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Three Elements of Short Film Structure


Short films are very limited in length. So by their very nature they restrict the number of ideas you can explore, the characters you can imagine, and so on. Because of this, you have to make very different decisions when it comes to plot structure, characters, conflict, and idea choice than you would for a longer film. So here are three elements that form the structure of the short films.

1. The short film should only explore one major concept or idea

For more traditional narratives, you may be trying to send a simple message or communicate a belief. Whatever that may be, it’s simple and to the point like ''Selfishness leads to suffer''. On the other hand, your film might be more concept driven. For example ‘A quiet couple on a road-trip at night are actually vampires travelling to find their next victim.’ or ‘A man finding items for his grocery shopping list is revealed to be scavenging for his family after the apocalypse.’ That can be anything which includes the unexpected twists. The first item has a message while the rest two don’t, they focus on a twist reveal. This is one of the great things about the short film medium – you have some flexibility. These concepts are doable. A simple setup and pay-off. By limiting the information you share with your audience, it's possible to tell a story very well without watering down their experience. So, if your idea looks like it can’t be reduced to exploring one idea then it may not be suited for a short film. 

2. Your short film should only explore one relationship or conflict

There’s a difference in how characters, relationships, and conflict are explored in a short film compared to a feature film. With limited time available, you have to limit the exploration of relationships between characters. A short film should have one major conflict or goal that a character is trying to resolve. This single conflict and its stakes create the drama your story needs without overcomplicating your story. In a feature-form film, there’s time to explore multiple relationships and at much greater depth. However, a short film will be bogged down with exposition, hanging plot threads, and more, if you try to explore too much at once. Focus.

3. The resolution and the plot twist

It is very important that the set up of short films is satisfying to the audiences. There are different ways to do this, but a great way is through a plot twist. Short films are perfect for them. You can hit the main idea of ​​your short film and resolve the conflict at the same time. While plot twists can be difficult for short films or feature films, it's much easier to put a short film win on a twist. 

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