Short films

[TomTom]

Does anyone have any advice on writing a character-driven two-hander 10 minute film. I can't imagine any character change beng done convincingly in such a short time. I could see a slice-of-life film, but then where is the beginning middle and end?

Random thoughts welcomed.

[captain bligh]

random thoughts:

try to write as few set ups as possible and make those set-ups count.

if you're gonna shoot on dv, stick to interior locations as much as possible (i think moody, dark lighting tends to look much better than broad daylight; but i tend to dislike comedies when shot on dv; i just don't think the look matches the intended tone).

think of the short not in acts, but like a joke. even if it's not comedy, try to find a punchline. if it is comedy, it's literally the punchline. if it's horror, it's the big scare. punchlines seem to be key for short pieces.

watch a bunch of shorts on ifilm.com and atomfilms.com; it'll give you a good idea of how to construct your "joke."

that's about all i have right now. i may think of more later.

good luck.

[Pepper the Mad]

Very informative. I hope you do think of more later.

[TwoBrad Bradley]

Do think of the short in the terms of acts. But a very short - almost non-existent Act II.

[TomTom]

Thanks. Very helpful.

I now do see the beginning middle and end.

You don't specify it, but the beginning is implied
in your joke analogy.

The beginning is the inciting incident.

"A priest, a rabbi, and an atheist, walk into a bar"
"A travelling salesman knocks on a farmhouse door"

About the end though, is it always a surprise?

[MrErdnase]

Watch Jonah Lim's REQUIEM IN D MINOR... i guess it has an Act II, and there is a character arc in the end, very clearly defined.

Although when writing a short, you'd have to rely on a "gag" or a u-turn in your ending to make it climactic.

There was a saying A short film is like a joke where the punchline is located in the end.

[TomTom]

Where can I watch it?