a Coming up with a ConceptConcept
A Guide to Helping You Write Your A Guide to Helping You Write Your Short FilmShort Film
Six Keys to Getting Film FinishedSix Keys to Getting Film Finished
1.1. Make a five-minute filmMake a five-minute film
2.2. Have a completed script BEFORE Have a completed script BEFORE shootingshooting
3.3. Be a slashBe a slash
4.4. Go digitalGo digital
5.5. Use the three-day shooting scheduleUse the three-day shooting schedule
6.6. Edit on a deadlineEdit on a deadline
Five Minute RuleFive Minute Rule
Begin career with a shortBegin career with a short
What can I possibly do in five minutes?What can I possibly do in five minutes?
Tell a story!Tell a story!
Contest rules state 7 minutesContest rules state 7 minutes
Our goal is five Our goal is five
Script in AdvanceScript in Advance
Filmmaking does not begin when you Filmmaking does not begin when you press recordpress record
Problem with improvised films?Problem with improvised films? Look homemade, amateur, AFVLook homemade, amateur, AFV Humor is often a “had to be there” varietyHumor is often a “had to be there” variety
Having a script allows you to create a “set” Having a script allows you to create a “set” in advancein advance
Use it to recruit peopleUse it to recruit people
Slash and BurnSlash and Burn
Slash-writerSlash-writer Find concept that fits size of projectFind concept that fits size of project Refine ideas and get down on paperRefine ideas and get down on paper Proper format toward script that tells storyProper format toward script that tells story
Slash-producerSlash-producer Think through and work out details that go into Think through and work out details that go into
making short filmmaking short film Make sure director has everything he/she needs Make sure director has everything he/she needs
when shooting startswhen shooting starts Sets schedule, finds location, recruits and manages Sets schedule, finds location, recruits and manages
crew, etc. etc.crew, etc. etc.
Slash and BurnSlash and Burn
Slash-DirectorSlash-Director Master and commander of film setMaster and commander of film set Creator and decision makerCreator and decision maker Manage and collaborateManage and collaborate
Slash-EditorSlash-Editor ““Movies are made in post”Movies are made in post” Artistry in editingArtistry in editing
Go DigitalGo Digital
Use digital equipmentUse digital equipment Faster, less expensive, good qualityFaster, less expensive, good quality
The Three-Day ShootThe Three-Day Shoot
Make a movieMake a movie
Create a shooting schedule that fitsCreate a shooting schedule that fits Long weekendLong weekend HolidayHoliday SchoolSchool
Anyone can focus for a short periodAnyone can focus for a short period
Cut Off for CuttingCut Off for Cutting
““Post”– editing after filming is completedPost”– editing after filming is completed
Time consumingTime consuming
MUST set a deadlineMUST set a deadline
Increases the likelihood of getting it doneIncreases the likelihood of getting it done
Picking a Subject—Generic Picking a Subject—Generic SubjectsSubjects
An encounterAn encounter
A twist of fateA twist of fate
A surpriseA surprise
An oddballAn oddball
A disruptionA disruption
A dreamA dream
Some Rules…Some Rules…
Avoid the following:Avoid the following: SwearingSwearing SmokingSmoking Use of Drugs or alcohol/house partiesUse of Drugs or alcohol/house parties Graphic violenceGraphic violence Graphic sexGraphic sex Teen suicideTeen suicide School violenceSchool violence
If we are going to screen them they MUST be If we are going to screen them they MUST be school appropriate!school appropriate!
Writing a SynopsisWriting a Synopsis
Concept 26Concept 26
Let’s READ!!Let’s READ!!
Now let’s WRITE!!Now let’s WRITE!!
Write a synopsis of your story in 75 words Write a synopsis of your story in 75 words or less…use the back of Concept 26or less…use the back of Concept 26