The Art of Scriptwriting: Tips for Engaging Short Films

Written By Angela Vaut

I’m Not a Robot, dir. Victoria Warmerdam, OAK Motion Pictures, Bulletproof Cupid on Directors Notes

Short films are where many great filmmakers get their start—and where unforgettable stories often begin. They’re fast, flexible, and packed with creative opportunity. But writing a compelling short film script? That takes precision, clarity, and intention.

At Axecila Productions, a Brooklyn-based production company working with NYC filmmakers, we’ve helped bring dozens of short scripts to screen. Whether your goal is to submit to festivals, create a proof of concept for a feature, or simply sharpen your storytelling skills, here’s your step-by-step guide to writing a short film that truly connects.

start with a sharp, simple concept

A short film should be built around one powerful idea. Unlike features, you don’t have time to explore subplots, elaborate backstories, or ensemble arcs. Ask yourself:

  • What’s the core emotion or question at the heart of your film?

  • Can it be expressed clearly in under 10 minutes?

  • Will it be visually compelling?

Many of the best shorts come from small moments with big stakes—like a first kiss, a lost opportunity, or a split-second decision. Think tight. Think impactful.

I’m Not a Robot, dir. Victoria Warmerdam, OAK Motion Pictures, Bulletproof Cupid on Directors Notes

define the function: standalone short vs. proof of concept

Before you dive into your first scene, know what your short is for. Is it a self-contained story? Or are you teasing something bigger?

A traditional short film tells a complete narrative arc in just a few minutes. Think of it as a miniature masterpiece.

A proof of concept, on the other hand, is like a trailer for a larger project. It’s often a scene, sequence, or mood piece that captures the essence of a feature-length film or series you want to develop.

Famous examples?

  • Short Term 12 began as a short before becoming an award-winning feature.

  • Whiplash started with a short scene, used to secure funding and attention.

  • District 9 and Saw both evolved from compelling proofs of concept.

The formats serve different purposes and should be written with those goals in mind.

create complex characters, quickly

You may only have 5–10 minutes, but your characters still need depth. Focus on your protagonist’s core desire and obstacle. Strip away the fluff and get to the emotional engine that drives them.

To make your characters memorable:

  • Give them a clear want or goal.

  • Introduce them at a moment of change or crisis.

  • Let the audience discover who they are through actions, not exposition.

One or two well-drawn characters can carry your film far more effectively than a crowded cast.

I’m Not a Robot, dir. Victoria Warmerdam, OAK Motion Pictures, Bulletproof Cupid on Rotten Tomatoes

use a tight, purposeful STRUCTURE

Most great short films follow a condensed three-act structure:

  • Setup (0–1 min): Grab attention fast. Introduce your character, setting, and conflict.

  • Confrontation (1–3 min): Escalate tension or deepen emotional stakes.

  • Resolution (3–5+ min): Deliver a powerful twist, decision, or emotional payoff.

You don’t need to be rigid about it, but having a shape to your story ensures it lands. Keep each beat essential—if it doesn’t move the story forward, cut it.

I’m Not a Robot, dir. Victoria Warmerdam, OAK Motion Pictures, Bulletproof Cupid on Directors Notes

write visually

Film is a visual medium, and in short films, visuals carry even more weight. Avoid dialogue-heavy scenes unless absolutely necessary. Show what your characters feel and believe through actions, images, and silences.

Use your environment wisely. If you’re shooting in Brooklyn, think about how a rooftop in Bushwick or a train ride from Sunset Park can reflect a character’s internal world. Let your city speak as part of your story.

rewrite with brutal honesty

Your first draft is just a blueprint. Your second, third, and fourth drafts are where the magic happens. During revision:

  • Tighten your dialogue.

  • Clarify your theme.

  • Get feedback from trusted filmmakers or screenwriters.

  • Read it out loud—or better, do a table read.

I’m Not a Robot, dir. Victoria Warmerdam, OAK Motion Pictures, Bulletproof Cupid on Manhattan Short

Don’t be afraid to kill your darlings. A shorter, cleaner, emotionally resonant script will always land better than an overwritten one.

Keep the End in Sight

A great short film doesn’t just fizzle out—it lands. Whether it leaves your audience laughing, crying, or questioning their own life choices, your ending should feel inevitable and earned.

Leave your audience with something they’ll carry out of the theater or close out of the browser window thinking about.

Share Your Script with the World

Once you’ve polished your script, don’t let it sit in a folder. There are excellent platforms where you can share your short film script, get feedback, and attract collaborators or industry attention.

Here are a few great places to start:

  • Coverfly: A curated industry platform where you can list your short as part of your writer profile. It tracks contests and ratings and is used by managers, agents, and producers.

  • Script Revolution: A free, open-access platform where writers can host their screenplays and connect with indie producers and directors.

  • The Black List (Shorts Section): While more feature-focused, they also welcome short films for review and discovery.

  • FilmFreeway: Not just for finished films! Many festivals now offer screenplay categories where you can submit short scripts.

  • Reddit’s r/Screenwriting: A surprisingly active and honest place for script swaps and feedback.

Putting your script online not only increases its visibility but can also help you connect with people who may want to collaborate, fund, or produce your work.

Ready to Write Your Own Breakout Short?

Short films aren’t just storytelling exercises—they’re strategic tools that can take your career to the next level. With the right script, you can land festival spots, pitch larger projects, and grab the attention of producers and studios.

Whether you're aiming for a standalone short or a proof of concept, now’s the time to write smart, bold, and intentional.

At Axecila Productions, we collaborate with NYC filmmakers to shape ideas, refine scripts, and build memorable films from the ground up.

Angela Vaut
Next

Crafting Impactful Non-Profit Narratives: A Storytelling Playbook