Part 6-Short screenplay writing

Part 6- Short Screenplay writing
In this part of the research, I researched the advice that is given to new writers on how to create a successful short screenplay. I investigated the following websites:
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tours/shortfilm/tour1.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/tips_shortfilm.shtml
http://www.netribution.co.uk/features/howto/scriptwriting_5_short_film.html
http://www.scriptfactory.co.uk/

1. http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tours/shortfilm/tour1.html
This article focuses on how to use a main character in your script and make sure that the main character and his/her world is convincing us through a believable narrative. The article focuses on questions around the protagonist or main character. For example, ‘Who is the protagonist?’, ‘What do they want?’ which is the focus of the film. This then leads to there being a incident or climax that reveals something or resolves the main action film. In addition, it says to include an opposition that the protagonist will have to face. This means maybe an obstacle-Physically or maybe inside of the character. This also means thinking about what they best point of view will be. The article says pick a point of view that would be engaging and more realistic for the audience. Maybe bring a personal experience that is relatable to. In addition picking an appropriate and workable theme, is crucial to driving the narrative and is the centre of the short film.

2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/tips_shortfilm.shtml
In this article it focuses on really thinking about the whole story and the events and what makes up the narrative. It advises to go with any idea you have, and let your imagination flow, if this means ending with several different short ideas. However, make sure you’re script is easy to read and that is does justice to your ideas. In addition it says to really think about the best way to tell your story with the shots you use. Making the audience guess and try to work out the characters story and problem through what is shown, however without directly telling them. It suggests playing on one moment that has a coherent story, where we can clearly see was it is going on in the world of the character. This through things such as sometime simple, but effective shots, and making sure that is a clear conclusion to the story, engaging characters and that each piece of action has meaning within the story. This all needs to be in the story straight away, to make sure we are pulled into the world that the characters inhabit. It also advises steering away from a cliché idea or storyline to make sure your idea is fresh. In addition it advices, making sure that the shots you sue will fit into your intended budget. This means maybe making use of the digital film technology available at the moment so you gain the best outcome for your film. This links in with maybe also choosing to find someone to direct your film instead of maybe directing your own script. The article also says researching and watching short films is a great way to see how writers and directors have conveyed their ideas and narratives in an effective way.


3. http://www.netribution.co.uk/features/howto/scriptwriting_5_short_film.html
This article again makes the point of making your narrative as coherent and straight forward as possible. Complicated and multilayered storylines will not work and will make the idea of your short confusing. Make sure that you use memorable and convincing dialogue to show off your story in the best way possible. However, make sure you explore different and more original ideas so we don’t see something we’ve seen a hundred times before. Try using a smaller and workable cast, to make sure you create energy in the narrative between a small group of characters or maybe even one. Make sure you also use dialogue to help this. But make sure that it fits your characters bio and shy away from over emotive or exaggerated lines. Again, it talks about using a realistic budget, and locations that you will be able to use, and maybe sticking to two or three locations.