Creating a Short Film: 02 Writing

Learn about writing a great script including storytelling, working with screenwriting software, and revising scripts. Discover filmmaking tips for anyone who wants to make a short.

Welcome

• Welcome to this series
• The importance of the script
• Previewing our short film

1. Story Basics

• Plot vs. character-driven stories
• What is a story?
• Making a strong protagonist
• Having a character arc
• Creating a logline
• Using a three-act structure
• Identifying story beats
• The importance of conflict
• Writing the truth
• Showing, not telling

2. Getting Ideas

• Where can you get ideas for stories?
• Being inspired by resources
• Borrowing from archetypes

3. Creating a Fantasy World

• About genre conventions
• Creating backstories and mythologies
• Inventing new linguistic rules
• Using supernatural forces
• About exposition and narration
• Studying Hollywood prologues
• Understanding the cost of what you write

4. Writing the Story

• Examining our original story
• Setting up calls and responses
• Creating shadow characters
• Why omit the final battle scene?
• Exploring the theme
• Writing a pickup scene

5. Writing the Screenplay

• Understanding screenplay formatting
• Using Final Draft
• Using Adobe Story
• Writing with a partner
• About writing credits

6. Improving the Script

• About the polishing phase
• Recruiting script reviewers
• Seeing from an audience's point of view
• Ensuring everything matters
• Using subtext
• Adding more humanity
• Contrasting beginnings and endings
• Creating a “mystery box”
• When is the script done?

7. Rewriting the Script

• Why was a rewrite necessary?
• Examining the new beats
• Repurposing existing shots
• Enhancing conflict
• Throwing away the best parts

Conclusion

• Evaluating our script
• My favorite screenwriting resources
• Previewing the next course
• Final thoughts