Short
Film Story Design
A one-day workshop on creating the concept, characters and story for Short Films.
We’re thrilled to be taking this training to Bristol with the support of BFI NETWORK in the South West, in partnership with Watershed.
Saturday 1 March 2025, 11am - 5pm
Watershed, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Subsidised course fee £70 (limited bursaries available)
Kindly note that participants need to be based in the South West region to be eligible for this workshop.
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 1 March at Watershed, 1 Canon’s Road, Harbourside, Bristol. 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 16 participants.
What Does The Course Cost?
Attendance on the course costs £70. Please note that you need to be based within the South West region to participate.
Are Bursaries Available?
BFI NETWORK south west are offering two fully-funded places, plus travel, to writers/writer-directors from lower socio-economic backgrounds who would not ordinarily be able to afford this opportunity. To apply for one of these bursaries please email bfinetwork@watershed.co.uk with the subject line ‘Short Film Story Design’, your full name, your postcode (this is to check your eligibility as a south west-based creative) and one line to explain why this workshop would benefit you at this stage in your filmmaking career. Please note that you must be available to attend the workshop on Saturday 1st March 2025. Successful bursary recipients will be notified via email by Thursday 19 December 2024.
“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
Book your place
If you are based in the South West region, please use the button below to take you to our booking page. To check that you are eligible for a subsidised place, please see the area supported by BFI Network South West here. If you have any questions or would like to register your interest for one of our London based courses, please fill in the form opposite.