How to Write A Short Film Script

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
  • This is the second video in the How to Make a Short Film mini series. This one focuses on how to write your short film script. Here are a couple beginner tips on the process for writing your first short film! We'll talk about loglines, film treatments, three act structure, Dan Harmons story circle and the importance of reading scripts.
    Download Scripts
    www.studiobind...
    www.simplyscri...
    sfy.ru/
    Treatments/Outlines
    screencraft.or...
    industrialscri...
    nofilmschool.c...
    / rianspaulding
    Instagram: / rianspauldi. .
    Twitter: / rianspaulding
    Facebook: / rian.spaulding
    MY GEAR (affiliate links below)
    CAMERA- Sony A7Siii
    MAIN LENS - Sigma 24-70mm f2.8
    WIDE LENS - Sony 10-18mm f4 - amzn.to/2LNQ7Vt
    PRIME LENS - Sony 35mm f1.8 - amzn.to/358mLse
    ZOOM LENS - Sigma 24-70 f2.8
    DRONE - Mavic Pro 2 Zoom - amzn.to/2tb49cL
    MICROPHONE - Deity V-Mic D3 Pro - amzn.to/2neMluy
    TRIPOD - Sachtler Ace XL
    KEY LIGHT - Aputure 120D - amzn.to/30J14fb
    BACKLIGHT - Yongnuo YN360 - amzn.to/358mPZ0
    SMALL LIGHT - Aputure AL-M9 -amzn.to/31LYOVC

ความคิดเห็น • 229

  • @Neutral_1zed
    @Neutral_1zed หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    "fade in:"
    *starts overthinking everything*
    absolute cinema

  • @e2renity
    @e2renity 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +51

    i'm just a middle schooler trying to write a short film for graduation and this video helped me so much! the quality is just impeccable and the tips are so helpful for me. thank you so much!

    • @Dream_E25
      @Dream_E25 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      i just graduated the 8th and i’m trying to get a short film made this summer man

    • @Melanie_martiniii
      @Melanie_martiniii หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Dream_E25i hope u do it! And is so, maybe show me?

    • @TheInterestingInformer
      @TheInterestingInformer 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Yall are so young, you have much time and future ahead of you 👏 make good use of it

    • @binayakpradhan1424
      @binayakpradhan1424 22 วันที่ผ่านมา

      And I need for college department anniversary

  • @thewellvideoproductions8244
    @thewellvideoproductions8244 ปีที่แล้ว +116

    True, having an outline to explain what the film is about and keep you on track is invaluable. I really like David Lynch's approach of writing. He starts with 50 to 60 index cards for the beats of the film, then write rearranges them accordingly, then fleshes the scenes out and begins his dialog.

  • @shopwornbear1171
    @shopwornbear1171 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    I am, at the ripe old age of 58, writing my first draft for my first short subject film. I appreciated learning about that "log line". It actually gave me the perfect road map to developing the idea. Thank you for this series, it'll be put to very good use when I have my final draft ready to storyboard and shoot (a no budget film, this ought to be interesting).

    • @Noe_
      @Noe_ 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      How is it going?

    • @shopwornbear1171
      @shopwornbear1171 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@Noe_ Slowly.. very very slowly...LOL. I'm trying to write in the character, divided into 3 other characters in order to get the concept working. So far, nothing is landing as well as I think it should be.

    • @Noe_
      @Noe_ 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@shopwornbear1171 That's ok. Don't rush it. I will wait...

    • @alonsodorame5053
      @alonsodorame5053 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@shopwornbear1171 Do not discourage, keep it going!

    • @kaxar6954
      @kaxar6954 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Same here. I am motivated to write my first script. It is based on a real event and just want to get started.

  • @melissamokhtari
    @melissamokhtari 3 ปีที่แล้ว +289

    first of all, your acting in those short bits is impeccable. second, i'm tryin to make my next videos a little more well-planned so your series is helping me out a lot!!

    • @RianSpaulding
      @RianSpaulding  3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      You're too kind! Thanks for checking it out!

  • @gxdpictures
    @gxdpictures 3 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    Bro, I be binge-watching screen writing tips on youtube now for about weeks and this was the best video I saw so far! Some how I got so much chills and trust just by the way you‘re smiling and telling what you gotta tell us... love that positive energy! Keep your work on🤝🔥

    • @RianSpaulding
      @RianSpaulding  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      🙏 Appreciate you!

    • @agnesnyarkoaeshun2451
      @agnesnyarkoaeshun2451 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Definitely the best and informative video. This is just what I needed. God bless you🙏🙏

  • @rhysmckernan9476
    @rhysmckernan9476 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    This is my personal view, I do moving image/film in high-school. I've found that its helpful to find inspiration and learn from many people. Obviously dont copy them but have a style that is your own but also comfortable and unique it'll take sometime. But listening to professional advice especially in schools might not often be very helpful when it comes to creativity. They expect too much in a short time at times.

  • @intellectualtheta9321
    @intellectualtheta9321 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Usually I don't like any video but this video forced me to like it because it is so underrated and hard worked

  • @EmmaLangdon
    @EmmaLangdon 2 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    I did media studies this semester so I’ve been getting into writing and outlining short films so thank you this was really helpful and I like how you acted scenes out ahah

  • @half.cooked.noodle8781
    @half.cooked.noodle8781 3 ปีที่แล้ว +128

    The video isn’t just informative but so creative as well. Loved it

  • @tiagoloureiro3302
    @tiagoloureiro3302 3 ปีที่แล้ว +117

    Man this is an underrated video, Such good quality :U

  • @apex305THC
    @apex305THC 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Absolutely CRUSHED IT with this one, bro! Straight facts, to the point, concise and super entertaining! Thank you, Rian!

  • @SoCreate
    @SoCreate 3 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    Great content! Love that you mentioned the importance of planning.

    • @RianSpaulding
      @RianSpaulding  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thanks for checking it out! 🙏

  • @sarathputhiyedath
    @sarathputhiyedath 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Man u have a lot of knowledge😍 I think I need to watch your video twice 😍🙏

  • @user-ls6wx5wf1e
    @user-ls6wx5wf1e 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The young man there give me what I need this year. He also advised to push goals. God bless you

  • @ben5986
    @ben5986 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I just figured out at age 32 that I want to become a film writer and I’m also very scared to do it. But I realized that rather than sleeping on top of my dream it’s better to fall asleep while working for it.
    I will make use of all your tips for my first draft and let’s see how it goes

  • @thomascrow1975
    @thomascrow1975 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    this seems like a high subscriber channel, shocked that you only have 2k. great great quality keep up the good work!

  • @ricechopsticktempura
    @ricechopsticktempura 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I WANT TO WRITE A SCRIPT JUST FOR FUN BUT I DONT KNOW HOW TO START WRITING IT SO I SEARCH IT SO IT WILL HELP ME
    THANKS MAN!

  • @lowiss3804
    @lowiss3804 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I LOVE how great is your video! Creative, informative, perfectly done !

    • @mauui8445
      @mauui8445 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      npc

  • @story_teacup
    @story_teacup ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like your "I'll wait". Made me like, even though I was just looking for an alpha crash course on scriptwriting😂😂😂

  • @djwatson
    @djwatson 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Love the production quality of this video Rian - we'll done!

  • @chefbrittan84
    @chefbrittan84 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Final Draft is a must have tool for writing.

  • @thorpism
    @thorpism 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Great video! Perfect balance of just getting right to the point but also entertaining. Every tip was like a clear action step, very helpful. New sub here, thank you.

  • @gabrielacanto1771
    @gabrielacanto1771 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved these tips. First, I agree with you, sitting down with your screenwriting software is not a good first step. Second, though my writing approach is very different, the flash card method definitively works! Third, Loglines, Synopsis and Treatments are a must, but I feel like at the beginning when you are still figuring out the story, you don't know all the key aspects to fill those out. What I do is set up a playlist or a specific source of inspiration that helps me get into the mood / universe of the story and I begin by writing the first ideas that come to mind in a notebook. I try to do this consistenly for a few days and then retype what I wrote on the screenwriting software without changing anything. I repeat this process until I have a decent rough draft. Last, asking for feedback from strangers and friends is very valuable to spot the necessary changes quickly.

  • @Sticks
    @Sticks 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great video man! Love the effort you put into making this entertaining to watch 🙌🏼

    • @mauui8445
      @mauui8445 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      npc

  • @surajbinawade195
    @surajbinawade195 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's not about the video has so views and we should go for it but u have proven that the clear content and planning is so important for writing thanks a lot sir!

  • @arshiabasit434
    @arshiabasit434 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love when he said "and you are finally ready to sit down, and open up that laptop and start writing...... (smile) DONT DO IT."

  • @dddlll1614
    @dddlll1614 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very very underrated video. This is very useful, informative.

  • @XxSEETH3RxX
    @XxSEETH3RxX ปีที่แล้ว

    I wrote features before going to short scripts. Now I'm hooked on writing short scripts because it helps you get into the story quicker which I had a problem with while writing features. I'm also learning to make short films. And your videos are helpful

  • @DiamondBeyblade
    @DiamondBeyblade 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is super good! You're a super underrated youtuber, hope you get a well-deserved 1M or more! :D

    • @RianSpaulding
      @RianSpaulding  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      🙏

    • @DiamondBeyblade
      @DiamondBeyblade 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@RianSpaulding Oh yeah, using this video's basic 'outline' I guess I can say, I've written 3 scripts for 3 different short films I am going to make. They turned out really great, so thanks for the information and help!!!

  • @itsavannahsunshine1721
    @itsavannahsunshine1721 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this video, I am in my MFA film and we are wrting our first script. I appreciate your humor and creative expression! thank you

  • @mariannedemirdji3082
    @mariannedemirdji3082 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Really cinematic introduction, and quality info! I wish I could hit up a coffeeshop and write a script 😢

  • @noahdaubevalois
    @noahdaubevalois ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is amazing. I see you haven't posted in a few years. You definitely have the talent to be posting often on youtube!

  • @abraamlincoln4098
    @abraamlincoln4098 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    hey man, as i see last video is 1 year ago, why did you stop. this video helped me so much thanks, carry on

  • @amourie
    @amourie 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you very much! I've done it before but I like watching videos like these at the beginning of the process to refresh me :)

  • @KimDaKreative
    @KimDaKreative 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video, the first thing I loved was your honesty. "I am not a professional writer" Helpful, Thank you.

  • @PP-rm6oe
    @PP-rm6oe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Many thanks! Just what I needed. Crystal clear!

  • @crieverytim
    @crieverytim 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man, why hasnt your channel grown???? I came for the Honda element video and don't get it - 1st rate quality and you're likeable. Keep at it... hope it gets some well-deserved traction

  • @creativejuicewithoutpulp
    @creativejuicewithoutpulp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video Rian! Loved this, thank you :D

  • @dominickrouser8124
    @dominickrouser8124 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I actually plan on writing a two-hour short film called "Garfield" which is based on the orange cat of the same name. It is a slow-burn horror short in the same vain of Hereditary, Midsommar, The Witch, The Lighthouse....
    You get the idea.
    I plan on selling the short film script to A24 films and getting it Shown at the Sundance Film Festival and I personally hope that the film will win and get produced by Sundance before getting a theatrical release and a TH-cam release too.

    • @nsungemakonda
      @nsungemakonda ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Two-hour short film?

    • @apex305THC
      @apex305THC 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I thought the same thing..@@nsungemakonda

  • @SerioMawanzo
    @SerioMawanzo 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you...I have just started writing my film script ❤

  • @gianthills
    @gianthills ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I would advise making a short film as close to a silent film as possible, to design it so visuals alone tell the story. If you only have 5 minutes you don't want to clutter it up with dialogue.

  • @bhargavaboddeti2488
    @bhargavaboddeti2488 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This channel deserves to be big!

  • @doodlecatuwu7470
    @doodlecatuwu7470 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This made more sense then any other video I’ve seen

  • @MrKclark1989
    @MrKclark1989 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you sharing this. This honestly help me to figure out how to get started and stay on top of it. Now gotta hold myself accountable.

  • @That_Christian_Girl1214
    @That_Christian_Girl1214 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love this! Also, don’t forget to draw a storyboard

  • @mainlinetruth
    @mainlinetruth 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are right about the best tip.
    Take action! Set goals and move forward. Great video thank you.

  • @zeyellowtiger4133
    @zeyellowtiger4133 ปีที่แล้ว

    how do you only have 5000 subs. you deserve way more than that.

  • @thewellvideoproductions8244
    @thewellvideoproductions8244 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent production and tips!

  • @yvonnejemutai9786
    @yvonnejemutai9786 ปีที่แล้ว

    You know how to have us glued, love it, very helpful

  • @bilalemin4125
    @bilalemin4125 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    REALLY GODDAMN UNDERRATED CHANNEL

  • @palootto4021
    @palootto4021 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Awesome to-the-point presentation!

  • @elyheard685
    @elyheard685 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    this is what I wanted. Thank you

  • @Anth740
    @Anth740 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent video, love your vibe mate really engaging video 🙌

  • @waridikenya
    @waridikenya ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just subscribed to support your great work. Kudos . Am now ready to write my first script as I wanna make my first short film about Rethinking Tourism

  • @taylorsmithmedia
    @taylorsmithmedia 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is really awesome man. Thank you for the genuine guidance.

  • @storypathy
    @storypathy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Taking the time to outline or plan will always ease the anxiety of writing and life in general😆

  • @judithmlilo593
    @judithmlilo593 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is so helpful thank you

  • @TaffyStudios
    @TaffyStudios 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video! I'm working on writing a short film for my junior thesis and this really helped :]

  • @RayAdamsCanada
    @RayAdamsCanada 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Amazing high quality video. Thank you. It helped me alot.

  • @thethistleboy
    @thethistleboy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gosh I love this aspect ratio

  • @izyschuwi
    @izyschuwi ปีที่แล้ว +1

    very well explained, thank you so much

    • @mauui8445
      @mauui8445 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      npc

  • @benbenson6533
    @benbenson6533 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    great video, very helpful tips. Hope to see more videos from you sir!

  • @golden_fpv9023
    @golden_fpv9023 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This guy looks like a cartoon character in a Disney short film!! 😮😮 No hate, and not that it’s a bad thing. lol Amazing content, man!! Definitely helped a lot!

    • @RianSpaulding
      @RianSpaulding  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'll take it! Thanks for checking it out!

  • @user-xo2sf4gy1o
    @user-xo2sf4gy1o 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Can you do more San Francisco neighborhood tours or just SF related videos?

  • @substancespace2380
    @substancespace2380 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thankyou so much sir, ...I love this

  • @janeenchambers3297
    @janeenchambers3297 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent--Thanks!

  • @3bdulRahman75
    @3bdulRahman75 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bro i didn't know Jim Carrey had a brother. Thanks for the tips. nice video

  • @renahaswah7092
    @renahaswah7092 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    crazy how I started watching u for SF content, but now I happen to be trying to get started in writing a series. Do u have any advice on writing scripts for a whole series? Maybe with the goal of getting it in the hands of Netflix... Lofty goals are better than no goals lol

  • @FilmQi
    @FilmQi 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video and tips Rian! thanks for sharing

  • @nolanmolt
    @nolanmolt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video, I just subscribed! Make moreeee!

  • @amanatbrar2203
    @amanatbrar2203 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Loving it 😍

  • @mogmajor6880
    @mogmajor6880 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man your video as really helped me a lot

  • @manunited7882
    @manunited7882 ปีที่แล้ว

    Second of all, Im not a professional writer by any means - hahaha that had me in stitches 🤣

  • @fggyleafexist1753
    @fggyleafexist1753 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm being mentored to film and script-write a short film. This helped a lot

  • @jbthementor4905
    @jbthementor4905 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Rian you do some amazing work. What lens do you use to film your videos.

    • @RianSpaulding
      @RianSpaulding  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks! Sigma 24-70 f2.8, Sony 35mm 1.8 primarily with a couple others thrown in there.

  • @michaelangelo3098
    @michaelangelo3098 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a great video 👏👏👏

  • @TrophyCityFootball
    @TrophyCityFootball ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well explained. I just subscribed 😊 and hit the bell 🔔 ding dong

  • @Little7mamah
    @Little7mamah 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved your video man thank you

  • @triflow
    @triflow 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for this video, it really helps me out!

  • @motionblur95
    @motionblur95 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What I really don't get is why one would apply the classical three act structure or story circle, which are both meant for feature length films, on short films? You could say everything that has beginning, middle, end has a "three act structure." But forcing the character through a hero's journey in such a short time seems a little crazy. Short films are precicesly the area, where form and structure and time can be played with creatively... there is most often no way to make a character reasonably change in a 10 page script, like it does in a full length movie. Rather than that short films should be maybe one big scene, or a feeling, a premise, an idea etc... you can do anything.

  • @sibahlezembe9196
    @sibahlezembe9196 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video is really helpful

  • @JJMcgechan
    @JJMcgechan 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Best thing you can do it type it up. Then redraft. Easier to see it as a whole thing and get the ideas out there. The process is a lot easier

  • @beetlejuicebeetlejuicebeet3232
    @beetlejuicebeetlejuicebeet3232 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Can I just use google docs with Grammarly? Or is there a special thing I have to do and that's why I need more software?

    • @RianSpaulding
      @RianSpaulding  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Scripts have a specific format that they're written in. The software makes the formatting much much easier. I'd try out one of the free ones before buying anything. Good luck!

    • @beetlejuicebeetlejuicebeet3232
      @beetlejuicebeetlejuicebeet3232 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@RianSpaulding Thanks!

  • @DannyNipProductions
    @DannyNipProductions 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank u so much for sharing thi helpful video .❤

  • @armonrichardson8402
    @armonrichardson8402 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great watch, i appreciate you

  • @thewellvideoproductions8244
    @thewellvideoproductions8244 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very helpful, thank you!

  • @libbymmhm4866
    @libbymmhm4866 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +74

    aggressively millennial

    • @SamTheSparrowYT
      @SamTheSparrowYT 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +25

      He can be as millennial as he wants, this shit helpful asf 💀

    • @DazzHat
      @DazzHat 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      @@SamTheSparrowYTfr😭

    • @zteir_media
      @zteir_media 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      @@SamTheSparrowYT😂that’s facts

    • @Elio-n9d
      @Elio-n9d หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@SamTheSparrowYTrealest person in the world

  • @louisgahide9840
    @louisgahide9840 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    suuuper helpfull thanks!

  • @demondoll2001
    @demondoll2001 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is very helpful!

  • @poorvikgowda5794
    @poorvikgowda5794 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man you're awesome!

  • @francampbell4153
    @francampbell4153 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you 😊 💓 ☺ 💗 💛 💖 😊

  • @happiekidonetwo2529
    @happiekidonetwo2529 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks

  • @JUSTINOMALINO
    @JUSTINOMALINO 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video man!

  • @extra_extra5849
    @extra_extra5849 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ive wrote it first I wrote from a book aspect then a play then movie

  • @JoeHenkel
    @JoeHenkel 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic!

  • @i.s.5192
    @i.s.5192 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is really helpful thank you !

  • @billpexal
    @billpexal 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice insight man

  • @jengamoyo6559
    @jengamoyo6559 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really good stuff

  • @bwoods245
    @bwoods245 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    AMAZING VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!