Short films often fall flat because they attempt to do too much or miss the mark entirely. In our video with Adam Schaller, we dive into why this happens and what you can do to make your short films stronger and more engaging. Let’s break down the top three reasons short films tend to miss the mark and how you can improve your own work.
1. The Story Is Too Big for the Medium
A common mistake is trying to fit a feature-length idea into a short film format. You just don’t have enough time to cover a sprawling narrative or a world-changing event. When the story is too large, it becomes overwhelming for the audience.
To keep your viewers engaged, focus on a smaller-scale problem that can be resolved within the film’s limited run time.
2. No Clear Problem for the Protagonist
Your protagonist needs a specific problem with clear stakes. Without a strong conflict, the audience won’t know why they should care about the story. Emphasize the importance of making your protagonist’s problem matter. If the stakes aren’t clear, your audience is likely to tune out.
We also discuss a simple but powerful method for defining your character’s dilemma. Want to know more? Watch the full explanation in our YouTube video [here].
3. The Premise Is Unclear or Vague
Sometimes short films try to tackle too many themes or ideas. If your story is about everything, it’s about nothing. A successful short film is about something specific. In the video below, Adam talks about how choosing one core concept and sticking to it can strengthen your film’s narrative.
For a full breakdown on how to clarify your premise and deliver a more focused story, check out the link below:
Also, don’t forget to check out our free course, Writing the Short, with NYU professor John Warren for more insights on crafting your next short film!
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