Short
Film Story Design
A one-day workshop on creating the concept, characters and story for Short Films.
Saturday 21 September, 11am - 5pm
Pushkin House, Bloomsbury Square, London
A tantalising dive into another world. An intimate revelation of human truth. A seductive tale with a twist. The best short films leave an imprint far beyond their final frame.
Please join us for this essential one-day workshop and give your short film script the focus it fully deserves.
Short films are an incredible storytelling form, often more powerfully resonant because of their brevity. They are infinitely more achievable for film-makers early in their careers.
Having worked extensively developing shorts in recent years, we found that many writers approach the design of their short films by adapting feature film principles rather than working from an understanding of how the short dramatic narrative works as its own form. (To be honest, for a long time it was how we worked too!)
Our teaching programme will illuminate both the unique challenges and exciting possibilities of the short narrative screenplay. We will inject confidence into your understanding of dramatic conflict and story structure and empower you to hone and develop your screenwriting skills for this exciting medium.
Workshop Content
1. The Dramatic Concept
We will explore what makes a strong story idea for a short and tackle the challenge of creating a simple but satisfying dramatic conflict. We will give you the development tools to examine and shape your core story choices so that your film delivers the most compelling characters and most meaningful stakes.
2. Story Structure
With less time to set up your story world we’ll look at how to dive right in from your opening image and we’ll rethink the three-act structure for the short. We’ll think about how to seed and plot the turning points that will propel your story to its climax and examine the most effective use of ‘twists’ at the end of the film.
3. Character Journeys
Whether your character is faced with saving the planet or mending a friendship we will consider the range of character arcs a short film can effectively explore, unpicking how to convincingly chart that change through such a fleeting encounter. We’ll also give special attention to stories which champion protagonists who don’t change and we’ll consider the intended (and sometimes unintended) meanings that your character choices will deliver.
"When Justine Hart delivered the Script Factory material on short form films for us at The Pitch it was clear this training was a class apart. It showed a delight and understanding of the short form and the heightened challenges that writing for this format presents. It had a deep impact on those present and their projects. Interactive, perceptive, provoking, and brilliant fun too."
Luke Walton, Producer, The Pitch Film Fund
FAQs
Who Is The Course For?
This course is for anyone who wants to invest in their understanding of how to write a short film and we welcome writers, directors, script editors and producers. These workshops have been attended by filmmakers with award-winning films under their belt as well as those just starting out.
Course Preparation
There will be some preparatory viewing recommended before the programme starts to ensure that everyone has shared examples of successful short films. The sessions are designed to be fully interactive, including creative group exercises and discussions to ensure that all your questions are answered.
Course Tutors
This course will be taught by Justine Hart and Charlotte Bogard Macleod.
Where And When Will The Course Take Place?
This course will take place on Saturday 21 September at Pushkin House, 5a Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2TA. The training day runs from 11am - 5pm with a 45 minute break for lunch. There will also be the opportunity to head to the bar afterwards for a drink with your fellow course attendees.
This course is limited to 18 participants.
What Does The Course Cost?
Attendance on the course costs £115.
“The Script Factory's short film story design class left me brimming with ideas and with clarity on what makes a successful short film. It was great to be in a room with such an inspiring bunch of people. Thank you Justine and Charlotte!”
Alex English, Author & Screenwriter
"Undoubtedly one of the best screenwriting courses I've been on. Would highly recommend to anyone, regardless of experience."
Jonathan Fransman, Filmmaker
Booking
You can now book online using the link below. For any enquiries about this course, please complete the contact form and we will get in touch with you.