SHORT FILM assignment
This assignment will begin with script writing. Each student is responsible for a script and shot list. Each short will be reviewed and peer assessed. As a class we will choose 4 scripts to create 4 short films. We will be holding auditions (students from this class) and we will organize and assign editors and other film making roles. This project will be on-going and will be the last to film and edit. As such, this assignment will be a masterpiece. Any spare time (instead of playing games) can be spent writing a script and researching. A script ALWAYS needs revisions and will be re-written numerous times.
How to write a good short film script
This is not a feature length film DO NOT try to squeeze a story as a feature into a short.
The target time length is 5 minutes.
Finding the story: A story MUST have these three elements:
Ø A world: maybe a ritual event: A birthday, first day of school, a meal out or a journey
Ø A character: Establish who will be the main character. Tell the story through the best point of view (main character)
Ø A problem: If the main character does not have a problem—there is no story.
What is driving your main character through the story must be one of the following:
-a want
-a need
-an obligation
What is making it hard for the character to pursue their want, need or obligation.
Is there something at stake for the character? What do they stand to loose?
Point of view: tell the story from the best suited point of view.YOUR SHORT FILM MUST INCLUDE THESE ELEMENTS:
-A waiter or waitress
A man named John Hartsworth
-Dialogue "I want to try"
-A banana
sites to help you:
http://www.screenwriting.info/
http://notesonvideo.blogspot.com/2010/01/scriptwriting-101.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/29285/filmmaking/st1.html
I will be handing out example scripts to look at format and content.
