Short Film Script Examples

Ed Bradley

2 min read

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31-12-2024

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Short films, despite their brevity, demand a powerful narrative punch. They require a laser focus on character, conflict, and resolution, all within a limited timeframe. This makes crafting a compelling short film script a unique challenge, demanding both creativity and discipline. Below are a few examples to illustrate different approaches and styles:

Example 1: The Lost Letter

Logline: A heartbroken woman discovers a long-lost letter that rekindles old feelings and forces her to confront her past.

Scene: A dusty attic, sunlight streaming through a grimy window. ANNA (30s), meticulously sorts through old boxes. She pulls out a faded envelope addressed in elegant cursive. Hesitantly, she opens it.

ANNA (V.O.): I thought I’d buried it all. The memories, the pain... everything.

(Flashback sequence – short, impactful shots showing Anna and MARK (30s) in happier times: laughing, dancing, sharing a tender moment.)

ANNA (V.O.): But some things, it seems, refuse to stay buried.

(Back to the attic. Anna reads the letter, her expression shifting from surprise to sadness, then a flicker of hope.)

Scene: Anna stands at Mark's doorstep, the letter clutched in her hand. She hesitates, then knocks.

Note: This example focuses on emotional impact. The use of flashbacks and voiceover enhances the narrative without excessive dialogue.

Example 2: The Unexpected Visitor

Logline: A reclusive artist receives a mysterious visitor who challenges his solitary existence.

Scene: A sparsely furnished studio. LIAM (50s), an intense artist, is absorbed in his work. A sudden knock at the door startles him. He opens it to reveal ELARA (20s), an enigmatic young woman with a captivating presence.

ELARA: I believe you have something of mine.

LIAM: (Suspicious) I don't know what you're talking about.

ELARA: A painting. "The Crimson Sunset."

(A tense stand-off. Liam glances at his artwork, a visible tremor in his hand. A series of short, sharp exchanges reveal a shared past, hinting at a hidden truth.)

Note: This example focuses on dialogue and character interaction to build suspense and intrigue. The limited setting emphasizes the tension between Liam and Elara.

Example 3: The Silent Witness

Logline: A security camera captures an unsettling event, forcing the viewer to piece together a disturbing narrative.

Scene: A grainy security camera feed. We see a dimly lit office building at night. A figure (unclear at first) moves through the halls. Strange sounds are heard. The feed cuts out intermittently. The viewer is left to infer the events from the fragmented footage and subtle clues.

Note: This example demonstrates a narrative relying heavily on visual storytelling. The absence of dialogue forces the audience to engage actively and interpret the unfolding events.

These examples illustrate the diverse approaches available when writing a short film script. Success hinges on strong character development, impactful visuals, and a well-defined narrative arc, all crafted within the limitations of a short runtime. Remember, less is often more in the art of concise storytelling.