How to Write a Short Film

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Today I am giving you the ultimate breakdown of how to write a short film and the steps you should take when you are writing your first short script. This is extremely in-depth and specific so that you have a concrete idea of how to take on that first story.
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#Screenwriting #HowToWriteAShortFilm

[@TylerMowery]

Get Practical Tools to Write Your Great Screenplay: www.practicalscreenwriting.com

[@AnnoyingMoose]

"You are letting your procrastination take control of you...It's time to write." After months of watching great KZbin videos like this one and occasionally jotting down my story or character ideas I now get the feeling that it's time for me to change gears. Thanks, I needed this kick in the pants!

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to hear it!

[@ShaneJoshua1980]

Man that was me.. THAT IS ME 😩 I'm 40 and still have all these ideas but never put them all to paper. This year has to be the year.

[@DavidBubarYT]

@@ShaneJoshua1980 Just Do It! :) Good luck, I hope you can make yourself write something this year.

[@CuddlyPsycho1134]

"Before you can break the form, you must first master it." - Picasso

[@manifestmyreality2025]

ya really eh

[@mygamingaccount4738]

Man said "if you're finding it hard maybe story writing Isn't for you" wow just WOW

[@thechurchofdave]

Perfect. I worked in film for 30 years. This is no fluff. No bull. No wasted time. All good information for beginners and more. Very well done.

[@superficial.mp4]

i’m 14 and trying to write a short film with my friends for the summer just because we can and i really want to be a director. i know it’s gonna be rough as it’s my first and i’m still young, but your videos are helping me get a rough idea of what i’m doing ! (if anyone has any advice please share!)

[@filmecke2618]

I mean I am also just like 3-4 years into Script writing, so I take my tips with a grain of salt. Sometimes just sit and wait one-two days when you finished and look at the script sometimes u find something that you want to change again. And if u want to shoot it think about what is available to you, what can you use. The the production - try to plan beforehand it will get rid of stressful situations. And last but not least have fun ^^ and even if it’s frustrating sometime the sun will rise tomorrow again

[@NaveedKhanYT]

It's been 5 months, did you write it? (Just curious)

[@AftonLin]

That's awesome! As a junior in art school who has studied film since high school, I would say one of the best ways to learn is to give yourself specific prompts for each project and things that you would like to learn to grow your toolbox! So for instance, one project could focus on learning how to do special effects and another could focus on an editing style. The more specific the more focused your project will be. Do some research and find films that emulate the visuals or mood that you're going for. But just make as much as you can, even if it's just jotting down ideas or dialogue. Eventually, you'll have a library of lots of ideas to fall back on and build upon :]

[@alanacidmyer]

I’m 17 doing the same thing essentially. My advice is to just make stuff and learn from your mistakes. Your just kid, right now is the time to have fun and grow your skills.

[@thebasedgodmax1163]

my advice is this: you're gonna end up hating whatever you make this young, because we all make cringey things as aspiring artists. don't let this deter you at all; have fun creating it and use it as an exercise

[@aa_gg]

*How to find ideas ? - My personal method* Ideas are like people, they are like girls and boys they are everywhere around us you just have to look at them and check out and just talk to them... Think about ideas 24/7, same as you think about something all time (u know what i mean)....Ideas will automatically pop in your head !!

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

I just get Ideas from any form of stupid shit. Then I build an actual premise from that stupid-shit born idea.

[@aa_gg]

@@TomEyeTheSFMguy same I just look for an less stupid idea... out of 100 ideas only 1 idea is worthy to make a film...

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@aa_gg to each writer their own idea forming methods

[@nothingmuch1039e9]

Ideas are everywhere, even in the mundane everyday-things. I never have a lack of ideas.

[@Suleimanfilmaker]

Man your lessons are really helpful Your videos are great

[@TylerMowery]

Thank you!

[@briannk3720]

The Bible says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Pro. 27:5, 6

[@sumeermalik9127]

Tyler, I wanted to let you that I recently completed my fifth script and I really cannot emphasize how much I’ve learned from you! Thank you, Tyler. Thank you for being such a source of inspiration for so many people! Keep up the incredible work and your videos are a beautiful source of enlightenment! Take care. :-) Sincerely, Sumeer

[@TylerMowery]

That’s awesome!!! Keep writing!

[@shivamnanchahal4035]

Lovely

[@ScottyDMcom]

*Philosophical Conflict:* Almost done with the first draft of a novel and already I feel there are some weaknesses in the story. The philosophical conflict of my protagonist is that he's a tender-hearted man and a peacemaker, and he believes anyone can be redeemed. However he must kill his demon-possessed brother to break a curse and to save others, but he knows his brother's soul will be swept into hell the moment he dies. Most of Act II is his learning to become a warrior, quickly make tactical decisions, and to kill when necessary. While under the curse he is a beast, and not human. He cannot speak, and communication is difficult. So, while he is at war with himself, he can't really have any arguments with other characters. He is periodically released from his "beastness" and can communicate then, but it's not always at a convenient time. Middle of Act III is one of those times when he's human, and he's finally able to reveal his true self to the heroine and try to explain things. She has a warrior's spirit (a two-spirit she consulted called it "the heart of a man") and is instantly on board for killing the brother by any means necessary. While writing this note I realized I could have the hero still _not_ be cool with killing his brother by that Act III scene with the heroine, on account of not wanting his brother eternally dammed. The heroine could give him a good talking to about free will and that the brother's soul was lost when he accepted the demon's offer and became possessed. He realizes the truth of her words, and is finally mentally ready for the final showdown.

[@absw6129]

Great video. I would also add that the whole "change" part of the structure, does not have to mean "a character changing their philosophical beliefs". It could also act as a confirmation of just how far they are willing to take those beliefs. If Morty, say, decided not to kill Fart, one could build upon that philosophical conflict further. Presumably, Morty would then try to save all those lives that Fart has come to kill (and maybe even changing Fart's mind). K.M. Weiland writes about something called "the flat arc" in her book on character arcs. This is a character who does not change, but rather acts as a catalyst for change to the world around them. Just felt like throwing that in there.

[@lavanyam2892]

I needed to hear that ending. It helps when you always aim for perfection and end up doing nothing.

[@fun3nel2]

He dragged me at the end, but he was right. I was definitely about to watch a movie right after this to "study" it or test this structure lmao. But I'm going to write now.

[@clarkparker4860]

I appreciate that you didn't use Rick and Morty in the thumbnail just for the sake of blatantly attracting more clicks. This is purely for the love of writing and honing your skill to master the craft. Very nicely done!

[@bryx99]

We dont need to go for film school cuz weve got Tyler helping us out ! Thanks Tyler for your amazing teachings.

[@JoseYanez-ss6tk]

I have no problems writing or creating a 10 pages story. They come to my mind and I just writing them up. New, interesting and creative. Help is what I need. Thanks.

[@luiz_ed76]

This come at the right time, I've been struggling to write a short film. Thanks a lot for the help, your videos are amazing.

[@TylerMowery]

Glad to help!

[@samuelbrock]

DRINKING GAME! Take a shot whenever: Tyler says "philosophical conflict" Tyler says "story" Tyler says "beliefs" Tyler says "characters" Tyler repeats himself

[@pufelmulticolorido]

He repeats the things worth repeating

[@Schnitzelschlotz]

@@pufelmulticolorido no doubt, but he does

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Yeah, no.

[@jboushka]

@@pufelmulticolorido Philosophical conflicts in the examples he gives (films like Whiplash and Uncut Gems) are "transactional" rather than existential (which they are indeed in Christopher Nolan movies).

[@jboushka]

This comment sounds like a poem that could be set to music (atonal, like Arnold Schoenberg, of course).

[@deadlylaughterproductions]

I’m in the middle of writing a script. My intent was to have it be a short, 30-40 page script; but, as I wrote, it has turned into a full length, 90+ page feature.

[@2wimpies556]

Ain't that a beauty? How stories write themselves?

[@ComicPower]

I have a KZbin where I talk about the comic book industry but I'm interested in writing original stories and making writing my primary career. Finding Tyler's channel is a Godsend to help give the ideas in my stories structure and I appreciate his tutorials

[@WillN2Go1]

Interesting and thought provoking. Short stories and short films can sometimes really throw me - it's because they don't have to make any sense. Sometimes when they do, they're a bit flat, or they have a great punch, but can never have that same punch again (classic example O'Henry). Most good novels and movies you can read or watch over and over again. But here's one trick buried in this. No one can remember everything that happens in a novel or even a feature film (which is more like a well structured short story than a novel), so re-reading, re-viewing retains a lot of freshness by default. I think this is a good tip. Related to this is the 800 page novel. If your characters are compelling enough, if their name is repeated enough times, you cannot help but become deeply emotionally committed to them. Two classic examples of this are The Count of Monte Cristo and Harry Potter. Also Anna Karenina endlessly repeats character names. It's not just a gimmick. Ever be in mid-scene and wonder who's conflicting with who? A good Yikes: Harold Robbins took a break half way through writing a novel. His editor/agent Korda finally locked him in a bungalow at the Hollywood Hotel so he'd finish. The resulting book started with a blonde protagonist with one name and halfway through switch to a brunette protagonist with a different name. The whole novel was like two completely different stories. Korda carefully made a list of all these parallels. He sat down with Robbins and said, all you have to do is choose which name, characteristic, etc... you want and I'll fix the other half of the book. Korda tells this story (I think on Fresh Air - well worth a listen). Completely flummoxed he says Robbins did the one thing he thought could never happen. "Don't change a thing, my readers won't mind it one bit." Korda then says, "And he was right. We didn't get a single letter complaining or even mentioning this." In the movie That Obscure Object of Desire Luis Bunuel does the same thing. Two actresses same role. It is a bit puzzling, but the basic idea is that this young woman drives an old would be lover nuts, so added craziness. The tip to take away is that you can gain some dramatic impact by utilizing the confusion we often experience. I've noticed with novels and movies that I can often remember the name of a lead character or two, but pretty much forget everybody else. They get filed under archetypes. (Archetypes are useful.... but read Dickens, almost all his characters become memorable to us. Pigotty, Uriah Heap, Master Bates (yep and Dickens was making that joke), Tattycorum, I could probably pull out a dozen more. Rowling is great with names, and the characters, as well Stanshun Pipe, Dobbie, Serious Black, Tonks, Haggred?) Another important lesson is the trick of your story might be pretty cool, but if the rest of it doesn't have anything else - it won't matter. Who Killed Roger Ackroid? Agatha Christie. At the end of this book, if you don't throw it across the room, I probably don't ever want to meet you. It's all back and forth yackety-yak (nothing wrong with that: Jane Austen! And she is in on the joke that women banter back and forth and sometimes it doesn't matter if they're actually communicating. Austen is brilliant, but she's not for males - you have to work to get into her amazing mind. But then like Nabokov once you learn the language, well you gain certain advantages over the natives) So then at the end of Roger Ackroid Christie pulls a fast one, it's clever, but it's never been fully integrated with the story. Read Raymond Chandler's essay about this subject. Your story has to have more to it. La Jetté Chris Marker. Ends in a gimmick, but there's a whole story embedded along the way, and the mood, emotion, disorientation is all part of the experience. So you can't just work the gimmick. Okay enough of my nonsense. Hopefully if anyone reads this they'll get something out of it.

[@JacobPatrick1]

LACK OF IDEAS? For me I have more ideas than I could write in a lifetime. (literally) So I agree it's difficult for me to understand people that have trouble with coming up with ideas. HOWEVER, I would not suggest that writing isn't for them. Instead, I'd suggest that they take on the jobs that we with our own ideas don't want to do. Many people have 'ideas' that they want others to write. They can find those people and it is a happy symbiotic relationship. Or, they can take their favorite public domain books and adapt those into movies. We know there are many other places to get ideas from, but I'd have them start with those 2.

[@11dremoss]

This is good.. I will comeback and share after my first short!

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

Thanks so much Tyler. So far I have written 6 short films, one of which is a Western.

[@JoseYanez-ss6tk]

Makings a short story is the easier part for me. The most difficult is to have someone to look at it.

[@juanchitaro5380]

DUUUUUUUUUUDE!!!! You have unstuck me!!! You have lubricated the way for me with your calm and well paced explanations. THANK YOU!!!

[@themothermarkos]

On the topic of procrastination, there's something I heard recently which has helped me form a new perspective on it. The act of procrastination is to avoid, as creatures with thousands of years of survival tactics, the last thing we want/what we've learned is best for survival - is to not do anything new or out of your comfort zone. This is where the emotional mind comes in and vulnerability can be the key to creating a space for yourself where you and your survival modes feel safe enough to be creative and become personally involved in the story so the audience can. Remind yourself of the beating heart of story - the burning and essential reasons why you love this and get personal with it.

[@maytreemedia]

At this moment I am paring down a full-length expositional narrative to a short film script and was STUCK in trying to figure out how to tell the whole story in 15 to 20 minutes. Watching this video eliminated the block and I realized I don't have to expose the entire story for potential backers. I had already created interest with a 6 minute scene I shot in November 2021. Now I can use the moral dilemma to expand the scene into a larger sequence and leave the viewer wanting, once again. It's not a conventional approach at marketing since a partial film probably wouldn't make it to a festival, but it will leave them hungry. I'll have to credit you as script advisor. :)

[@roartollefsen656]

This was like "your a leading lady, acting as a best friend" from The Holliday. Clearly explained. Thanks

[@hschenck3394]

Got no ideas? - Read a novel and come back! I love your new straightforwardness! It gives us even more straight and clear advice and doesn´t just try to please everyone, set up false dreams or to be inoffensive in every way possible. That´s why I take so much out of your videos in such a short time!

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Read a novel, watch a movie, live life and come back.

[@NBAxBaller]

very educational. i wouldve never watched rick and morty until i seen this.

[@shivamnanchahal4035]

I already wrote a short story..... Haha..... Checkmate.... But it was from your lessons...😂 Love you!

[@Veypurr1]

You make very good videos on the fundamentals of screenwrting

[@revlo8483]

I've always been afraid of writing, cause i didnt understand how to structure a story. This video helped me see things more clearly, thank you!

[@olyna]

Absolutely mind-blowing. I will write a good script just to prove your point. Thank you so must for these priceless advise. Much appreciated.

[@jasonswanepoel8597]

I analyzed the crap out of one of your videos where you use the stutterer as an example, I am now ready to make my second short, if it doesn’t win a bunch of awards I am unsubscribing, seriously thank you for these they are gold

[@Speculaas]

Not only will you learn how to write screenplay. You will also understand Rick and Morty, an enigma only people with high IQ can truelly appreciate. This channel is a blessing.

[@Shka_maru]

This may seem cliche, but i promise you, this came at the right time for me. Thank you for your insightful videos, Tyler!

[@ryan.k.r]

this course has been so helpful to me. i want to be an actor mainly, but more recently i've wanted to make my own stories too. i feel like this is helping me in both aspects because i am learning how to formulate my own story and share my ideas with the world as well as getting a deeper understanding of what a characters wants, needs, and beliefs are when i start doing roles. thank you so much for this, i am ecstatic!!

[@chiomaohazulike6629]

No, this is brilliant, a masterpiece I love it.

[@letbutts6253]

You’re so underrated this my first video that I’m watching from your channel and I’m already HOOKED

[@jaredpowell6673]

Gotta love Tuesdays!

[@DaneVisuals]

loving your content bro, gonna give your channel a big shout out when i complete my first short.

[@Giovannix51]

By the way, Note #1 is genius. Necessary for the peanut gallery, who tend to lose focus.

[@jacobwarman3528]

I can't believe you're not at 1 mill subs yet, your videos are the best in the game! Thank you for all your help

[@dan-mb2ne]

thunder road babyyyyyyy!!!!!!

[@WorldOfTinite]

Fantastic video! Explains so much

[@raphaelmorgan2307]

I hate how called out I felt by that last bit, but as soon as I started just putting things down on paper I suddenly had the idea for a character motivation I've been lacking for like a year while I've been (on and off) trying to piece together the plot of this story I'm working on. To be fair I'm not working on a short film, I started with the idea of a TV show and decided to do a play version first, so it's not like I've been thinking about a 10 page script for over a year, but still... I wonder how much I'd have done by now if I had just started writing what I had and let the ideas flow

[@spencernielsen392]

Haha love that quick glimpse of What Did Jack Do? I recently rewatched Blue Velvet after a few years (and viewings) of thinking it was just fine. After watching your content, I could recognize the strong dramatic narrative at its center. Great film!

[@jalasvevaJayamahe]

You really2 save my time. Brilliant explanation! Thank you so much!

[@Ouroboros_609]

I’ve been loving your videos man, like for real I really appreciate how easy it is to understand your narrative. Thank you

[@jmeslau]

Came at the perfect time, thank you brother! Also just wanna say the editing in your videos is hella clean! Props to the editor!

[@Ravikanth_007]

Your videos are the best screenwriting tutorials on youtube. Thank you for taking time to make these videos, and the animations are next level. ❤

[@Rise876]

You're a very good teacher, Tyler. I always learn a lot from your videos. Thank you 👍🏼

[@Rod-dg7fy]

Thank you for the great videos. I’m really amazed that someone so young has such a great grasp of storytelling. I’m 57 and am trying to start a career as a writer (no I haven’t written anything) with a goal of becoming a director. This really helps.

[@ladonnatutt8929]

I enjoy your breakdown of scripts. You’ve helped me a great deal with my story structure.

[@rg-mf1pg]

these videos are really high quality thanks for making them . i made a shortfilm and after this video i can clearly see what mistakes i have made

[@sandeepgoolla8848]

Very powerful video

[@beatricekenneh1501]

Thanks Tyler, you have opened my mind to new knowledge and have made me so confident on writing my own script

[@peetstudioprod]

I believe in your video to help me write my firts script

[@zibdle9476]

this is EXACTLY what i needed right now! thank you so much, tyler

[@liamwalter1795]

Your videos are fantastically 👍

[@HappeChappe]

Thanks Tyler, going into a 48 hour film challenge this weekend so this video is gonna help SO much! ⚡

[@OirichEntertainment]

I can’t wait to try out these techniques. Thanks!

[@ricardourroz9322]

Bravo! I am learning so much with your videos to be honest. I studied filmmaking for 1 year and havent´t done shit. Now I am very motivated to just do it :) Thanks

[@BlackMasterJoe89]

Can Harmon's story circle apply to short stories too?

[@jessegoonerage3999]

Yes.

[@jacksonkerr2095]

Very intelligent and interesting presentation about story form. Thank you!

[@Thisiscinemalist]

Brilliant Tyler! Great video! Thanks for this brother! 🤙🏼

[@franmndz7]

Loved this video. Thank you, Tyler!

[@derrionbrown3923]

I needed this. I’m working on a short film at the moment and creating a sound narrative is more difficult than I imagined. But this this helps. Thank you!!!

[@LeroyThompson462]

Hi Derrion, I've just written an outline script for a drama series, it would be great to collaborate

[@derrionbrown3923]

@@LeroyThompson462 hey man. I’m game. Let’s collaborate.

[@MathieuRousseau]

This is one of the best video I've ever seen!

[@LeroyThompson462]

Thanks Tyler, just to let you know that I've written an outline screenplay for a walk drama series, Someone has taken interest and is currently working on a screenplay. Thanks to you Tyler

[@SerapioSergiovich]

Moving picture with interesting elements.

[@mcZoehh]

What a great video mate! thank u 💚💚💚

[@shikharfilms5457]

Thank you for this video especially the last bit is very precious advice.

[@vincentsprocket]

Great material! Thank you!

[@thejoshpaul_]

This is amazing, took so many notes. Thank you!

[@saulgoodwin8328]

Love your work, Tyler

[@Brandon33akahk]

Can't thank you enough for making these videos 🙏

[@DiegoAlvaradoF]

Perfect video

[@horrorgamestv6564]

Great as always!

[@Rae066]

Can’t wait for the next video!!!!!

[@Nerf_Jeez]

Really, really, really great. Soo compact.

[@samuelzbynovsky]

Thanks ! It's clear and help a lot

[@waltermanson999]

You're amazing !

[@quieracollins5127]

amazing

[@thehomiejoey722]

Same here man thanks I really appreciate it

[@bryx99]

This was the video i was waiting for 🤗💯💯✌✌✌🔥🔥🔥🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@abhideshmukh2182]

Great work buddy❤️👍🏻

[@BIGNEM]

Bro this is so great! Keep it up! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💫🔥💫🔥

[@clutchpowers3229]

perfectly timed

[@Mikelica69]

Great video!!!

[@NickNintendo1985]

This is a great video! Thank you!

[@JediKang]

I love you man thank you so much

[@JohannesMariaRunge]

I would love to see some analytic material on writing horror movies soon ♥

[@JunebugPresents]

Great video, Tyler. Keep teaching people how it is done. I was laughing at parts that should be laughed at, like people being precious with their outline for a short script, or people still searching for the next screenwriting book to help them grasp a better understanding. F-all that! To you new writers, watch this video and write your short, damn it! Lol!

[@wimukthidilhara7097]

appreciate ur golden vid.

[@justblanc6614]

This is so cool.

[@rodrigobuscato]

Mad editing skills dude

[@TLLC2004]

I have a question Tyler. Do you remember that when you talked about exposition, you mentioned that the Star Wars opening crawl is as far as someone can get with telling instead of showing? In my opinion, I think that that’s more showing than telling, since you’re visually showing the audience the information that they must see and read. I mean sure, it would’ve been better to simply watch everything happen, but I still think that it’s better to have those texts than to have a voice over explaining everything. And here’s my question, am I correct with this opinion? If not, can you explain to me why that opening crawl is more telling than showing?

[@Wesbert]

Text is still telling people over showing. The show part in “show don’t tell” is about giving the audience enough nonverbal information to make a right assumption. A basic example is showing someone with a messy room hitting snooze multiple times, instead of having their roommate walk in and saying “you’re so messy and always late to things.”