Short Film Comparison
Marilon milgrams 'the script'
To understand what makes a good short we were asked to read an article by marilon milgram called 'the script' and were asked 40 questions about the piece:
1. Why are some directors driven to write their own scripts?
To give their film the correct feel, practice new ideas and writing the script themselves means the can plan the shoots to have more meaning to the story.
2. You shouldn’t make an intense character study if you are scared of what?
Working with actors.
3. What should you be careful of if you only have 5k to make your film?
Choosing a genre that requires special effects and stunts as this will cost a lot.
4. If a feature film might be described as a novella, how might a short be described?
It is described as a Haiku.
5. What are the length boundaries different film festivals stipulate in their shorts sections?
Majourity of films are expected to be approxamitly 5 minutes long to keep the audience interested but there are some exceptions and films about 40 minutes or less are still included but a rare.
6. If the function of your short is to make your audience laugh, how long should it be?
Very short about 2-3 minutes at most as most comedy shorts are not funny and should only be one short gag.
7. What are the three basic elements any kind of dramatic story requires?
A world, a character, a problem.
8. Why can it be useful to set your film around a familiar event/ritual?
The audience would be familiar with the setting for example Christmas, it can help build the tension and less time is spent having to build the story and more time can be put into the narrative.
9. Why can a literal journey be a good setting for a short film?
Because in a short a specific moment in a charecters life is shown and this will take them on a metaphorical journey.
10. What are the 5 most important questions to ask when you begin to develop your story?
1. Who is the main character?
2. What is the problem?
3. How will the audience recognise this problem?
4. Are the stakes high enough?
5. Am I telling the story from the best point of view?
11. One of three things must drive your character through the story. What are they?
A want, Need, Obligation
12. What crucially must accompany this element?
An external problem challenging or preventing the character from obtaining their want,need or obligation.
13. Why are a lot of short films about children and teenagers?
There are many problems that people are aware from the news about teenagers and children and so it is a good subject for short films and dramas as people can connect to the story easily and understand the feelings portrayed.
14. What is one of the most important ways that you can demonstrate your skill as a filmmaker and not just as
a storyteller?
By using micro to macro, using techniques to create meaning
15. What does ensuring that something is at stake in the story mean the audience can do?
They understand what the character will lose if they do not resolve the problem
16. How can a different POV change a story?
Seeing the situation from another charecters point of view means that the audience will have a different opinion.
17. Why do many short film scripts fall down?
The writers point does not come across in the script as it is focused on a main character.
18. Why does an awareness of the meaning inherent in your story matter?
It means the audience can understand the emotions and reasons in the story.
19. What is tone intimately connected to and what are the implications of this?
Genre; the two are vital to get the meaning of your film across to the audience.
20. How does tone emerge in a film?
From how the elements in the film portray the underlying ‘meaning’.
21. What is a common flaw of most short scripts submitted for funding?
They are too short to show development in the story.
22. What is the ten point plan to test the spine of your story?
Title
Genre
Setting (Time & Place)
Main Character
Want/Need/Obligation
Opposition
Catalyst for change
Climax
Resolution How the audience feels
23. What point does Marilyn Milgrom make about unity?
That each shot must add something to the story
24. How can we make sure that what happens in the end could not have happened earlier?
Build tension and have a revolution
25. What is the step outline and what does it ensure?
You draw a brief storyboard of key scenes and write these 4 points:
One sentence that summarises what happens.
What is revealed that is significant to the plot?
What is revealed that is significant to the audiences understanding of the characters?
Is there an indication of significant theme?
It makes sure that there are no weak points in your film by checking these four points again when you film.
26. Every scene of significant action should deliver something on at least two out of three possible fronts. What
are these fronts?
Plot, Character, Theme
27. What is signified by the “order” in which to tell the story?
Whether or not the narrative is linear or not.
28. What do audiences instinctively know?
When something is dishonest.
29. As a writer what is the crucial thing you are looking to ensure?
Keeping the audience engaged.
30. How do we establish the world and the character?
Fast pace and little dialogue.
31. What advice is given for making the film CINEMATIC once you have a good story?
To use shots and sound together to enhance the effect.
32. What final advice is given for ensuring that a short is more cinematic, less televisual in feel?
Less dialogue
33. Who is the first audience of your film?
The reader of the script
34. How can you help the reader SEE the film you are intending and not get irritated?
Avoid writing camera directions.
35. Why is SIMPLE a useful descriptor for your short?
Simple small stories have a lot of meaning and are more believable
36. Name some of Daniel Mulloy’s shorts and the awards they have won?
Antonio's Breakfast - BAFTA - Best Short Film
Dance Floor - BAFTA - Best Newcomer
Sister - ATRE Grand Prix
Dad - Premiered in the Edinburgh Film Festival 2006
37. Compare/contrast Antonio’s Breakfast with Dad?
Dad is the antidote to Antonio's Breakfast, characters are reversed, and the sexual tension differs.
38. Explain what Mulloy is “aware” of and has a “strong sense” of when developing his scripts.
What is needed to be communicated
39. What does Neil Hunter suggest is the best way to tackle a short which covers a lot of ground?
It has to be part of the piece, of its style.
40. What idea did the short film The Sickie develop from?
That a character overhears the voice over of the film he's in. The same story as Stranger Than Fiction starring Will Ferrell.
Target audience research (questions)
Target audience research (questions)
Target audience research (questions)
