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Creating a Short Film: 02 Writing

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Overview

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Learn about writing a great script including storytelling, working with screenwriting software, and revising scripts. Discover filmmaking tips for anyone who wants to make a short.

Syllabus

Welcome
  • Welcome to this series
  • The importance of the script
  • Previewing our short film
1. Story Basics
  • Plot vs. character-driven stories
  • What is a story?
  • Making a strong protagonist
  • Having a character arc
  • Creating a logline
  • Using a three-act structure
  • Identifying story beats
  • The importance of conflict
  • Writing the truth
  • Showing, not telling
2. Getting Ideas
  • Where can you get ideas for stories?
  • Being inspired by resources
  • Borrowing from archetypes
3. Creating a Fantasy World
  • About genre conventions
  • Creating backstories and mythologies
  • Inventing new linguistic rules
  • Using supernatural forces
  • About exposition and narration
  • Studying Hollywood prologues
  • Understanding the cost of what you write
4. Writing the Story
  • Examining our original story
  • Setting up calls and responses
  • Creating shadow characters
  • Why omit the final battle scene?
  • Exploring the theme
  • Writing a pickup scene
5. Writing the Screenplay
  • Understanding screenplay formatting
  • Using Final Draft
  • Using Adobe Story
  • Writing with a partner
  • About writing credits
6. Improving the Script
  • About the polishing phase
  • Recruiting script reviewers
  • Seeing from an audience's point of view
  • Ensuring everything matters
  • Using subtext
  • Adding more humanity
  • Contrasting beginnings and endings
  • Creating a “mystery box”
  • When is the script done?
7. Rewriting the Script
  • Why was a rewrite necessary?
  • Examining the new beats
  • Repurposing existing shots
  • Enhancing conflict
  • Throwing away the best parts
Conclusion
  • Evaluating our script
  • My favorite screenwriting resources
  • Previewing the next course
  • Final thoughts

Taught by

Chad Perkins

Reviews

4.8 rating at LinkedIn Learning based on 134 ratings

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