Thinking of an idea for a Short Film

• A conflict (big or small)
• A story or anecdote you have heard
• Something that has happened to you, possibly amplified, simplified or exaggerated
• A generic film - identify key tropes of genre. For example, a zombie involves a death, zombies and a survivor
• A rite of passage story - E.g. Learning to drive
• Subvert the audience's expectations
• A desire you have that either comes true or is thwarted
• A historic even (can become difficult for a short film due to getting props and costume)
• A sense of closure
• A tale with a twist

Most short films have limited characters and a simple plot. This follows Aristotle's classical unities. This involves the simplistic methods originally used within Greek theatre. These 3 methods are: One place, one time, one action. This means avoiding sub-plots. My short film will only be 5 minutes and so this isn't enough time for a sub-plot to develop or come to an end, it may also confuse the audience.

Thinking of an idea it tricky, even just the initial idea. To help me create an idea I have started a mindmap to quickly jot down anything that could lead to an idea. These are:

• Soul mates
• Death? - Zombie film
• Day dream
• Drawings become reality
• Army theme? (access to Airsoft guns and uniforms)
• Child growing up (access to look alike sister)
• Music? (trying to create a band, people brought together by the love of music)
• Gaming into daydream reality (mario kart to go kart, access to go karts)

-KickThePj's short film - Colour Bandits