How to Write a Short Film Script: Tips for Beginners

Ready to turn your big ideas into a short film script? 🎬
In this video, I’ll walk you through the essentials of writing a compelling screenplay for your short film. From developing a simple yet powerful idea to crafting believable characters and punchy dialogue, you’ll learn how to write a script that grabs attention. Whether you're a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you go from blank page to screenplay magic. Let’s get started!
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What This Video Covers:
Introduction
Finding Your Idea
Key Storytelling Basics
Crafting Relatable Characters
Writing Dialogue that Pops
Formatting & Tools
Editing & Feedback Tips
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Every great film starts with an idea. For a short film, think small but impactful. Ask yourself: What’s the core message or emotion I want to convey? Shorts thrive on simplicity, so avoid overcomplicating the plot. Focus on one or two characters and a single moment or situation that’s powerful enough to leave a lasting impression.
Need inspiration? Look around you. A fleeting interaction, an unresolved conflict, or even a bizarre what-if question can spark a fantastic idea.
Short films usually run between 5 and 15 minutes, so time is precious. Stick to the basics of storytelling:
Set-Up: Introduce the world and your main character(s). Hook the audience quickly.
Conflict: Present the problem or challenge. This is where stakes rise.
Resolution: Tie things up. It doesn’t have to be a happy ending, but it should feel satisfying.
Remember, brevity is your best friend. Every scene, every line of dialogue, and every moment on screen should serve the story.
Great stories hinge on characters we care about. For short films, keep your cast small. Give each character a clear goal, motivation, and obstacle. Even in a short runtime, audiences need to understand who your characters are and why their journey matters.
If you can, write characters you can relate to. That authenticity will shine through.
In short films, dialogue should be sharp and purposeful. Avoid exposition-heavy conversations. Instead, let subtext do the heavy lifting-what’s not said is often more powerful than what is.
Here’s a tip: Read your dialogue out loud. If it sounds unnatural, rework it. Great dialogue feels real but is also intentional.
Use proper screenplay formatting. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it helps collaborators like actors, directors, and crew understand your vision. Software like Final Draft, Celtx, or even free tools like WriterDuet can help.
Pro tip: One page of a script equals roughly one minute of screen time. So for a 10-minute film, aim for a 10-page script.
The first draft is just the beginning. Once it’s done, step back and ask: Does this story flow? Are the characters believable? Is every scene essential? Share it with trusted friends or collaborators for feedback.
Don’t be afraid to cut or tweak. Your goal is a lean, focused script that packs a punch.
And there you have it-the essentials of writing a short film script! Remember, the most important step is to just start. You’ll learn and improve as you go. If you found this helpful, hit that like button, subscribe to Ben on Film, and let me know in the comments: What’s your next short film idea? I can’t wait to hear about it.
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