A checklist for short film making
Below is my new template structure for SHORT FILM generation. I got all these ideas, and I need to input them into a step by step action plan. Hence my new name: Action Short Check.
I’ll begin building out checklists for all my short film ideas. Then I shall make them because they are now in step-by-step format. The steps are simple but show me what it is I am trying to make. That’s my new plan!
I think it is already helping me feel less overwhelmed with pushing record on an idea. It makes me feel more in the drivers seat of creation - crafting a full piece with a message or narrative or reason behind it. Which is always the goal of film - to say something.
ACTION SHORT CHECK (Example)
TITLE: Do you want to be unhappy?
LOGLINE: Mom tries to make the daughter feel better by asking if she is OK, but the daughter is actually OK, she just can’t convince the mom of that fact without sounding unhappy.
OUTLINE:
Mom cleaning up
Daughter sitting at table
Mom says something mundane about a family friend
Daughter says a neutral reply
They say goodnight and hug to each other
Daughter knows mom is worried that she is upset
Mom thinks daughter is upset and doesn’t know what to do
Mom and daughter talk in doorway and no one connects
Mom asks ‘So you want to be Unhappy?”
Daughter says “YES”
They say goodnight.
Cut to black
Insert shot of text message bubbles typing
Daughter smiles as she gets juice in the empty kitchen
SHOT LIST:
Wide shot of mom and daughter in kitchen
POV of daughter as mom talks
POV of mom as daughter talks
CUs of mom and daughter in kitchen
MS of good night in doorway
OTS mom in doorway
OTS daughter in doorway
CUs of mom and daughter
MS of goodnight
Wide shot of empty kitchen
Credits
Wide shot of kitchen as daughter and mom pass in the night to get water.
PROPS/NOTES:
Mom and daughter in PJs.
Phone for text message insert
