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