{"id":280843,"date":"2023-03-23T14:31:33","date_gmt":"2023-03-23T13:31:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cined.com\/?p=280843"},"modified":"2024-02-23T13:05:51","modified_gmt":"2024-02-23T12:05:51","slug":"how-to-write-a-compelling-story-for-a-short-film-tips-for-aspiring-filmmakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.cined.dev\/jp\/how-to-write-a-compelling-story-for-a-short-film-tips-for-aspiring-filmmakers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Compelling Story for a Short Film \u2013 Tips for Aspiring Filmmakers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cFeatures are marathons. Shorts are sprints.\u201d As a creator, you know that the driving force behind a good script is having a compelling story that tells a message in words and pictures. Sounds obvious, but it can be challenging if your idea is vague and you only have 10 minutes of screen time. Fortunately, the writer and director Seth Worley<\/a> knows a trick or two to get you going. In his course, \u201cShort Films 101<\/a>\u201d, which is available on MZed.com<\/a>, he not only explains how to write a compelling story for a short film, but also offers practical exercises on finding your own voice, structuring material, and troubleshooting on-set mishaps.<\/strong><\/p><280843-inline-buylinks\/>\n\n\n\n

Even if his name doesn\u2019t ring a bell, trust me, you have seen his films. Seth Worley has created shorts and branded content for clients like JJ Abrams\u2019s Bad Robot<\/a>, Red <\/a>G<\/a>iant<\/a>, Film Riot<\/a>, and others. His work has been featured in Forbes, the Hollywood Reporter, and HULU, to name a few. However, don\u2019t expect a conventional filmmaking class from him. Seth believes that creating movies should be fun, and it is always a unique journey from A to Z. While he shares his journey, you may discover your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The chaos of notes on film ideas. Image source: Seth Worley \/ MZed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

No matter what genre or topic you base your short film on, the following tips can enhance your writing. If you want to go further and dive into the production, directing, and even VFX magic, you can watch the full course here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writing a compelling story for a short in your own voice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re just starting out or skipped this step in your filmmaking career \u2013 pause here and ask yourself a question: \u201cWhat is my true voice?\u201d. What mark will we leave on any project we touch? Seth Worley believes a filmmaker\u2019s voice comes from a combination of our personal taste, experience, and circumstances. According to him, it is found at the intersection between the following areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finding your own voice. Image source: Seth Worley \/ MZed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s clarify some of them. The first and foremost question is what do you love? Which films could you watch over and over again? What stories are your favorites? Write them down, put your list aside, and now dig deeper \u2013 what did you like as a little kid, and then in middle school? Mary Poppins? Disney cartoons? Coming-of-age drama? Bad comedies? Look for your guilty pleasures \u2013 including those things you’re now embarrassed to admit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seth is sure that each found relic belongs to the list of things that have influenced us, and we ought to own and embrace them. While standing up to and declaring your \u201cuncool\u201d love, you might discover that many people also secretly loved the same thing. If not for Tarantino, who would admit they enjoy watching the combination of brutality, black humor, and unrealistic blood flying through a scene?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A film still from \u201cPulp Fiction\u201d by Quentin Tarantino, 1994<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A reverse question could be: what about your audience and their influence on your script? Should you listen to what others say they love? Seth\u2019s answer: yes and no. Pay attention to what people are talking about, notice what they spend money on, but don\u2019t write it down. That will help you to stay relevant without sacrificing your own fresh ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some further areas to examine in terms of your voice are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n