In the fast-paced world of making videos, having a good script is key. It guides filmmakers through the process, making everything smoother and less stressful.
Short films might not get as much attention as big movies, but they're important. They let filmmakers be more experimental and creative without worrying about money stuff! They're like a testing ground for new ideas and styles.
The main goal of a short film is pretty straightforward: to show off what you can do and prove you're ready for bigger projects with more money behind them.
In the realm of filmmaking, crafting a script is akin to laying the foundation of a sturdy house. Just as a solid foundation ensures the longevity and resilience of a structure, a well-written script sets the stage for a robust and enduring cinematic journey. Each line of dialogue, every scene transition, is a brick carefully placed, contributing to the structural integrity of the narrative edifice.
And just like a skilled architect, the screenwriter orchestrates this construction, weaving together words and ideas to create a blueprint that will guide the filmmaking process from inception to fruition.
So, remember, in the world of cinema, the strength of your script determines the strength of your story – build wisely, and your cinematic house will stand the test of time.
However, where do you even begin? Drafts!
Don't complicate things! Remember how long the movie is. For a beginner, it is best to avoid having an excessive number of characters, settings, or situations.
Write a draft
Characters and a plot summary should be included in your draft, along with movie titles. What the picture is about, its genre, its duration, its goal, and the message it seeks to deliver are all important considerations. The intended audience.
Writing with the intended audience in mind from the start, results in a final product that is purposeful and straightforward. For example, a target audience of children aged 6 to 12. It would affect the words you choose whilst writing.
Titles: Film genre, Romance/Comedy
Kobe meets Aisha or Kobe’s dilemma
Outline
The movie is about Kobe and Aisha's arranged marriage.
There will be characters such as Joanna, Mama Peace, Aisha, Kobe, and so forth.
Notes
The film is intended to illustrate the anguish that arranged weddings may bring, as well as the idea that love can emerge from the harshest circumstances. It is twenty-five minutes long. 13 years of age and up would be the target audience. For those between the ages of 13 and 16, parental supervision is advised because the movie contains strong language.
Write a Log-line
A logline is a brief synopsis of the movie that is one or two sentences long. A strong logline should highlight the adversary, the main character, the conflict in the story, and the protagonist's objectives. It should also clarify the general plot of the movie.
As an illustration:
Kobe becomes a guy who defies tradition after his parents forced him into an arranged marriage.
Write script’s summary
The script summary is simple to write after completing the earlier stages of writing a draft and a log-line. The log-line is being expanded upon, and everything is contained in a single, lengthy paragraph.
As a demonstration: Kobe finds himself at a crossroads in November 2023, a model period, trying to strike a balance between his objectives for himself and the expectations of tradition. He thinks of escaping the suffocating expectations that surround him as his parents force him into an arranged marriage. But just as he is about to run away, he encounters a mysterious stranger who seems at once wholly alien and uncannily familiar. As Kobe delves deeper into this enigmatic relationship, he discovers things about love, self-discovery, and the complexities of fate. Even if it means being married to someone he doesn't really fit with, will he choose to forge his own path or adhere to the predestined path?"
Let’s write the script!
Write the script, please!
Start with another draft—yes, a draft!
Scene drafts should be brief, straightforward, and include a description of what is happening in the scene. They should also be less complicated.
Examine and learn about script formatting and acronyms such as EXT/INT, which will appear at the top of the page to inform the actors where the scene will be taking place.
Description of Scene 1: Kobe, a seven-year-old, is in a playground. He appears dejected and is observing his surroundings warily. Kobe's father was preoccupied, talking with his friend. Without anyone noticing, Kobe flees.
Cuts to:
Kobe makes an attempt to flee the formal gathering of the bride's family and his own families. Aisha stops him on his way out.
Copy the scene descriptions and congrats—all you need to write now are the talks!
Let’s put it together
Fade in:
EXT. Playground - Mid-day
Kobe, a seven-year-old, is in a playground. He appears dejected and is observing his surroundings warily. Kobe's father was preoccupied, talking with his friend. Without anyone noticing, Kobe flees.
Kobe
(Anxious)
Daddy!
As Kobe's father was still chatting with his friend, he gave Kobe a pat on the lap to indicate that he would be joining him shortly.
Kobe
(Looks around nervously)
Da… daddy?
When his father failed to respond, Kobe seized the chance, knowing that he was completely preoccupied. He sprinted quickly, hiding behind a few parked cars to give his dad one more look before continuing his escape, only to be startled when he turned around.
Aisha
Running away?
Kobe
(In shock)
Ahhh! You scared me
Aisha
Your dad has a car and you don’t. what’s the point? he will get you in a few minutes.
Kobe
(Annoyed by Aisha)
Mind your business!
Aisha
Hmmmm, okay.
Cuts to:
EXT. Car park - Morning
Kobe makes an attempt to flee the formal gathering of the bride's family and his own families. Aisha stops him on his way out.
Aisha
In a hurry?
Kobe
(Startled)
Yes….. I mean No
Aisha
You won't be seen if you use the smaller gate; you can thank me later.
Kobe
Thanks! Wait, have we met before now?
Fade out:
Amazing!