![]() ![]() Play the “what if” game when writing short films and see what happens when you add a character who seems out of place. You get the idea! SHORT FILM IDEAS FOR BEGINNERS 13. A thriller gives you the opportunity to use intrigue and suspense a romantic comedy sets the stage for the inevitable meet-cute. Starting with a specific category can focus you by filtering everything through the same lens. There are a limited number of genres, of course, but there’s a huge variety of approaches to each - especially if you mix and match them. I mean an idea that’s born of combining two classic film genres and subverting the expectations of both. And twists can cost production anything.īy twist, I don’t necessarily mean a surprise ending (like Fight Club or Shutter Island). Pick a genre, then twist itĪs you brainstorm movie concepts, keep in mind that short film ideas need a strong hook or clever twist to stand out. Once you hit on something that resonates personally, test to see if it’s an actual story or just a vignette. To quote mythologist and accidental screenplay guru Joseph Campbell: “Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.” Or, conversely, what disturbs you or prompts you to ask difficult questions. Think about what makes you sit up and pay attention. Find an old family storyĪnd going even farther back, there’s often rich material for short film ideas in your parents’ or grandparents’ histories. Right off the bat, this will make your main character more interesting, especially as a short film. If you want to make a good short film, make your lead character more interesting with character flaws. How about a character that is power-hungry? Just look at Walter White from Breaking Bad. How about a character that doesn’t believe in himself? Take a look at Rocky Balboa or even Luke Skywalker. What if you want to make your main character extremely selfish? Look no further than Mark Zuckerberg from The Social Network. ![]() In mostly every scene from Sideways, you’ll see Miles frustrated with life which is also extremely entertaining to watch. This can immediately make your short film interesting.įor example, just look at Miles from Sideways who completely embodies pessimism. When coming up with your short film ideas, think about characters flaws for your protagonist. There might not be enough for a feature in your day at the coffee shop, but it could be a vehicle for some charming short film topics. Writing short films is all about economy. Take a look inside you, or, more specifically, take a look behind you - at what you did yesterday.ĭid you meet someone? Did something happen at work? Was it actually totally boring? You will think more about sound design, the amount of extras, costumes, and more. To reach out to a location scout for more short film ideas like this, go to ProductionBeast, search “Location Scouts,” and immediately you’ll find profiles you can message for advice.Ī script breakdown will actually help you build a better idea, because it will help you think about the production side of the equation. But the payoff could be surprisingly fun. This will require some reverse-engineering as you begin to construct short film ideas around physical spaces. Ask around, make friends in the community, and research permit costs as you brainstorm movie ideas. How about horror? Yes, there are creepy forests and cemeteries all over the country, but there are also abandoned hospitals, warehouses, and zoos. Just make sure you use our location tech scouting checklist so you don’t forget any signatures. Into dystopian sci-fi? Lots of college campuses built in the mid-twentieth century feature cool, brutalist design - ideal short film ideas for college students who want big-budget looks in small-budget packages. ![]() Shot entirely in the director’s backyard, it’s a great example of how starting with an easy to access location can yield something truly original. Look to 2014 Sundance Film Festival selection, Dig, as inspiration for your own short film ideas. ![]()
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