RESEARCH PLOT DEVELOPMENT!!!!

 

This video way of introducing a topic I wanted to learn more about which was story structure.  After consuming several articles and videos to help educate myself on the process, my perspective on the film project changed slightly. I now realize that this concept does not have to be a huge political work or insane social commentary, especially not as we're just starting out.  The beauty is in the simplicity.

1. establish a concept, let people imagine potential, deliver potential, and then surpass it.

This is the biggest takeaway I got from that video, and it makes perfect sense to me 

The biggest takeaway from this video is the “measure twice, cut once” approach. It's a great metaphor because it emphasizes the importance of planning and structuring your narrative first to ensure a smoother, more focused filmmaking process.

The two-act structure is common in short films because of the shorter runtime; typically 10 to 20 minutes (in our case 5 minutes). It provides just enough time for a character to undergo a transformation or for a conflict to be introduced and resolved, while maintaining a simple, direct narrative.

When you're a new filmmaker, having a clear limitation or rule is extremely helpful. It keeps the project manageable, guides your creativity, and prevents you from getting overwhelmed. Rules help you make decisions quickly because you're working within a clear framework. They can also push you to think more creatively within boundaries, which is a great way to refine your skills as a storyteller.

For example, if you limit your story to one location or a very small cast of characters, it forces you to develop the story's depth through dialogue, performance, and visual storytelling rather than relying on multiple locations or a large ensemble cast. It also gives you the chance to focus on perfecting specific aspects of filmmaking; lighting, camera angles, or sound design—rather than trying to juggle too many elements.

how to write a short film