First, Create three original loglines. Requirements:1) Each logline must be only one or two sentences (the goal is to be concise) –not any longer. They should describe stories that would be depicted in 2-4 minute long short film or animated short.2) Each must identify a protagonist, what they want, and what opposes them. Ideally the protagonist is changed as a result of this process. The protagonist should just be one person.Character is trying to _____ but _____.3) Your story ideas must follow Aristotle’s “Classical Unities”:Unity of Time, Unity of Place, Unity of Action.This means your story must take place in the span of no more than 24 hours, one location, and that the action must be continuous (no digressions.)Think of stories which can be depicted visually, rather than internal psychological battles or stories with complicated backstories.
Example:A shut-in is forced to face his fear of nature when an unwanted visitor, an insect, makes its way into his house. As he battles to remove the bug, the recluse inadvertently destroys his house, thrusting himself into the outside world.
Protagonist/desire/obstacle clearly identified. These components also relate to each other in fundamental way. The logline follows the classical unities.
Next, Select one of your loglines that you think is the best or you think has the strongest story. Brainstorm gags and/or story beats that will contribute to fleshing out this story. You should be describing the events moment by moment. This can be either a traditional outline, with events listed as phrases in a hierarchy. Or, you may choose to write the outline in full sentences, describing the action in broad strokes, or a list of phrases roughly describing events.Whichever way you write it, theoutline should fill one sheet of paper, Times New Roman, 12pt, double spaced. Think about:Who is your protagonist?What is the inciting incident? (The event that makes the story/problem really begin.)What are the incidents to escalate conflict/protagonist’s actions to solve them?What is your climactic event?Does the main character reach his or her goals in the climax? Yes or no? (No “to be continued.”)What is the denouement (how does the story wrap up)?
The story beats have to structured to create escalating conflict and everything supports the story established in the logline.Must maintain Aristotle’s Unities.
Last, Create your script-based on your outline. This must use the conventional script format, including location (sluglines), action description, and dialogue. Please type your script. Use a free scriptwriting program (Google Docs does not work unless you use a screenplay add-on, so do not use Google Docs.)This should be 3-4 pages in script format. Remember that each page translates to about a minute of filmed story. If your outline is expansive, either write just a 3-4 minute scene from it, or streamline (get to the point!) by writing a shortened 3-4 minute version of your story.