My screenwriting process for a 1-minute short film

Introduction

Creating a short film can be an exhilarating yet daunting task, especially when time constraints and limited resources come into play. For my first project on this channel, I aimed to make a 30-second to 1-minute short film using only the resources available at home, with no crew—just myself and potentially some housemates in front of the camera.

Simplifying the Idea

At the onset, I was attempting to build a character and plot and then shape the story. However, I quickly realized that this approach felt too broad and would complicate things unnecessarily. Instead, I remembered a technique I learned from a YouTube video by D4 Darius about creating microfilms. He introduced what he called the "Mentos Formula," which revolves around four simple elements:

1. Establish a character.
2. Present a problem.
3. Act on that problem.
4. Show the result.

This structure helped clarify my thoughts and paved the way for a more defined narrative.

Developing the Concept

After brainstorming, I settled on the idea of a father struggling to play his guitar. He stays up all night practicing so he can finally play "Happy Birthday" for his daughter’s birthday the next day. However, realizing that just practicing the guitar isn't enough for a compelling storyline, I reconsidered the plotline.

What if the father's original birthday gift for his daughter had been stolen? To incorporate some drama without stretching the time too long, I envisioned a scene where he discusses this unfortunate incident over the phone. This conversation would serve as a catalyst for the father's decision to practice playing the guitar all night long. In the morning, we would see him successfully playing the song for his daughter.

The Importance of Revision

I’ve learned from experiences that the creative process often requires several revisions. An art professor once advised that you haven’t truly created something unless you’ve gone through it multiple times. This principle applies to writing and filming just as well, whether it’s a rough draft, shooting scenes, or shooting additional takes.

With the new story framing—a father whose daughter's birthday gift has been stolen—it's still a work in progress, but it's time to move forward into storyboarding.

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Keyword

• Short film
• Screenwriting
• Microfilm
• Mentos Formula
• Character
• Problem
• Act on the problem
• Result
• Revision
• Storyboarding

FAQ

Q: What is the main focus of your short film?
A: The film centers around a father who practices playing "Happy Birthday" on his guitar for his daughter after realizing that her birthday gift has been stolen.

Q: What technique did you use to develop your screenplay?
A: I used the "Mentos Formula" by D4 Darius, which involves establishing a character, a problem, taking action, and showing the result.

Q: How important is revision in the creative process?
A: Revision is crucial; it's a key part of developing a strong story and ensuring that the final product effectively conveys the intended message.

Q: Will you include other characters in your film?
A: Yes, since I'm living with others, I plan to involve them in the film, particularly in scenes where interactions are crucial to the story.

Q: What steps will you take next in the filmmaking process?
A: The next step is storyboarding to visualize the film and plan the shots effectively.