I have read a lot of script discussions lately, mainly in the shorts section. On just about every board someone says, "This seems like it belongs in something bigger", "This seems like a set-up for a feature", etc, etc. Isn't that sort of obvious? It's a short. Of course, we aren't going to know the entire back story or anything.

Anyhow, enough rambling. My question was what makes a good story to use for a short? What are some of the guidlines. I though short films/script were supposed to appear as though you just stepped into someones life or into an event, watch for a little while, then leave. At least that was how it was explained to me awhile back.


Randy.

Personally, I try to have all the story in it. Depending on length, you can add enough for it to be considered a "short" and have a story as well.

Some people who write shorts don't really try to build characters, they just want to put something up to give themselves something to be happy about even if it is to the detriment of the boards... Too honest? My bad.

A short is whatever you want it to be.

I watched "Longinus" by Ryuhei Kitamura (Director of Versus and Azumi) and he really tried to add a large story in a 40 minute short. Did he make a masterpiece? No. Did he successfully make it entertaining and fun? Yes.

So, the answer to the question is... what do you think a short is?

Hey, fellas, short for me is less than 20 inch...oops..I mean 20 minutes! More than that is medium feature and very boring to watch!

Quoted from bare_nerve "This seems like it belongs in something bigger", "This seems like a set-up for a feature", etc, etc. Isn't that sort of obvious?

Yes and no.

Every short has potential for expansion. The story could be fleshed out a bit, characters could be explored more deeply, etc. That's pretty obvious, as you already said. But that doesn't mean that every short could benefit from an expansion.

There's lots of aspects involved in writing a feature that are not present when writing a short (i.e. keeping an audience entertained for two hours). An idea that works fine for a short may not have enough legs to carry a whole feature.

A quick setup with a witty twist at the end that works perfectly in -lets say- the 5-15 page range, *could* look like butter stretched over too much bread in a 100-120 page feature.

When a short is properly written, it shouldn't leave you hanging.  It should stand alone and not feel like a scene of a bigger piece.


Phil

It depends on the type of short.  

If it is a narrative, which most are, it needs a beginning, middle, and an end.  No subplots required.  It is like the show "Till death do us part".  You got the marriage (who/when/where), the conflict (the reason one spouse kills the other), and the murder (the resolution).  Most shorts on here are missing one or two of the three.  They'll have good characters/location/premise but no conflict or resolution.  Or, more likely, they'll have the conflict or resolution and absolutely no beginning.  The writer just left it out.  Either way, they'll be asked for "more" by a reader because the one segment of the narrative they did do they did really well... we just wish they'd of paid a little attention to the other 2.

If it is a comedy you can use a setup/punchline approach, which is great for a short.  It requires less characterization because you can use stereotypes or already known personalities.  You can also parody something well known, or just have an absurd situation.  Comedy doesn't always require an ending, though I prefer it when they do. Think comedy skits programs: SNL, kids in the hall, monty python, etc.

If you dislike narrative, you can go arty and do a series of images or straight up reality dialogue that has no plot but invokes a mood or emotion or political message. These are normally shown at your local Museum of Modern art... and they don't usually require screenwriters.

Whatever type of short you do it should feel self contained, meaning you don't need the writer/director to explain what it means to the audience afterwards.

Dethan

Oh okay. It makes better sense to me now. Thanks for all the replies. Mostly everyone had some good advice/points.

Thanks again!

Quoted from Old Time Wesley Some people who write shorts don't really try to build characters, they just want to put something up to give themselves something to be happy about even if it is to the detriment of the boards... Too honest? My bad.

Not to honest for me. I don't post to make myself happy. lol :)

A skit means "a short theatrical episode".  A drama short can also be called a skit.  Sure, skit is usually associated with comedy.  That is probably because you don't see drama skit programs on TV.  

You are right about one thing though, I doubt judges would like something that is only a joke.  That is why Blades of Glory isn't going to be winning an oscar for best picture this year.  Darn judges! ;)

Dethan