Need Ideas For Simple Short Film

[DDirector]

I need an idea for a simple short film that can be filmed on school property. This is not a film school or anything. Its just a high school. Its for media class.

Now, I doubt anyone in this class is even going into any media field except for me. So, having them as actors and doing what I say will be very hard.

what would be a good idea that does not require any props that I cannot get easily. No violence. No special equipment.
Must be done in 2 weeks.

 

[Danielldrummond]

Let me see if I got this straight:

1 - You say want to make films.

2- You want other people to give you THEIR ideas.


Are you serious?

 

[DDirector]

I dont want to make scripts and stuff.
Im a director.

OK, normally, I can come up with incredible ideas. But, every time I wrote a professional script, it was always a feature. Never a short.

And, this is for school, High School.
Like I said, these people most likely couldn't care less. But, it needs to be done, obviously.
I cant just come up with an idea of a short film which I can use only 3/4 actors on school property only. With limited props, no equipment, excepts the basics; camera, tripods, editing.

I need some advice.

 

[hoohaProductions]

Maybe adapt a short story or a play? David Ives' Sure Thing comes to mind. It's just two characters (I'd cut the script a bit if you did that one though).

But, I agree with Daniell. Part of being a creative person is exercising that creativity on your own. Just find some sort of inspiration.

Go for a walk. Ha.

 

[Jayimess]

Directors need to "make scripts and stuff" at this early level in order to find and demonstrate their voice. The relationship between a writer and director is one of trust and there is an audition of sorts.

At just about any film school in this country, directing students must share their own stories and vision before they get the privilege of working on scripts written by others that they know. I realize you may feel attacked by these responses to your OP, but you're asking people blindly...those of us who've replied really do wish to help you.

That being said, there are plenty of places to find inspiration...the lyrics of music, the world around you, craigslist, odd news stories on websites...your own family.

 

[BaldMan Pictures]

My college film program requires us to write and direct our first year productions (each person does one) to be shot in a single location with up to three characters (though the third was limited to 20 words) and is no more than five minutes. This is the large project at the end of the year that we do. We do two other projects, one is a scene from a previously produced work, and the other an up to three minute silent film with only a camera and a tripod.

The purpose of these projects is to introduce and perfect certain filmmaking skills. It also requires that you think creatively in order to execute your vision.

A director has an immense hand in the shaping of the eventual shooting script.

No one is going to do your work for you. ESPECIALLY in this business.

That said,
Shorts start in motion. A door swings open, or someone is running, or a punch is swung. So maybe start with some action. Then go from there. Since it's short take that one moment and build a world with people around it (or maybe one or two people). Sometimes it takes a long time to get a good idea (which you would know having written features), and sometimes it takes longer than the time you have to do the project. Just think as simply as possible. If it's going to be good make it short and as tight as possible.

 

[`smoekinggun]

whatever your role in filmaking be it director or producer or writer or actor you jump to work in all the other roles because then it helps you understand and appreciate everybody else onset. good luck with your films.

also if i had come up with an idea for a short, id be making myself right now , not letting someone else make it there own and reck it

oh p.s baldman pictures, some really good advice on how to write and structure a short film , DDirector, listen to baldman !!!