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18 Creative Short Film Ideas for Students [2024]

Discover 18 short film ideas tailored for students to inspire storytelling and filmmaking in the classroom. Learn how to come up with more ideas by yourself.

Learn Filmmaking | By India Mantle

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This guide contains a list of our top 18 short film ideas for students to help you get your creative juices flowing and get you started on your next project.

From the hundreds of film ideas we’ve come across, we compiled the following compelling ideas to help you draw inspiration and develop robust concepts for your upcoming films.

(While we’re on the topic of inspiration for short films, may also like to discover some great vlogging ideas too.)

So, if you; ‘re looking for a creative short film idea for your next student movie project, let’s dive into the recommendations.

Table of Contents

Top 18 Short Film Ideas for Students in 2024

Here are our top pick short film ideas that will spark your imagination:

Silent Short Film Ideas for Students

For this type of movie, you can choose whatever story to narrate as long as it can be conveyed in silence.

You’ll need the characters to be good at clearly using nonverbal expressions and gestures. You’ll also need to make good use of music to aid in conveying the idea of your movie.

Here are a few of the best ideas for silent short films:

1. Voiceless World

The story of this movie is set in a world where people lose their voices for unknown reasons. That way, they won’t be able to communicate verbally.

In such a world, actions and emotions would become louder than words. The film sequences will show how people would adapt to such occurrences.

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2. The Mountaineer

The film will record a mountaineer’s experience of climbing a mountain silently.

It’ll reflect the mountaineer’s persistence and feelings at each moment throughout the adventure. You’ll need to use a high-quality  action camera  for this.

The movie’s story metaphorically represents all the critical life milestones that need focus and dedication.

You should work on conveying this idea throughout the  video editing  process by adding proper music and effects. Using proper editing techniques can vividly deliver this message.

3. Real Canvas

It’s a film about a poor painter who draws their paintings and lives inside them. The protagonist will paint real places and experiences and then tap on the artwork to enter them.

Once the protagonist touches the paintings twice, they’ll be transported to the location and experience depicted in the painting.

The movie’s main idea is that your imagination can give you the freedom to live many lives.

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Short Horror Film Ideas for Students

Horror films can effectively convey messages because of their strong emotional impacts. Here are a couple of horror film ideas you can use for your next project:

4. Who’s Coming

A person reading a horror novel starts to hear knocks at their door.

After a few minutes of being terrified, the person opens the door to find a delivery man waiting for them with a pizza.

You may add more ironic events to the story if you want to include a bit of additional complication, humor, or horror.

The main idea of this movie is that things aren’t always as you expect them to be.

5. Faceless

The movie is set in a town where people start losing their faces. They all start to look identical.

You’ll create a story depicting how people would behave when experiencing the complications that can arise when they all look identical.

A  VHS effect  can help take this horror film idea to the next level with its added grain and noise.

Short Film Ideas for College Students

This list of ideas will perfectly suit you as a college student filmmaker:

6. A Day in a Robot’s Life

This movie’s story is set in a world where robots have become highly intelligent and live side by side with humans.

The film shows how robots would deal with humans and their emotions that they find difficult to understand.

The film will briefly discuss how life would become as robots live among humans. You can cover this topic from many angles.

Choose one that you believe will resonate the most with your audience.

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7. The Life of the First Human on Mars

The movie imagines how the first person to live on Mars would start their life on a new planet. It’s up to you to include some complications that will resonate with your audience.

8. An Invisible Person

The movie is about a person who has become invisible for any reason. It shows how this invisible person will approach life in this situation.

To write a good film script for this work, you can simply think of yourself if you grant the ability to be invisible.

Unleash your imagination and write down what you’d do in this situation. Then, pick the most exciting ideas to incorporate into the film.

9. Inside a Suicide Prevention Center

The film is about a life-changing call with a professional at a suicide prevention center. You’ll showcase one or two main problems through the call that drove the person to think of suicide.

These issues can be the absence of social support through a deep depression or any similar story.

Pick a common real-life issue in its extreme case and try to reflect it deeply. You’ll also need to provide a reasonable solution to solve this problem throughout this call.

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10. The Only Person Left on Earth

The movie is about a day in the life of the last person on Earth. What would you do if you were the only person on Earth?

Imagine the empty streets and silent world. Picture yourself as the central character and write down everything you believe you’d do in such a situation.

11. Travel Through Time

In this film, the central character will find a way to travel to the future or the past. The film will address this change in time from different perspectives.

You may select a time with remarkable historical events and provide a unique perspective on this time.

There are a lot of topics you may discuss through this film’s idea. There are also several  camera movements that you can opt for to make your film dynamic.

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Short Film Ideas for High School Students

This is a list of easy yet powerful ideas you can choose for your short film as a high school student:

12. The Sequence of Seasons

The film will show vivid visuals of specific greenery locations and their transformation as each season starts and ends. Your camera will focus on the trees and plants all year long.

Show how the sequence of seasons changes plants.

You may also include an animal in the film sequences and capture how its activity changes dramatically from one season to another.

13. A Day in the Life of Your Furry Friend

The film will focus on the key moments in your dog’s or cat’s day as if you capture life from their perspective.

It’ll showcase all the important moments in the daily lives of the pets from their wake-up until they go to sleep.

This includes how they play, have their breakfast, chase shadows, watch the outside world from the back door, and more.

You can also focus on how your little friend reacts to you and other pets inside and outside your home.

Try to capture as many reactions and real-life events as possible to reflect the pet’s real emotions.

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Easy Short Film Ideas for Students

If you’re looking for ideas that are relatively easy to execute, this list contains a few ones you can count on

14. The Nightlife in a Certain City

You’ll start shooting this film at midnight and end as the sun begins to rise.

The film will feature an aerial view of the city first, and then it’ll start to showcase certain streets and activities.

15. Getting Over a Personal Challenge

Despite the abundance of personal challenges stories in movies, creatively executing this idea will still resonate with the audience.

After all, this is a compelling theme as it speaks directly to the heart of humans. Everyone likes to see the journey of personal growth because it motivates them.

The main challenge to include in the film can be financial hardship, a breakup, illness, or any other adversity.

16. Before the Digital Media

The film is about a few children living in a world without smartphones or digital media.

The movie will focus on how these children would entertain themselves without the existence of today’s digital entertainment.

It’ll showcase how interaction with other people would be without the dominance of digital devices and social media.

It’ll also depict how the abundance of entertaining digital devices distracts people and keeps them weakly connected.

Try to replace the voice of smartphone notifications in the film with a non-digital notification like the tick of a physical watch every hour.

After each watch tick, the children will start a new activity.

3-Minute Short Film Ideas for Students

The following couple of ideas can be turned into 3-minute short films:

17. Stranger at Home

After being abroad for 10 years, a man returns to his hometown to find that everything has changed and no one remembers them.

The film will highlight the disappointments the person will experience as they visit places they used to go to and find they’ve completely changed.

It’ll also show how the people that person expected to find are no longer there.

You might include a happy ending to the movie, such as a neighbor who can recognize the returning person.

The ending scene may be the protagonist spending some time with that neighbor.

18. A Close Look at a Local Landmark

The film idea is about highlighting one of your local landmarks and presenting it through your lens from a deep perspective.

You’ll need to capture the place from a wide-angle view. Then, show it side by side with each of the surrounding buildings.

You’ll also capture close-up scenes of the intricacies of the landmark, showing its smallest details.

You might use a soundtrack in the background for events associated with this landmark. This sound design will evoke the audience’s emotions and boost their engagement with the film.

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How to Come Up With Short Film Ideas

We’ve listed the above 18 ideas to help you draw inspiration for your next short film. However, you always need to have your own method of generating original film ideas whenever you want.

Here are a few tips to help you easily come up with film ideas:

Keep Yourself Updated With the Latest News

By being knowledgeable about the latest and current events, you’ll be aware of the problems and stories the people are interested in.

That way, you can turn these problems and issues into film stories with the addition of a bit of imagination.

Watch Many Short Films With Analytical Eyes

By watching many short films and breaking them down, you can figure out the elements that make a great film. This will allow you to select your ideas meticulously.

You can watch these films online or attend film festivals where you can meet other filmmakers and expand your network.

Watching feature films can also help you generate creative ideas for short films.

Analyze Your Own Life

If you take a close look at your life and those of people around you, you’ll find many stories worth telling.

Pick a bunch of the most interesting stories around you and think of them as film ideas.

When you add a bit of imagination and dramatic elements to these stories, you’ll likely have winning film ideas.

Still, if you plan to use a story of one of your friends or family, ask for permission first.

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Use Generative AI Tools

You can use generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Google Bard, to develop ideas for your new films. You’d be surprised by the ideas these handy tools can generate!

Go for a Walk in Nature

One of the best ways to come up with creative movie ideas is to walk in nature. A  study  by Stanford University found that walking can improve creative thinking.

In addition, being out in nature surrounded by a world of various creatures will inspire you.

By watching nature while walking, you’ll be able to come up with a bunch of ideas, whether related or unrelated to nature.

Short Film Idea Generator

Here are the key points from the Short Film Generator clip shown above:

• Each short film must have four different elements: genres, family and friends, separate pieces of paper, and hats or buckets.
• Label three hats: one for characters, one for props, and one for locations, and write down different options for each category to generate ideas for short films and comedy skits.
• Use a random selection of genres, characters, props, and lines of dialogue to create a short film that incorporates all four elements.
• Use a formula with genre, character, dialogue, and prop constraints to creatively tell a story in a short film.
• Other elements in a story don’t have to be the main focus or come from the main character, they just need to appear somewhere, like a pink umbrella used symbolically or a line of dialogue.

For example: “A guy carrying pancakes gets hit by a street and drops them on the sidewalk.”

Imagine You or a Friend in an Unusual Situation

Imagine someone you know well in an unusual situation, like the person being a superhero, and picture the scenario that would result from this.

Keep the ideas flowing and generate more, no matter how silly the ideas seem. The key is to have as many ideas as possible and then filter them to pick the best.

When you select an idea to proceed with, you can use AI-powered story software to assist you in generating a lot of narrative possibilities based on your central concept.

You can also use screenwriting and storyboard software to craft your scenario.

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As the Content Manager of Shotkit, India Mantle brings with her a lifelong love for photography that she developed during her childhood, watching her father document their family moments with his Nikon EM. In her free time, you find her enjoying the awe-inspiring natural beauty of her home, Northern Rivers, Australia.

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• Education , Inspiration

15 creative video project ideas for students (and their teachers)

Fall is here. The leaves are starting to change color and teachers everywhere are asking the same question: How do I come up with video project ideas for my students?

Video has been a staple learning tool for decades. But having students create, design, and edit video projects themselves is becoming a much more common classroom activity. Video projects are a great way to help students of all ages  actively engage with subject matter  and learn from one another.

Online apps like  Biteable  make it easy for students to turn video ideas for school into a reality. Templates and easy-to-use editing tools keep the process simple and offer plenty of inspiration for student video projects.

To help teachers and students alike leverage video as an  educational tool , we’ve gathered our favorite creative video project ideas for students. Each idea comes with a ready-to-edit video template so you and your students can get started right away.

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Elementary student video project ideas

It can be tricky to keep young students interested and engaged all day long. Creating videos gives elementary students a fun, creative way to learn about anything. And student-created videos are an amazing classroom learning supplement. If a video is produced by their peers, interest will skyrocket.

1. Create a book trailer

Instead of a traditional book report, have students design a movie-style trailer that drums up excitement about a novel or a non-fiction book. Creating a book trailer gives students the opportunity to think creatively, share a story with their classmates, and reinforce their learning in a new way.

2. Give a video tour

To supplement social studies curriculum, students can create a video showing off a significant location or their favorite part of the school. If you have a field trip planned, ask students to share their experience by recording videos throughout the day and adding voice over narration.

A video tour of the school is also a great way to share the campus with new students and visitors. As a way to pass the torch before they leave for middle school, how about asking your fifth graders to collaborate on an orientation video for incoming kindergarteners?

3. Celebrate the holidays

There’s always something to celebrate, no matter what time of year it is. Have students film letters to Santa, make video Valentines for parents or grandparents, or make short educational videos about lesser known holidays. Students can even create simple, digital thank-you notes for classroom visitors or parent volunteers.

4. Recreate a moment in history

Learning about historical people and events? Have your students research and recreate major moments in history, like the story of Rosa Parks or the Oregon Trail.

Videos help students visualize and remember these important moments. It also gives students the opportunity to experiment with digital storytelling. And students will be challenged to bring each scene to life accurately.

5. Try stop-motion video

Video learning isn’t limited to literary or historical topics. Encourage students to use stop-motion or create their own slides to explain science experiments or other STEM projects. With the right footage, like Biteable’s extensive collection of clay animation footage, students won’t even need to build stop motion models. They can just focus on the presentation and storytelling in their video.

Video project ideas for middle and high school students

Video projects for high schoolers can be a little more advanced, as students should be practicing editing and narrative skills in addition to learning about new topics.

6. Create a news channel

To supplement learning in a current events class, have your students film a news broadcast covering both local and international events.

Ask students to take on certain roles in the newsroom: anchor, sports reporter, weather reporter, or entertainment correspondent. Doing a news segment helps everyone get involved and promotes teamwork.

7. Start a portfolio

Many high school students are thinking about college applications. Give them the chance to  jumpstart their applications with a portfolio video project  and showcase what makes them unique.

Art students can show off their best work and design skills. Students applying to traditional schools can answer an application question or create a video showcasing their community service and extracurriculars.

8. Promote a good cause

Rather than writing a traditional essay or report, have students create a video advocating for a cause that’s important to them. This helps students build their identity and develop persuasive skills. And students can share their  promotional video  with everyone, not just their teacher and classmates.

9. Questions for your future self

Think ahead with a video full of inspiring questions. This project is great for incoming freshmen. At the beginning of the year, have students create videos with questions for their future self or with goals for their life and career. At graduation, send the videos back to them. It’s a fun, positive way to celebrate their success throughout high school.

Higher ed video project ideas

Higher education might not seem like the place for student-made videos. But in the real world, businesses use video for all sorts of things. Video projects build plenty of resume-worthy skills that college students can take with them to the workforce.

10. Create a university promotion video

It’s easy to forget that colleges and universities are businesses, too. And they need help with promotion. A solid college or university promotion video could open opportunities for internships or college employment. Promoting something that they’re already familiar with is a great way for students to build video persuasion skills.

11. Record and edit interviews

Being able to conduct a good interview and edit it in a way that’s appropriate for the purpose of the interview is a valuable skill in multiple industries. And interviewing experts in the field is appropriate for just about any class.

12. Make a video self-assessment

Grades are important. But being able to self-assess is also an incredibly valuable way for students to incrementally improve at any skill.

Making video self-assessments gives students a more active role in the grading process and offers them a creative way to highlight the work they’ve put into a course. It also gives them a chance to make an argument for the grade they feel they deserve — a skill that easily correlates to performance reviews in their future workplace.

13. Film a job interview guide

For most people, the interview is the most nerve-wracking part of getting a job. Practicing interview questions is a great way to prepare. But most students don’t know how to prepare for a job interview.

Creating a job interview  how-to guide  is a perfect way for students to learn how to prepare for a job interview and help other students prepare at the same time.

14. Create a video presentation based on a written assignment

Written assignments are the backbone of a university education (in most disciplines, at least). However, the audience for most written assignments is limited to the professor and assistants. Creating presentation videos for their assignments gives students the opportunity to share their hard work with their fellow students, while also learning valuable video editing skills.

15. Build a video resume

For most students, the job search starts even before graduation. A video resume helps students highlight the skills they acquired and the experience they gained during college. And, given the global workforce, a  video resume is a great supplement to a paper resume, especially when applying for remote or distant positions where an in-person interview may not be an option.

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Ready to get started  making an education video project ?

Biteable has a huge  library of video templates that help students get going fast rather than struggling to start from a blank screen. Drag-and-drop editing and easy to use tools let students focus on what’s important: the project assignment and delivering a thoughtful message.

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51 Creative Video Project Ideas for Students (With Templates)

• video project ideas

It’s always a challenge to keep students engaged during classes, especially virtual classes. One of the ways to do this are video projects. Video projects not only make for fun viewing, they also supplement learning. While creating videos with fellow students is a fun activity, it’s not always easy to come up with video project ideas.

So here we bring you some of our favorite creative video project ideas for students. We also share ready-to-use free video templates that you can plug into and start using. Stay tuned till the end and find a bonus section for students on how to make a good video project! Let’s dive in!

A. Video project ideas for elementary students B. Video project ideas for high school students C. Video project ideas for higher education students D. How to make a good video project

Bring your video project ideas to life in minutes

With 3000+ ready-to-use project video templates

A. Video project ideas for elementary students

Video projects for elementary students are mostly a way for the teachers to ensure comprehension and interest in the classroom. These can also be a good tool to make students think about different topics. Let’s check out some video project ideas for this age group:

1. Summarise a lesson

Get your students to summarise history or literature lessons on video. Have students research major figures and events in history and make videos around these concepts. This gives students the chance to learn digital storytelling as well as thoroughly research important historical figures! For example, check out this video sharing the history of television!

Use This Template

2. Share a talent video

Have students share a video performing a talent! They can share singing, dancing, painting, art, baking, playing an instrument or various such videos. This can be a fun activity where students learn more about their peers. For example, check out this music artist launch promotion video that can be used by students to promote their own music videos .

3. Create a book report video

Instead of traditional book reports, get students to create book reports or trailers for various literature projects. These can be a good way to get students curious about concepts you will be teaching them too! Check out this video book report.

4. Celebrate a holiday

Get students to create videos on their traditional or religious holidays. This is a great way to cultivate curiosity, awareness and tolerance for different ethnicities and cultures. Check out this Christmas facts video as an example.

Use This template

5. Create science experiment videos

Encourage students to create their own slides to explain science experiments and their findings. This way, students start thinking of STEM disciplines in a more analytical, hands on manner. Check out the lesson plan presentation below that can be used to document the objectives and findings of such an experiment.

B. Video project ideas for high school students

Video projects for high school students can be a little more advanced as they are in the process of growing their skills and learning more about different subjects.

1. Create a video portfolio

High school is when students start thinking about college applications. This is a great time to start making a portfolio. Teachers can give students the chance to create a portfolio video and share their unique skills and interests. For example, students interested in engineering and STEM can share their coding or science related know-how. Check out this copywriter portfolio as an example.

2. Create a news show

Students need to know current events, both for their school community and for the world around them. Having a school news show is a way to communicate with the school community of students, teachers, staff, and parents. This can be a group effort that helps students learn the value of teamwork and allocation. Check out this newsreel video you can customise to create your own weekly news show.

Use This Template 

3. Make a video tour of an important location

If students visit a place -- on a field trip, on vacation or any time -- they can share their learning experience with others by recording video of it and narrating as they go. (If they're at a museum or other such places, asking permission first is probably a good idea!) If they can't visit it, creating a video slideshow with InVideo is also an option. Get your students to share video projects on important locations as an assignment. These projects can be themed around festivals , cultural concepts and activities too. For example, check out their Halloween cross country tour slideshow.

4. Share practice records

Learning a language, cooking , music or sports require constant practise. To gauge the progress of each student, you can ask them to record themselves learning to play an instrument or speaking a new language. Students can make video projects of themselves learning or mastering a particular song, key phrases and more. For example, check out this violinist’s progress video.

5. Create an ad or a promotional video for school events 

Get students to make an advertisement or a pitch for a school event. This could include a political ad for class president election, a video resume , or an ad for the latest games or tournaments in the school. Students will need to think about the audience they are trying to reach and the length of the advertisement. For example, check out this match poster video.

6. Promote a good cause

Get students to create a video project promoting a cause they believe in. This helps them build their opinions and develop persuasive skills. Students can share this video with everyone, not just the classroom! For example, here’s a video you can customise to debunk myths around a way of life (going vegan in this case).

C. Video project ideas for higher education students

Post high school, it may seem that video projects aren’t that important. But this is the time when students are most focused on improving skills related to their career. Video projects can thus help students showcase their understanding and interest areas, especially to future employers. So let’s check out some video project ideas for these students.

1. Interview interesting people

The people around us and around the world are living history. Their experiences, information, and advice is a treasure trove waiting to be mined. Get your students to interview individuals from their interest areas or in interesting professions. They could be in-person interviews where both parties sit next to each other or they could be virtual interviews, where someone far away records responses to questions. These interviews can act as learning aids, as well as help students connect with people in their future careers. Check out this video interview on how to approach people for their life stories.

Make your own video highlighting interesting interviews by sharing quotes , testimonials, and more. Check out this testimonial video as an example you can use and customise.

2. Teach a concept via videos

Truly understanding something is the ability to teach it to others. Students can make a video where they are recording themselves completing a task on their computer screen or they can make a demonstration video like a coding class. Teachers and professors could then use these videos to help reinforce skills in your class or even flip some of your lessons. For example, check out this video tutorial on note taking apps.

3. Create a self-assessment video

Being able to assess oneself is an extremely important skill that students need to improve themselves. Self assessment empowers students to become better learners. It also allows them to take an active role in their assessment and push for a grade they feel is unfair - a direct correlation to performance reviews at the workplace! Personalise this testimonial video to create your own self assessment video.

4. Create a video presentation for a written assignment

Written assignments are a staple when it comes to college. But only professors and classmates can view these. Instead, creating a short, promotional video on a written assignment is a great way for students to share their work with more people and learn editing skills at the same time. Check out this digital marketing trends video you can use to create your own video presentations .

5. Create a video resume

For most students, the job hunt begins in college itself. A video resume helps highlight key skills as well as share the student’s personality and attitude with employers. Especially when applying to remote or distant positions, a video resume along with a normal resume provides brownie points. Check out this video resume you can use as a blueprint to create your own.

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6. Create a University promotion video

Universities and colleges need as much promotion as they can get. And who better than students to share their experiences and highlights. Get students to create unique videos with their best anecdotes or areas in the university. This is also a good way to get them to research interesting aspects of college life. Check out the University promotional video and make it your own.

D. BONUS: How To Make A Good Video Project

Your school video project can earn you good grades. It is also an opportunity to showcase your creativity. But how to create the perfect video without any error? Video creation may not be your forte, but you still wish to excel in school video projects, right? No worries!

If you have a school video assignment in hand but don’t know where to begin, read below to learn how to create a video project super easy and quick, without any error and fuss. Now, let’s divide your video project into 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Video topic or idea

If you are working on a school assignment, you probably have a video topic given by your teacher or professor. If you are looking for video topic ideas though, find them here .

Step 2: Plan your video assignment

Planning is super important for your videos. This is when you decide how you want to create your video. Consider whether you want to live record your video or create it online using an app or a tool. An online tool like InVideo offers you pre-created templates that might meet your requirements. This is also a super quick and easy way to make your video from scratch. The first thing you need to do is go to InVideo and login or sign up if you wish to use this tool. Next click on the “Pre Made Templates” Option and select the video dimension you want. Finally, type phrases related to your video in the search bar.

You will now see templates related to your search as you scroll below. Simply select the template you want to use and click on the “Use This Template” button to start editing!

If your video idea is to record an event , but you don’t have a DSLR, camcorder or GoPro, use your own smartphone camera for the school project.

Step 3: Prepare a video script

Now that you know how you will record your video, the next step is creating a script for your video. Here’s a step-by-step guide on script writing you can refer to. 

3 questions to ask yourself before you create your script:

- What is the objective of your video? - How long does your video need to be? - Who is the audience that will watch your video?

Step 4: Shoot your video + audio

Once your script is finalized, it’s time to shoot your video. You also need to make sure that you are recording audio to go with your video. Check out this list of equipment and how you can use it to record video and audio. 

Step 5: Edit your video

As mentioned earlier, one of the most effortless ways you can edit your video is using the free, online InVideo editor . This is simple, easy to use, and does not need you to make any downloads. Here’s how you can edit your video on InVideo.

Step 1: Log in to InVideo . Now click on the “Blank Canvas” option and select the dimension of your video. Next, click the “Make A Video” button.

Step 2: Now click on the “Upload Media” button at the left-hand corner of your screen and upload the video you shot.

Step 3: Double click your uploaded video to add it to the timeline. You will now see a pop-up that asks if you wish to trim your video. You can Trim your video or use the full version. Simply click on the “Done” button once you are finished with your trim.

Step 4: You can now use the controls on the right side of the screen to edit your video further.

Step 5: You can apply filters, create transitions between shots for a seamless flow, add subtitles, or insert a logo to give a personal touch to your school video. Just head to the left side of your screen and select the controls you wish to use.

Step 6: Once you are done with your edits, it’s time to download your video. For this click on the “Download & Share” button on the top right. Now click the “Export” video button.

Step 7: Your video will now start to render. You can download it once it’s complete. You can also directly share the video link or share it on social media using the button provided.

Wrapping up

So these were some video project ideas for students and how you can create your own videos on InVideo. If you’ve found value in this article, and are looking for more video ideas, you also want to check out this guide where we’ve put together 200+ video ideas for businesses and brands that you can take further inspiration from. 

For more quick tips and hacks on editing and creating videos, subscribe to our YouTube Channel . 

This post was written by Upasna and edited by Abhilash from Team InVideo

Let’s create superb videos

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• Best Short Film Ideas
• Brainstorm Short Film Ideas
• Social Media for Short Films
• Crowdfunding Movies
• Fiscal Responsibility on a Short
• The Ultimate Film Grants List
• Top Film Festivals

A n unproduced feature script has a .3 percent chance of being made in Hollywood. Short film ideas, on the other hand, can be made for significantly less money, increasing their chances of being produced.

But writing contained short films takes a very specific skill set. With a limited production and narrative scope, knowing how to write a short film starts with carefully curating your ideas.

We also include a helpful downloadable brainstorming cheat-sheet.

Let’s dive into 30 ways to brainstorm short film ideas you can actually produce.

Short Film Ideas

1. start with the ending first.

This doesn’t seem like a how to write a short film tip, so much as a screenwriting lesson in general.

However, brainstorming short film ideas that have their endings baked in up front, will make your shooting script that much leaner. It’ll allow you to only focus on the scenes and sequences needed to achieve your desired ending.

Even if you want to flesh out certain parts later, having a barebones skeleton is great when a producer brings up budget .

Need FREE screenwriting software to write your short film?

StudioBinder has you covered - check out a sample script below:

Sample Screenplay | Made in StudioBinder

Did we mention the software is completely free?

And because StudioBinder is cloud based, you can access your screenplays from any computer anywhere in the world. Manually save or let StudioBinder auto save while you write. Our screenwriting software helps you professionally format along the way, and syncs across all of StudioBinder's features. 

SHORT FILM BRAINSTORM IDEA

2. think about the medium of film.

The best short films (and films in general) always take advantage of the medium.

If you can find a way to write a short film that is deeply dependent on editing techniques, clever sound design, film grammar, and storytelling then you will have something to take to festivals and elsewhere that pleases the viewers.

Christopher Nolan discusses Following

It will also show producers that you can think visually, and create an experience that works well for film as opposed to a novel or even short story.

When you watch a film like Christopher Nolan's Following,  you are entertained by a story that could work as a short story or even a novel, but it's effective as a film because you can track things very easily while still being fooled. 

SHORT STORY IDEAS

3. look in your own backyard.

Whether you’re writing short films, a television pilot, or a feature film, you should always write what you know.

But this is even more applicable when it comes to tempering short film ideas, as you can shoot where you live, work, or if you’re a PA, both.

These are film locations that are easily accessible and cheap to use — or, better yet, free. In either case, you’ll need to use a  film location form template  to fully secure your location.

You’re probably closer than you think to a unique location full of narrative possibilities.

Watch the entire short film, Dig

Look to 2014 Sundance Film Festival selection, Dig, as inspiration for your own short film ideas. Shot entirely in the director’s backyard, it’s a great example of how starting with an easy to access location can yield something truly original.

4. Set your short film on a college campus

Into dystopian sci-fi? Lots of college campuses built in the mid-twentieth century feature cool, brutalist design — ideal short film ideas for college students who want big-budget looks in small-budget packages.

Just make sure you use our  location tech scouting checklist so you don’t forget any signatures.

SCRIPT IDEAS

5. research deserted places.

How about horror? Yes, there are creepy forests and cemeteries all over the country, but there are also abandoned hospitals, warehouses, and zoos. Ask around, make friends in the community, and research permit costs as you brainstorm movie ideas.

This will require some reverse-engineering as you begin to construct short film ideas around physical spaces. But the payoff could be surprisingly fun.

To reach out to a location scout for more short film ideas like this, go to  ProductionBeast , search “Location Scouts,” and immediately you’ll find profiles you can message for advice.

Related Posts

• Essential Tips for Writing Better Movie Dialogue   →
• Free Checklist: The Location Scouting Cheat Sheet   →
• FREE Download: Film Location Release Form Template →

Good Movie Ideas

6. start with the prop.

One of the last steps of writing a short film is creating a script breakdown that details all the props, costumes, and crew needed to make your production come to life. It’s the foundation for your budget, and not a bad place to start when brainstorming short film ideas.

By creating a list of props, characters, and stunts to start, you automatically make your short film script that much more producible.

You can make a script breakdown using our free script breakdown template , or just plug your script into StudioBinder, where you can tag and enter elements that will auto-generate into lists for you.

You can see an example of a script breakdown below:

Script Breakdown | The Pirate Captain of Toledano

A script breakdown will actually help you build a better idea, because it will help you think about the production side of the equation. You will think more about sound design, the amount of extras, costumes, and more. 

SHORT MOVIE IDEAS

7. write about a day in the life.

Take a look inside you, or, more specifically, take a look behind you — at what you did yesterday.

Did you meet someone? Did something happen at work? Was it actually totally boring?

Writing short films is all about economy. There might not be enough for a feature in your day at the coffee shop, but it could be a vehicle for some charming short film topics.

MOVIE IDEAS TO MAKE

8. write about character flaws.

When coming up with your short film ideas, think about characters flaws for your protagonist. This can immediately make your short film interesting.

For example, just look at Miles from  Sideways  who completely embodies pessimism. In mostly every scene from Sideways, you’ll see Miles frustrated with life which is also extremely entertaining to watch.

What if you want to make your main character extremely selfish? Look no further than Mark Zuckerberg from The Social Network . How about a character that doesn’t believe in himself? Take a look at Rocky Balboa or even Luke Skywalker.

How about a character that is power-hungry? Just look at Walter White from  Breaking Bad.

If you want to make a good short film, make your lead character more interesting with character flaws.

Right off the bat, this will make your main character more interesting, especially as a short film.

SILENT FILM IDEAS

9. find an old family story.

And going even farther back, there’s often rich material for short film ideas in your parents’ or grandparents’ histories.

Think about what makes you sit up and pay attention. Or, conversely, what disturbs you or prompts you to ask difficult questions. To quote mythologist and accidental screenplay guru Joseph Campbell: “Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.”

Once you hit on something that resonates personally, test to see if it’s an actual story or just a vignette.

SHORT FILM IDEAS VS. VIGNETTE IDEAS

A vignette is a funny, curious, or even harrowing experience that lacks dramatic tension. A story involves stakes, goals, and forward movement.

There’s usually a central character who wants something and encounters obstacles to that want. It’s not rocket science, and after awhile it becomes easier to recognize the true potential of real-life events for writing short films.

5 Minute Short Film Ideas

10. visualize your short film ideas a storyboard.

Have a great idea for short film sequence in your head? Maybe you shouldn’t ask yourself how to write a short film, but rather how to create a storyboard instead.

Creating a storyboard and building your short film ideas around one sequence can yield not only a great script, but something producible, as you can show your team of creatives exactly what you’re thinking.

You can either do this by hand, or use storyboard software that’ll do the heavy-lifting for you.

Learn how to make a storyboard with StudioBinder

Funny short film ideas, 11. create a moodboard.

A mood board is basically a collage of visual references for a creative project.

It is used to communicate the “look and feel” of your project by showing visual inspirations.  It is most commonly used to visualize a script, but you can use them to brainstorm too.

Use a mood board to make a collage of things that inspire you.  Maybe you love turtles.  Or perhaps there’s an album cover that inspires you.  Find a  free mood board template and insert items that inspire you.  Good ideas will follow.

• Learn How to Make a Storyboard in 9 Steps   →
• Free Mood Board Templates and Top Apps →   
• Free Download: Script Breakdown Sheet Template →

Good Short Films

12. pick a genre, then twist it.

As you brainstorm movie concepts, keep in mind that short film ideas need a strong hook or clever twist to stand out. And twists can cost production anything.

By twist, I don’t necessarily mean a surprise ending (like Fight Club or Shutter Island ). I mean an idea that’s born of combining two classic film genres and subverting the expectations of both.

There are a limited number of genres, of course, but there’s a huge variety of approaches to each — especially if you mix and match them. Starting with a specific category can focus you by filtering everything through the same lens. A thriller gives you the opportunity to use intrigue and suspense; a romantic comedy sets the stage for the inevitable meet-cute.

You get the idea!

SHORT FILM IDEAS FOR BEGINNERS

13. use irony to brainstorm movie ideas.

Play the “what if” game when writing short films and see what happens when you add a character who seems out of place. Or an unpredictable event that throws a wrench in the gears of your story world.

Irony is key here.

It’s the difference between short film ideas people remember and ones they forget the second the movie’s over.

SHORT FILM STORIES

14. get inspired by other mediums.

Books, songs, photography, live performance — art is built on the shoulders of previous art — and writing short films is no exception.

Try visiting a gallery or museum and see if any of the paintings spark short film ideas.

You might discover that the most abstract images provoke the clearest sense of what you want to write in your screenplay.

Poems are great places to find material for shorts; they tend to be brief, and they leave plenty of room for creative interpretation as you brainstorm movie concepts.

SHORT IDEAS

15. find the essence of classic films.

Quentin Tarantino is a master of uncovering lost cinematic treasure and using it as currency for his own scripts.

This should be the easiest homework for short film ideas ever: Watch some classic movies and reduce them to their essence.

Pure imagination

Is there a core principle of that film noir or that Hollywood musical that you could adapt to a ten-minute telling? Or maybe there’s a single moment in that three-hour historical drama that grabbed you, but it wasn’t explored to its potential.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT BEING ORIGINAL (WITH A CAPITAL "O")

New short film ideas are all about putting fresh spins on old ideas. There are only so many plots, after all, but no one else will create the exact same story formula you will.

Short Horror Film Ideas

16. be a news hound.

Current events might not be pleasant, but they do tend to be rife with drama and tension. There are many ways to portray war, injustice, and political strife without hitting the nail too squarely on the head.

Again, narrow your focus to one specific person or one incident. Find the universal theme in the choice someone made, or didn’t make, and draft an outline based on that very simple situation.

Brainstorm movie ideas by scouring news sites  and take a deep-dive into some of the wildest stories of our times.

And don’t let the facts hang you up — the more you invent, the less you’ll have to worry about life rights or copyright issues.

BEST SHORT FILMS

17. rework an old headline.

If today’s news is too overwhelming, do a quick Google search for the headlines of yesteryear.

Limit your investigation to a particular subject or region. The easier it is to contain short film ideas within the limits of space and clock time (a minute, an hour, a day), the easier it’ll be for you to  write a compelling screenplay .

WRITING SHORT FILMS

18. listen to the voices.

When was the last time you were in a cafe and overheard a line too good to be true?

Except, of course, it was true. Stay glued to your notebook and write down those perfect snatches of dialogue. Then generate some character descriptions and see if they lead you to funny short film ideas.

Listen for setting-specific dialogue

Oscar winner Kenneth Lonergan is particularly gifted at catching these accurate snippets of dialogue, especially when it comes to writing exposition in film .

HOW TO WRITE A SHORT FILM

19. freewriting to find short film ideas.

Sometimes if you’re stumped, it helps just to write.  Writing longhand, “Stream of consciousness” style pages will give you unpredictable results.  It is a way of capturing ideas that you didn’t know you had.

Author Julia Cameron calls these  “Morning Pages” because she recommends writing three pages every morning.  The idea here is consistency.  The more you do it, the more ideas will come and the better they’ll be.

HOW TO MAKE A SHORT MOVIE

20. start writing short films, arc first.

Sometimes the form itself can lead to interesting short film ideas. Create a beat sheet with a clear emotional arc.

A tragedy will begin with the hero in a state of happiness or grace and end with an epic fall where he or she loses everything. A classic comedy will reverse this dynamic. Then there’s everything in between — but try focusing on a single trajectory with limited twists and turns.

By knowing where your story has to go, you can then strip away story beats that could inflate your budget. Keep your money organized and accounted for with a  budget template .

SHORT FILM IDEAS FOR STUDENTS

21. brainstorm movie ideas around life events.

Weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays — these are all dramatic events by nature with the added benefit of being limited in scope.

Choose a central character who’s experiencing one of these events and you might be on your way to some perfect short movie ideas.

SHORT FILM SCRIPT IDEAS

22. transcribe the audio from a film you haven't seen.

Thinking outside the box is crucial for catching ideas. Writing something, anything, is better than a blank page.

So, find a film you haven’t watched yet on Netflix or YouTube and find a scene with limited dialogue. Turn away from the TV and write down what you hear. Here's a great clip to practice with.

What story does the audio tell?

Transcribing the sounds can unlock great ideas. At very least it will get you thinking about scene actions and writing them down. For fun, compare what you wrote with the actual scene. It will probably be pretty different but that's OK — what you described might be better!

SHORT STORY IDEA LIST

23. put yourself in the 1st ad's shoes.

This relates to the points about using physical places as inspiration to brainstorm movie concepts.

See how much high-pressure drama you can squeeze out of two or three people trying to escape a contained space (e.g., bathroom, cellar).

Think like a 1st AD

Many 5-minute short film ideas have been triggered by these sorts of forced crisis situations — and they tend to make for inventive editing and cinematography techniques .

Read up on script breakdowns , so you can budget how much your script would cost.

24. Brainstorm movie ideas around life events

Writing short films can be daunting, but a simple algorithm can help shake things up and delete your inner critic.

Try a Mad Libs-style randomizer online to see what comes up. It’s a bit like spinning a roulette wheel, but you might find a useful element or two in the suggestions. It’s the glue you put between ideas that makes your work stand out.

HOW TO MAKE A SHORT FILM

25. go way overboard.

The beauty about coming up with new ideas is that you are only limited by your imagination. Try this exercise when you brainstorm movie ideas: take a regular, boring character and image the most extreme situation they might find themselves in. 

An example of this would be Daniel from Mrs. Doubtfire who starts wearing a nanny’s outfit so that he can spend time with his children, which he otherwise would not have.

Mrs. Doubtfire...get it?!

How to write a script for a short film, 26. ideate with a shot list builder.

Just like storyboards, shot lists are easy ways to visualize your project before you type a single word. Thinking of camera set-ups before you’ve written anything may feel counter-intuitive.

However, you’ll know exactly what you need to accomplish. And what rentals you should pursue. Start sketching out your ideas with this storyboard template .

For example, maybe you just watched an Alejandro González Inarritu film and you noticed really unique camera angles. Why not recreate it?

Build your story with a shot list

In StudioBinder, you can easily  generate a shot list  without having an existing screenplay. Create a new shot list, add shots, and group them however you like. It’ll give your screenplay direction and make finding a DP a breeze with job sites like ProductionBeast .

HOW TO COME UP WITH STORY IDEAS

27. write a logline first.

This seems like a no-brainer for writing short films, or any type of film, but having a great logline can fix most of the problems.

Try making a logline and running it by your inner circle. Because it’s only a sentence, it’s easy to try out a bunch without much hard labor.

SHORT VIDEO IDEAS

28. fish out of water story.

This short film technique has been proven to work for many successful short films and feature films.

For this type of story, take a person out of their normal environment and put them in a radically different one. Their interactions with this new environment create endless comedic opportunities. This example from  Elf could function as a short film on its own.

Elf: a classic "fish-out-of-water" story

Short film topics, 29. analyze a film character.

Sometimes the best short film ideas are the simplest ones that focus on characters instead of extravagant scenarios.

Just take a look at  Pixar's Storytelling Formula which focuses primarily on building compelling characters instead of overly-complicated sequences. Or maybe even developing the most compelling antagonist .

SHORT FILM PROMPTS

30. stop writing short film ideas and get out there.

And connect with production freelancers to see what they’d like to shoot, light, sound mix, and color correct.

You can cut your budget in half, if your crew is working on your short film movie for free. The best way to attract high-quality talent is by creating a project that would be perfect in your crew’s respective reels.

As your list of things to incorporate (an underwater sequence, Steampunk costumes, etc.) increases, your screenplay will be begin to take shape.

Finding crew like this is as easy as searching on Facebook or using dedicated job boards like  ProductionBeast where you can immediately connect with film crew.

Best short films

If you're looking for more inspiration to help you brainstorm movie ideas, why not watch some examples of the best ever? Then you'll be to build your own short films that will win awards and get the attention of producers and executives. We have a list of short films in each genre so there is something for everyone.

Up Next: The best short films →

30 ways to brainstorm short film ideas.

Download the print-friendly short film ideas checklist for FREE.

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25 Creative Video Project Ideas Your Students Will Love

Tell a story, make a newscast, create a vlog, and more!

It’s never been easier for students to create fun and engaging videos to show off their knowledge! We’ve rounded up 25 video project ideas for your students to try. You’re going to love the results!

General Video Projects

Language arts video projects, stem and social studies video projects, school community video projects.

Use these video project ideas for any subject or grade. They’re easy to personalize and a lot more fun than writing a paper every time.

Student Portfolio

Student portfolios offer a chance to document learning and growth throughout the school year. Use the easy template to help kids create and customize their own video portfolios in a snap.

Student Vlog

Keeping a journal offers students a way to record and reflect on their thoughts and experiences. An online version is called a blog, while a video version is known as a vlog. Encourage students to record new videos on a regular basis as they document their experiences throughout the school year.

Here’s another fun video option that works for so many subjects. Students can create a broadcast for a historical event, to document the events in a book, or to report on a scientific discovery. Or have kids make up their own news stories for a creative twist.

Learning Reflections

True understanding means taking time to reflect on what they’re learning. Instead of just reciting dates, ask kids to reflect on how historical events make them feel, or relate history to current events going on around them now. Don’t just read a book—go deeper to make emotional connections. Videos allow students to talk through their reflections, something that’s easier for many kids than writing.

Scavenger Hunt

This is such a fun way to learn to use video-editing programs! Students complete the actions on a checklist, like showcasing their bedroom, introducing their pet, or fixing their favorite snack. Then, they use video editing to add a little flash before sharing it with the class. Find the checklist here.

Research Project

Instead of writing a paper, ask students to make a video of their research project. This way, they can share not only what they learned but how they learned it. Easily incorporate media, interviews, music, and more, and then share their projects in an online portfolio for everyone to see.

Give new life to book reports, write and film stories, create a commercial, and more with these language arts video project ideas!

Book Report

Forget ordinary reports— this template will help kids make engaging videos that show off their knowledge instead!

Creative Commercial

Crafting their own commercial is a really terrific way for students to practice persuasive writing. They can choose an existing product or start by inventing a brand-new “must-have” item for their project.

Book Review

This is another clever spin on ordinary book reports, presented in the form of a book review. Have each student choose a book to read and review. Remember, it’s OK if they don’t wind up liking the book! The important thing is to read, summarize, and then share their thoughts in a video.

Vocab Station

Make short videos to help others learn new vocab terms, in English or in foreign languages. It’s much easier to remember that  la naranja means “orange” when you see someone peeling a piece of fruit as they speak it for you. And it can be a lot of fun coming up with creative ways to demonstrate tricky words like “ephemeral” or “procrastinate.”

Read-alouds are fun for little kids to watch, but they’re even more fun for older students to create! Have students choose a beloved picture book, then use this template to create a read-aloud video. ( Check out some of our favorites for inspiration. )

How-To Video

Giving clear and concise instructions is a key life skill, but it takes some practice. Ask students to make instructional videos on any topic they like, being sure to include enough detail that someone watching would be able to copy their method and receive similar results. It’s harder than they think!

Green Screen Story

Green screen effects allow students to put themselves into any background they like. Once they’ve mastered the green screen, challenge them to use it to film a story or play they’ve written. It’s creative writing brought to life!

Evoking Emotion

Sounds, photos, and music are all capable of evoking emotion, though not everyone reacts the same in all cases. Assign students an emotion, then ask them to use various forms of media to try to evoke that emotion in the viewer. Encourage them to focus on image and sound rather than words.

Show off their love of science, technology, engineering, and math with these clever video ideas for all ages!

Scientific Method

Understanding and putting the scientific method into practice is a key part of hands-on science activities. Have kids record a video to sum up their project, demonstrating each step of the method along the way.

Real-Life Math

Kids love to ask, “But when are we gonna use this in real life?” In this video exploration, they’ll find out. Students come up with a real-world math situation, then show it in practice. You can use this concept with all sorts of math topics. Think money and decimals, figuring area, calculating taxes, and so much more.

Stop-Motion Science

Use stop-motion videos to explain scientific processes, with simple animations recorded one frame at a time. This technique can add a cool touch to science project videos.

Show Your Work

Encourage your students to make their thinking visible by screencasting as they work their way through a math or science problem. Watching other kids work through a process can help all students better understand the topic.

Virtual Field Trip

Travel the world without leaving home by creating a virtual field trip video using Google Earth. Insert photos, street views, music, and more to make a geography lesson into a real adventure.

A Day in the Life

Turn a history report into a personalized experience by asking kids to film “A Day in the Life” of their subject. It could be an Egyptian pharaoh, Napoleon Bonaparte, or Aztecs living in Mexico before the Europeans arrived. This is one of those video project ideas that works for any place and time.

Use these ideas to get the word out about exciting happenings, on campus and off!

Morning Announcements

Morning announcements have come a long way since the days of scratchy PA snippets full of feedback. It’s easy to put together beautiful and engaging video announcements using this template instead.

Getting To Know You

Introduce a new teacher, celebrate a student of the month, or learn more about school support staff by making a Q&A video. This template provides examples of questions to ask, making the interview process easy and fun.

Event Promo

Build excitement for the upcoming talent show, fundraiser, or pep rally with an event promo. These are perfect for sharing on social media for the whole community to see! Get the template here.

Public Service Announcement

Tackle important topics like recycling, safety, health, and more by making PSAs. Students are more likely to listen to their peers than to yet another adult “telling them what to do.” Create a list of possible topics, or ask them to brainstorm issues that are important school-wide.

Morning Meeting

Lots of schools have replaced homeroom with morning meetings. Asking kids to lead these meetings can provide valuable learning opportunities, but it’s really hard for some students to speak up in front of others. Let them lead a morning meeting via video instead, using this simple template .

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100+ Prompts for Short Film Ideas

Get back to work with these helpful ideas..

'Bao'

Embarking on a cinematic journey doesn't require a Hollywood budget or a star-studded cast. Sometimes, all it takes is a spark of imagination and a camera to capture the unfolding story.

With themes that traverse alternate realities, uncharted futures, and untold histories, every prompt is a potential masterpiece in the making.

Let's explore the potential of short film ideas.

• A street artist discovers their graffiti comes to life at sundown.
• In a quiet town, every household receives a mysterious, unmarked package on the same day.
• A lonely inventor creates a robot companion that learns emotions too well.
• A young linguist discovers a hidden language that can control the elements.
• A couple discovers a strange board game that alters reality with each move.
• A retired detective receives an anonymous letter each year on the anniversary of an unsolved case.
• A person discovers they are a character in a video game and starts noticing the glitches.
• A world where every person's lifespan is visible as a countdown above their head.
• A couple learns that the city they live in is a giant experimental labyrinth.
• A man finds a door in his basement that leads to an exact replica of his house, but with different inhabitants.
• A girl develops the power to jump into books and interact with the stories.
• A struggling musician plays a tune that sets off a series of inexplicable events.
• A world where everyone can only speak in questions, except for one person who can only tell lies.
• A photographer discovers their latest set of prints contain images of another world.
• A world where people age backwards, and one child's quest to find out why.
• A person stumbles upon a conspiracy that the aurora borealis is a gateway to another dimension.
• A young coder builds a sentient program, and they work together to navigate the digital world.
• A society where people can take a pill to forget their bad memories, but with unforeseen consequences.
• A person wakes up with a new tattoo that guides them to their soulmate.
• A story about the last tree on Earth and the people fighting to protect it.
• A small-town reporter discovers an underground movement to restore magic to the world.
• A hidden world is found inside a deep sea trench, complete with its own civilization.
• A scavenger hunt where each clue leads to a different historical era.
• A baker in a small town discovers their desserts make people relive their happiest memory.
• A world where everyone's dreams are projected in public spaces as communal art.
• A man can make people relive their most painful memory by shaking their hand.
• A group of friends find a board game that controls the real world.
• A society where every adult must pass a comprehensive test to earn the right to have children.
• An old lighthouse keeper discovers the light is a beacon for interdimensional ships.
• A world where everyone is born with the knowledge of their death date.
• A teen discovers they can step into mirrors and travel to other people’s reflections.
• A shy librarian finds out her library is a meeting point for fictional characters.
• A reality show where participants live as if they're in different historical periods, but it's actually real.
• A city where all advertising is banned and the effects it has on the population.
• A person finds out they can switch between parallel universes but loses a memory each time.
• A therapist starts using a mysterious drug that allows them to enter their client's dreams.
• A world where sleep is unnecessary, and the impact that has on society.
• A pair of glasses that allows the wearer to see everyone's past lives.
• A reality where people can exchange senses with each other.
• A story of a secret underground network of libraries that hold the world's forbidden knowledge.
• A man wakes up to find that he is the only person with a shadow.
• A group of strangers are trapped in an elevator, only to realize they are part of a larger experiment.
• A woman can bring statues to life and learns about history from them.
• A world where every person is born with a unique song that defines their life.
• A society where people are assigned jobs based on their zodiac signs.
• A town where every full moon, people swap lives with someone randomly.
• A space colony is cut off from Earth and must evolve its own rules and society.
• A teacher finds an old scroll that teaches lost skills and ancient wisdom.
• A reality where every person has a doppelgänger living in an alternate dimension.
• A world where people can see 30 seconds into the future, but only when in danger.
• A musician's melody heals anyone who listens, leading to fame and moral dilemmas.
• An ancient tree is found to record human history in its rings, revealing untold stories.
• A man starts receiving pieces of a strange map in the mail, leading to a cosmic puzzle.
• In a world without color, a child is born with the ability to see the full spectrum.
• A world-renowned chef can cook meals that allow diners to relive specific memories.
• A person finds an old journal that predicts the future but realizes some events can be changed.
• A lonely astronaut on a space station starts receiving mysterious messages.
• Two strangers share their secrets during a city blackout, only to realize they know each other.
• An ancient book in a small town library grants wishes, but at a cost.
• A group of kids creates a secret society in their neighborhood and stumbles upon an old mystery.
• A musician realizes their songs affect the emotions of anyone who listens.
• A time traveler accidentally changes a small event with huge consequences and tries to fix it.
• A gardener discovers a portal to a parallel universe in an old potting shed.
• A family heirloom carries memories of ancestors, witnessed by touching it.
• A detective with the ability to communicate with birds solves crimes in a unique way.
• A virtual reality game becomes a little too real for a group of friends.
• On a distant planet, a botanist discovers a plant that has properties of animal life.
• A reality where dreams are a communal experience, shared with the whole world every night.
• A ghost trying to communicate with the new tenants to prevent a tragedy repeats itself.
• A young genius invents a device to hear what plants are saying.
• An introvert finds a mysterious radio that broadcasts conversations from alternate realities.
• A second moon suddenly appears in the sky, altering tides and human behavior.
• A writer's fictional characters start appearing in real life and only they can see them.
• A world where children are born with tattoos that determine their destiny.
• A small town’s inhabitants wake up to find they are the only people left on Earth.
• A painter realizes their paintings predict the future but alter it at the same time.
• A world where shadows have a life of their own, separate from their owners.
• A social media influencer wakes up one day to find they are completely invisible.
• A mysterious fog rolls into a seaside town, leaving the inhabitants to fend off creatures within.
• A person develops the ability to teleport, but only to places they've seen in photographs.
• An explorer finds a lost civilization that exists out of time.
• A person can switch lives with anyone they make eye contact with for 24 hours.
• An app developer creates a program that can predict the user’s future based on their data.
• A child’s imaginary friend turns out to be a ghost from the past seeking closure.
• A scientist creates a serum that allows them to experience life as any creature they choose.
• A couple moves into a home where they live the same day over and over again.
• A small village is protected by a creature that demands a strange yearly sacrifice.
• A world where every person can hear everyone else's thoughts.
• A young witch comes of age and has to choose between good and evil.
• An old camera takes pictures of what happened at that spot 24 hours in the future.
• A retired superhero is forced back into action when their grandchild discovers their secret.
• A person wakes up with a different superpower every day.
• An underground society lives beneath a city, unbeknownst to the people above.
• A person can bring drawings to life, but they can't control them.
• A series of letters lead a young girl to an adventure beyond her imagination.
• A man can communicate with machines and starts a tech revolution.
• A world where lying is physically impossible.
• A stranded alien befriends a reclusive artist to help it get home.
• A mirror reflects an alternate version of the viewer, leading to an existential dialogue.
• A world where art is the currency and artists are the most powerful figures.
• A man discovers his life is a story being written by an author in another dimension.
• A person finds out they can control the weather with their emotions.
• A society where everyone must wear elaborate masks that reveal their true selves.
• A woman inherits an old theater that shows films of people’s earliest memories.
• A couple discovers a map inside a vintage suitcase leading to a surreal journey.
• A group of elderly people at a retirement home start a detective agency.
• A magical library where each book lets you live out the story inside.
• A person wakes up in a world where they are the last human and nature has reclaimed cities.
• An app allows people to outsource their emotions, but at a personal cost.
• A man receives a postcard from his future self warning of an impending crisis.
• A tour guide at a museum realizes the exhibits come alive at night.
• A student accidentally discovers a method for time travel in old textbooks.
• A society where memories can be transferred like data, leading to a black market of experiences.
• On a planet where nights last for years, one town never sees the sun, and the arrival of daylight reveals a hidden truth.
• A character can travel through different dimensions by opening doors, but each comes with its own risks.
• A man discovers that he can exchange his life span for wishes and grapples with the choices.
• A girl with the power to become invisible learns about the unseen parts of the world.
• A society where people are judged and defined by their handwriting style.
• A town experiences the same day repeatedly, but only one person is aware of the loop.
• A historic pact between humans and dragons is threatened when a young dragon is taken.
• How You Can Make a Poetic Short Film, from Idea to Actually Doing It ›
• The Nightmares and Miracles of My Super 8mm Short Film ›
• 9 Quick Tips for Coming Up with Great Short Film Ideas ›
• Action Movie Prompt ›
• What are some short film ideas that you have? - Quora ›
• 69+ 3-Minute Short Film Ideas ›
• Short film ideas : r/Filmmakers ›

How to Cure Writer's Block

Writer's block is real. don't let that stop you from writing your best pages today..

It’s safe to say that we’ve all had writer’s block from time to time. In fact, it feels like when I’m not writing, I’m googling “cure for writer’s block” or “how to get rid of writer’s block?” We all know the best kind of screenplay is a finished one. But finishing is an uphill climb. Especially with so many distractions available.

Why not learn how to cure writer's block together?

I’m going to take you through the five steps I often use to overcome writer’s block. Consider this some rehab for your soul.

Let’s do this!

What is Writer’s Block?

To diagnose the problem, we have to first get the definition. For me, writer’s block occurs when I’m sitting in front of the page and I have the inability to move the story forward. I often confuse writer’s block with procrastination, but they aren’t the same. Sometimes procrastination can lead to writer’s block, or be a symptom of it, but they’re not interchangeable.

When I’m blocked, I can’t think of any idea that matters to the story. I also start freaking out if I have a deadline. That’s why it’s become so important to me to cure my writer’s block.

What Causes Writer’s Block?

There are three main factors when it comes to writer’s block. Fear, lack of preparation, and doubt.

A lot of writer’s fear what’s going on the page. We put too much of an emphasis on getting things perfect, that we don’t take joy in the craft anymore. That can plug up our creative juices

#2: LACK OF PREPARATION

I find that a great treatment or outline also helps me overcome a ton of writer’s block. If I feel prepared when I sit down to write, then the ideas flow. Still, there’s nothing like some good ole’ self doubt to ruin the process.

The idea of imposter syndrome is real. Since Hollywood seems so intangible to people, a lot of times I feel myself asking if I really belong. If I should even be putting these hours into what’s going on the page. Ultimately, I know I have to quiet those demons by putting my best work on the page. That’s why overcoming writer’s block is so important.

So let’s learn how!

One way I’ve learned how to get rid of writer’s block is to just open something new. Some of the best screenplays I’ve written are a result of not being able to move forward on another idea.

Writer's block can be frustrating, but it's a common experience for writers of all levels. Here are some strategies that can help you overcome it:

1. Start Something New

If you’re like me, actually finding time to work on your own ideas can be scarce. That makes overcoming writer’s block even more important. One way I’ve learned how to get rid of writer’s block is to just open something new. Some of the best screenplays I’ve written are a result of not being able to move forward on another idea.

I like to open that new doc and just noodle. Come up with characters, situations, and see where they take me. This free writing helps me get the clutter out of my head and experiment without consequences. I’ll even open old ideas and embark on rewriting them too, anything to help me flex my muscle and get into my rhythm.

But what if this is your first screenplay? Or you’re too burnt out from looking at a screen?

2. Get Outside

I mean “get outside” in two different ways. First, get outside your own head. A lot of times I put way too much pressure on an individual project. I make the spec in front of me the only way I can kick down a door. I think it’s my ticket to meeting Spielberg and a general meeting with Kathleen Kennedy. That’s a pretty foolish way to approach writing, and the cause of a lot of writer’s block.

Instead of creating these insane obstacles, think about why you wanted to pursue this idea in particular? What do you have to say to the world? Why should they listen?

Secondarily, you should actually GET OUTSIDE. Take a walk, ride a bike, do your laundry, etc. Sometimes the best way to get rid of writer’s block is just to live. Your brain will take care of latent thoughts, and lots of times, I’ll be at the laundromat and discover my story is actually a western, or the second act needs another set piece , or that I should kill off a ton of characters and start over.

Creativity is draining. Rest your body and your mind. The ideas will flow.

There’s no screenwriting law that says you have to work in order.

3. Push Forward

Let’s say you’re stuck on page 25 and have no idea what scene should lead into the next act. Instead of trying to tackle that all at once, jump ahead. Write what you think will be the last few pages of the story. Write the meat of the third act. There’s no screenwriting law that says you have to work in order.

I was recently so stuck in this big feature. I was juggling multiple viewpoints, action scenes, and character motivations, and I was so freaking lost. And I was under a deadline. And I had writer’s block.

To get rid of my writer’s block, I decided to write the movie in reverse. I started with the final scene, which was a tag on the end of the movie. I wrote that first and made it my goal to get to those pages. I then backed up and started at what I thought was the beginning of the third act. Since it opened with a set piece, I knew that was more technical writing and could be done regardless of context.

As I worked backward, my mind freed up. After a few days, I was back moving forward. Instead of losing pages and days, I gained scenes I knew had to be there and worked out the filler as time went on.

I think most writers would agree that putting something on the paper every day matters to your development.

Writer’s block can make that goal scary, but you can get rid of it if you’re willing to write around the hurdles.

When I NEED to write, I try to find a coffee shop without wifi and I really dig in. I turn off my phone, shut off my internet, and I get rid of writer’s block by just working.

4. Procrastinate

I’m telling you to procrastinate, and I know you’re out there screaming BS, but listen to me for a beat. Procrastination can be productive. When I procrastinate writing, I often find myself concentrating all my knowledge on the mundane. I’ll fold clothes, give my dog a bath, or binge-watch Friends again. These tasks wind up helping me relax and sometimes help me gain a new perspective or idea.

Like when I was binging New Girl and got an idea about crazy people you meet on dates and cranked out a pilot that’s now in development, or the time I decided I would make a six-layer cake instead of finishing a web series and wound up being able to use a story of dropping the dozen eggs I purchased in a pitch the next day.

The best writer’s glean what they can from their own lives. Certainly, you shouldn’t let procrastination takeover, but sometimes it’s better to lean in and reap the benefits than to fight it and wear yourself out. Plus, imagine surprising your roommates or family with a six-layer cake.

Some of my biggest issues are writing in close proximity to my bed, always searching for the best music on iTunes or answering text messages.

5. Eliminate Distractions

We live in the 21st century, surrounded by technology. My phone buzzes about tweets. My iTunes has access to every song and my TV is always calling my name. When I NEED to write, I try to find a coffee shop without wifi and I really dig in. I turn off my phone, shut off my internet, and I get rid of writer’s block by just working.

One of my friends even has a writing login on his laptop with parental restrictions keeping him off the internet and Messenger. It’s kind of genius. Only you know what triggers your worst distractions. Some of my biggest issues are writing in close proximity to my bed, always searching for the best music on iTunes or answering text messages. I even will use my dog as the ultimate distraction at times.

Consider booking yourself a writer’s retreat. Get away to a cabin or cheap motel. Be comfortable being alone and getting the writer’s block rehab you need.

Summing It All Up

As a professional writer, writer’s block comes with all aspects of the job. Whether it’s live TV, screenwriting, or copywriting, I’m always confronting and overcoming writer’s block.

The key is diagnosing what works for you and creating a routine. When writer’s block rears its ugly head, I know how to combat it and, hopefully, now so do you.

If you have an inspiring way you overcome writer’s block, leave it in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what works for you.

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Step-by-Step Filmmaking Lesson Plans for Creative Classrooms

Welcome media class teachers! Are you looking for step-by-step lesson plans to inspire creativity and engage your students in the art of filmmaking? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of developing comprehensive filmmaking lessons that will captivate your students’ imaginations and help them develop valuable skills. Whether you are a seasoned educator or new to the world of filmmaking, this resource is designed to provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to create a dynamic and engaging classroom experience.

Understanding the Basics of Filmmaking

Before diving into the world of filmmaking, it is important to understand the fundamentals. A strong foundation in the basics will enable your students to approach their filmmaking projects with confidence and creativity.

Filmmaking is a powerful medium that allows individuals to tell stories, express emotions, and convey messages in a visually captivating way. Whether it’s a short film, a documentary, or a full-length feature, the art of filmmaking requires a combination of technical skills, creative vision, and storytelling prowess.

One of the most crucial aspects of filmmaking is storytelling . Every great film begins with a compelling story. By teaching your students the importance of storytelling in film, you will help them develop their ability to create narratives that resonate with audiences. Encourage them to explore different genres and techniques, and discuss how storytelling elements such as character development, plot structure, and conflict can contribute to the overall impact of a film.

Another key element of film production is understanding the technical aspects of the craft. This includes camera angles, lighting techniques, sound design, and editing. Each of these elements plays a vital role in enhancing the visual and auditory experience of a film.

Camera angles, for example, can be used to create different perspectives and evoke specific emotions in the audience. Whether it’s a low-angle shot to make a character appear powerful or a high-angle shot to convey vulnerability, understanding how camera angles work can greatly enhance the storytelling process.

Lighting techniques are also crucial in setting the mood and tone of a film. By manipulating light and shadows, filmmakers can create a sense of drama, mystery, or even romance. Different lighting setups, such as three-point lighting or chiaroscuro lighting, can be used to achieve different effects and enhance the overall visual aesthetic.

Sound design is another important aspect of film production . It involves creating and manipulating audio elements such as dialogue, music, and sound effects to enhance the storytelling experience. Sound can evoke emotions, create tension, and immerse the audience in the world of the film. By teaching your students the art of sound design, you will empower them to create a more immersive and engaging cinematic experience.

Lastly, editing is the process of selecting and arranging footage to create a cohesive and impactful story. It involves cutting, sequencing, and manipulating shots to create a desired narrative flow. Through editing, filmmakers have the power to control the pacing, rhythm , and overall structure of a film.

By providing hands-on opportunities for your students to experiment with these elements, they will gain a deeper understanding of how each aspect contributes to the overall visual and auditory experience of a film. Encourage them to collaborate, brainstorm ideas, and explore their creativity. Filmmaking is a collaborative art form, and by working together, your students can create something truly remarkable.

Developing a Comprehensive Lesson Plan

Now that your students have a solid grasp of the basics, it’s time to develop a comprehensive lesson plan that will guide them through the filmmaking process from start to finish.

Setting Learning Objectives

Before diving into the technical aspects of filmmaking, take a step back and consider the learning objectives you want to achieve with your students. Do you want them to develop their storytelling skills? Improve their technical proficiency? Or perhaps learn to work collaboratively as a team? Clarifying your objectives will help you structure your lessons and assessments effectively.

Structuring Your Filmmaking Lessons

When structuring your filmmaking lessons, consider breaking them down into manageable chunks that allow students to develop their skills gradually. Start with smaller projects, such as creating short scenes or trailers, and gradually build up to more complex assignments, such as producing a short film from start to finish. Encourage students to reflect on their work and provide constructive feedback to one another, fostering a supportive and creative classroom environment.

Incorporating Creativity into the Classroom

One of the great joys of filmmaking is the opportunity for students to express their creativity. By incorporating activities and projects that encourage creative thinking, you can inspire your students to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

Encouraging Student Collaboration

Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and fostering collaboration within your classroom is essential. Assign group projects that require students to work together, assigning different roles such as director, cinematographer, writer, and editor. By experiencing the diverse aspects of film production, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the various roles involved in bringing a film to life.

Promoting Creative Thinking through Filmmaking

Encourage your students to experiment with different filmmaking techniques and styles, pushing the boundaries of their creativity. Provide them with opportunities to explore different genres, experiment with visual effects, or even incorporate elements of animation into their films. By giving them the freedom to explore and make their own creative choices, you will empower them to develop their unique artistic voices.

Practical Filmmaking Exercises for Students

Now that your students have a solid understanding of filmmaking theory and have had the chance to explore their creative side, it’s time for them to get hands-on with practical exercises that will improve their technical skills and analytical thinking.

Hands-On Activities for Learning Filmmaking Techniques

Incorporate hands-on activities into your lessons that allow students to practice specific filmmaking techniques. For example, you can assign them tasks such as capturing different camera angles or experimenting with lighting setups to create different moods. These activities will not only improve their technical proficiency but also provide them with a deeper understanding of the impact these techniques have on the overall storytelling process.

Assignments to Foster Film Analysis Skills

To sharpen your students’ film analysis skills, assign them projects that require them to critically analyze and interpret films. This can include tasks such as writing film reviews, analyzing scenes for their visual and storytelling techniques, or even creating shot lists based on specific films. By encouraging analytical thinking, you will help your students develop a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

Evaluating Student Progress and Providing Feedback

As an educator, it is crucial to assess your students’ progress and provide constructive feedback that will help them grow as filmmakers. Here are some strategies to consider.

Assessing Student Films

When evaluating your students’ films, consider the learning objectives you initially set. Assess their storytelling abilities, technical proficiency, and creativity. Provide them with specific feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement, encouraging them to reflect on their work and apply what they’ve learned to future projects.

Constructive Criticism and Encouragement in Filmmaking Education

In addition to providing constructive feedback, ensure that you create a positive and encouraging environment in your classroom. Filmmaking can be challenging, and students may face setbacks along the way. By offering support and encouragement, you will instill confidence in your students and empower them to continue pushing their creative boundaries.

By following these step-by-step filmmaking lesson plans, you will create a dynamic and engaging classroom experience that ignites your students’ passion for filmmaking. Remember, teaching filmmaking is not just about teaching the technical aspects but also fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. With the right lesson plans and a supportive learning environment, you will inspire the next generation of talented filmmakers. So go ahead, lights, camera, action!

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Short Film Ideas: 127 Creative Plots, Concepts, and Stories for Your Next Short Movie

Lights, camera…blank. You eagerly sit down to write your next masterpiece short film only to find yourself staring at a cursor blinking mockingly on a blank page. How do you even begin to dream up that perfect premise to showcase your cinematic skills?

In this extensive guide, you’ll discover 127 short film ideas spanning a spectrum of genres to ignite your creativity. With compelling concepts for comedies , dramas , surrealist experiments , and more, you’re sure to find inspiring premises to kickstart your next cinematic work of art.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Coming up with a great idea is often the hardest part of making a short film . You want a concept that’s creative yet doable given your resources and constraints. Finding that perfect premise can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

But great short film ideas are all around you — observe the world closely and you’ll find endless inspiration. Life’s everyday moments, interesting characters, and unique locations can spark fascinating stories.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover 127 short film ideas across a range of genres and styles. You’ll find thought-provoking dramas, funny comedies, found footage concepts, simple premises for beginners, and much more. Use these ideas as a launching pad to ignite your creativity and develop a compelling short film.

14 Dramatic Short Film Ideas

Dramatic shorts pack powerful punches by exploring emotional themes and high-stakes situations. Here are 14 intense, moving premises for your next dramatic short:

16 Funny Short Film Ideas

Laughter is powerful medicine — craft a funny short to delight audiences. Here are 16 humorous premises:

10 Found Footage Short Film Ideas

The “ found footage ” style gives shorts a raw, realistic vibe. Try these 10 concepts:

11 Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Short Film Ideas

12 unique character-driven short film ideas.

Compelling characters are at the core of great shorts. Consider these 12 fascinating protagonists:

15 Music-Related Short Film Ideas

10 coming-of-age short film ideas.

Explore those pivotal adolescent milestones with these 10 teen movie premises:

9 Simple Short Film Ideas for Beginners

Keep it straightforward with these 9 concepts well-suited for first-time filmmakers:

8 Surreal Short Film Ideas

Bend reality with these 8 surreal concepts:

7 Experimental Short Film Ideas

Get creative and avant-garde with formats using these 7 experimental concepts:

8 Absurdist Comedy Short Film Ideas

7 dark comedy short film ideas.

With a standout idea as your north star, you’re ready to bring your short film vision to life. Action!

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Movie Ideas: 149 Inspiring Concepts for Your Next Film Project

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on October 13, 2023

Categories Creativity , Filmmaking , Storytelling

Coming up with movie ideas is an exciting process that sparks creativity and imagination in filmmakers. It involves diving deep into various genres, exploring interesting characters, and crafting compelling storylines that resonate with audiences. As you begin your journey towards developing movie ideas, remember that inspiration can be found in numerous places ranging from personal experiences to current events.

One significant aspect of generating movie ideas is understanding the power of creativity. This involves brainstorming, experimentation, and being open to new perspectives. Enhancing your screenwriting skills and integrating effective cinematic techniques can greatly contribute to the success of your future film projects. In addition, carefully choosing relatable characters and protagonists can help your story come to life and truly captivate viewers.

Key Takeaways

• Generating movie ideas involves exploring various genres and finding inspiration from different sources.
• Embracing the power of creativity, enhancing screenwriting skills, and utilizing cinematic techniques contribute to successful film projects.
• Choosing relatable characters and protagonists is essential for crafting a compelling story that resonates with audiences.

149 Movie Ideas

Here are 150 random movie ideas:

• A comedy about a group of friends on a road trip across the country.
• A sci-fi thriller about a spaceship crew encountering an alien life form.
• A romantic drama about two star-crossed lovers separated by social status.
• An action movie about a wrongly accused man seeking revenge on those who framed him.
• A historical drama about the women’s suffrage movement in the early 20th century.
• A family film about a single dad raising his three daughters after his wife passes away.
• A fantasy adventure about a young wizard embarking on a quest to defeat an evil sorcerer.
• A psychological thriller about a woman trying to uncover lost memories from her childhood.
• A crime drama about two detectives trying to catch an elusive serial killer.
• A musical about an aspiring singer in 1950s New York City.
• A sports film about an underdog high school basketball team going for the state championship.
• A horror movie about a group of teens terrorized by an escaped mental patient.
• An animated film about zoo animals coming to life at night.
• A mystery about an eccentric detective solving crimes in Victorian England.
• A superhero movie about a powerful warrior defending Earth from an alien invasion.
• A workplace comedy about employees at a dysfunctional startup company.
• A heist film about expert thieves planning an elaborate casino robbery.
• A coming-of-age drama about three friends during their last summer before college.
• A satirical take on politics in Washington D.C.
• A biopic about the early life of a famous musician or artist.
• A screwball comedy about a case of mistaken identity.
• A dystopian sci-fi about a future society where emotions are outlawed.
• A romantic comedy about two people who can’t stand each other but end up falling in love.
• A documentary about poverty and homelessness in America.
• An epic war film spotlighting an important battle.
• A slasher horror about a murderer stalking sorority girls on a college campus.
• A fantasy movie about elves, dwarves and other magical creatures.
• A spy thriller about a CIA agent going undercover in a terrorist organization.
• A drama about the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors in a hospital.
• A western about an outlaw gang robbing banks and trains in the Old West.
• A film noir styled mystery full of femme fatales and double-crosses.
• A movie about a dysfunctional family reuniting over the holidays.
• An indie comedy about twenty-somethings navigating adulthood in Brooklyn.
• A sci-fi movie where aliens give humans advanced technology.
• A crime film about the Irish mob in 1950s Boston.
• A romantic movie about two strangers who meet and fall in love in Paris.
• A psychological thriller about a therapist obsessed with one of his patients.
• An animated adventure about zoo animals trying to escape and get back to the wild.
• A legal drama about an idealistic lawyer taking on corporate corruption.
• A historical epic chronicling the rise of Alexander the Great’s empire.
• A parody movie satirizing superhero and blockbuster films.
• A tearjerker drama about a family hit by tragedy and loss.
• A fantasy saga in an imaginative new world filled with magic and mythical creatures.
• A fish-out-of-water comedy about a rich businessman trading places with a poor worker.
• A sci-fi horror flick about a virus turning people into zombies.
• A heist comedy about inept thieves trying to pull off an intricate robbery.
• A drama about the women mathematicians who worked at NASA during the space race.
• An artsy foreign film about a passionate love triangle.
• A mystery thriller about a small town murder that exposes the dark underbelly of suburbia.
• A movie about a globe-trotting chef sampling cuisines around the world.
• A quirky coming-of-age indie about teenage outsiders.
• A survival film about a man stranded alone in the wilderness.
• A period piece exposing the gritty underworld of 19th century London.
• A inspirational sports drama about an underprivileged youth team.
• A horror satire poking fun at classic monster movie tropes.
• A sci-fi fantasy adventure set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic wasteland.
• A comic book flick featuring a lesser-known Marvel/DC character.
• A mockumentary spoofing reality TV shows and modern celebrity culture.
• A feel-good musical with original songs and spectacular dance numbers.
• A slice-of-life dramedy about regular people and everyday life.
• A crime caper centering around an elaborate casino heist.
• A dark psychological thriller exploring the mind of a serial killer.
• An epic period war film recounting a famous historical battle.
• An animated family comedy about talking animals on a farm.
• A biopic spotlighting the tumultuous life of a famous musician or artist.
• A tense disaster movie about people surviving the eruption of a supervolcano.
• A deep philosophical sci-fi flick pondering humanity’s place in the universe.
• A silly buddy comedy about two mismatched friends on a road trip together.
• A gritty crime drama about 1930s mobsters battling for power in a city.
• A poignant romance between two star-crossed lovers kept apart by circumstance.
• A light feel-good movie about a big family reunion holiday gathering.
• A beach rom-com about a summer fling between two tourists in Hawaii.
• A found footage horror movie about a doomed expedition into a dark forest.
• A directorial passion project film realized as an ambitious auteur vision.
• A stoner comedy featuring two friends getting into shenanigans while high.
• A documentary investigating allegations of corruption in big business.
• A charming animated film featuring a menagerie of singing and dancing animals.
• A steamy erotic thriller full of forbidden passion and deception.
• A slapstick comedy with outrageous physical humor and over-the-top sight gags.
• A fascinating art house character study providing a window into one person’s soul.
• A campy B-movie homage replicating kitschy sci-fi and horror flicks of the 1950s.
• A Culinary travelogue following a chef journeying to exotic locales around the globe.
• A feel-good sports underdog story about triumphing despite the odds.
• A holiday family film bringing laughter, heartwarming moments and life lessons.
• A witty romantic comedy of errors featuring mistaken identities and humorous misunderstandings.
• A sweeping historical epic dramatizing a key moment in a nation’s past.
• A poignant coming-of-age indie about teenagers in a dead-end small town.
• A tense courtroom drama focused on an explosive trial’s twists and turns.
• A visually creative animated film set in a beautifully imagined fantasy realm.
• A chilling psychological horror story blurring the line between reality and nightmare.
• An inspiring biopic illuminating the early life of a groundbreaking pioneer or innovator.
• A quirky Wes Anderson-esque dramedy about family dysfunction and growth.
• A nostalgic 1980s period piece capturing the mood and pop culture of the decade.
• An issue-driven drama tackling a pressing social or political controversy.
• An experimental avant-garde film using unique cinematic language and techniques.
• A gripping crime thriller filled with complex conspiracies and betrayals.
• A goofy buddy cop action comedy teaming up mismatched police partners.
• A fascinating music documentary spotlighting the career of a legendary band.
• A stylish spy film set in exotic international locales across the globe.
• An effects-heavy sci-fi blockbuster sporting big action set pieces.
• A melancholy art house romance presenting love in an unconventional light.
• An absurd stoner comedy featuring bumbling characters getting into outlandish antics.
• A sensory cinematic experience meant to immerse the audience through sight and sound.
• A heartfelt family drama exploring the joys and challenges of parenthood.
• A spooky paranormal horror story based around ghosts, psychic powers or the occult.
• A lush costume period piece bringing a bygone era vividly to life.
• An uplifting faith-based film imparting inspirational Christian messages.
• A raunchy satire skewering hypocrisy and taboos around sex and relationships.
• A somber war film highlighting the harsh realities faced by soldiers in combat.
• A lighthearted fish-out-of-water comedy about a country guy adapting to big city life.
• A thoughtful science fiction tale exploring the implications of advanced technology or space travel.
• A fun-loving animated adventure featuring bubbly characters on an epic quest.
• A gritty crime thriller about a tenacious female detective pursuing a twisted serial killer.
• A laidback surfer bromance following best friends chasing waves and having adventures.
• A mockumentary parody that spoofs and satirizes reality television in an outrageous way.
• A shocking psychological horror story with a twisted narrative that keeps the audience guessing.
• A romantic Foreign film presenting love and relationships through a culturally specific lens.
• A quiet character-driven indie drama following people going through personal struggles.
• An inspiring sports movie showcasing the trials and triumphs of athletes striving to be their best.
• A madcap mistaken identity farce with escalating chaos caused by cases of confused identity.
• A nostalgic 1980s throwback filled with pop culture references from the decade.
• A fascinating musical biopic profiling the life and achievements of a music icon.
• A sweeping historical romance set against the backdrop of the Victorian era.
• A frenetic heist caper about thieves attempting an elaborate casino robbery.
• An emotional family drama tracking generational bonds and conflict within a clan.
• A thought-provoking superhero film exploring deeper philosophical issues.
• A kaleidoscopic art house film making use of stunning visuals and atmosphere.
• A spooky Gothic horror story set in a haunted mansion or castle.
• A deep science fiction concept film tackling themes of humanity, existence, and the cosmos.
• A fun animated comedy aimed at kids featuring silly characters and slapstick humor.
• A feel-good underdog story of personal growth and triumph over adversity.
• A sharp satire skewering religious hypocrisy and herd mentality.
• A tense Claustrophobic thriller confined to a single setting.
• A poignant coming-of-age drama about teenagers growing up and finding themselves.
• A trippy psychedelic film meant to emulate an immersive drug experience visually.
• A bleak dystopian vision of the future exploring oppressive totalitarian rule.
• A irreverent stoner comedy centered around the misadventures of two pothead buddies.
• A gorgeously shot nature documentary capturing breathtaking vistas around the world.
• An effects-driven disaster film showing a city devastated by natural catastrophe.
• A workplace comedy mining laughs from the everyday grind and office culture.
• A high-octane Fast and Furious style action flick stuffed with over-the-top stunts.
• A mystery thriller with Hitchcockian suspense centering around an enigmatic vanishing.
• A steamy romance kindling passion between two people resisting their obvious chemistry.
• A creepy chiller based around demonic possession, exorcism, and occult evil forces.
• A rousing adventure movie set in the jungle featuring treasure hunters or archaeologists.
• A quiet relationship drama depicting how love can fade or die between two people.
• A flamboyant musical bursting with show-stopping song and dance performances.
• An absurdist black comedy featuring ridiculous amounts of morbid humor and violence.
• An inspirational biopic highlighting the accomplishments of an important but lesser-known historical figure.

Understanding Movie Genres

Drama is a genre that focuses on emotionally charged stories, often featuring character-driven narratives and realistic settings. As a filmmaker, you can delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships in dramatic films. This genre often explores themes like personal struggle, betrayal, and love.

Thriller films are designed to keep you on the edge of your seat, often featuring suspenseful plots, high tension, and unexpected twists. As a filmmaker, your goal is to maximize audience anticipation and excitement, often using elements of crime, mystery, or espionage.

Comedy is a genre that aims to make the audience laugh through humor and wit. This genre often relies on exaggerated situations, clever dialogue, and amusing characters. As a filmmaker, you can experiment with various types of comedy, including slapstick, parody, and dark humor, to create a light-hearted and entertaining experience for the audience.

Horror films are designed to evoke feelings of fear, apprehension, and dread in the viewers. As a filmmaker, you can explore various aspects of horror, such as supernatural elements, psychological terror, or slasher themes. This genre often employs atmospheric visuals, tense soundtracks, and jump scares to intensify the sense of fear.

Action films are fast-paced, high-energy productions, often featuring physical feats, stunts, and fight sequences. As a filmmaker, you get the opportunity to showcase adrenaline-pumping scenes, along with elements such as car chases, shootouts, and daring escapes. This genre often presents larger-than-life heroes overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

Sci-Fi, or science fiction, is a genre that delves into imaginative and futuristic concepts, often exploring ideas like space travel, artificial intelligence, and time travel. As a filmmaker, you can create visually stunning and thought-provoking films that challenge the boundaries of reality and present an alternative view of the future.

Romantic Comedy

Romantic comedies, or rom-coms, are a popular subgenre that combines elements of romance and comedy. As a filmmaker, you can create charming and light-hearted films that focus on the development of a romantic relationship, often facing various obstacles and misadventures along the way. This genre aims to evoke both laughter and affection from the audience.

Biopics, or biographical films, are a genre that tells the story of a real person’s life, often focusing on their achievements, struggles, and personal journey. As a filmmaker, you get the chance to re-create historical events and portray influential figures, often exploring themes of ambition, perseverance, and legacy. A well-crafted biopic can offer insights into the subject’s life and leave a lasting impact on the audience.

The Power Of Creativity

In today’s world, tapping into your creative potential can unlock endless possibilities. As you explore the realms of art and creativity, you’ll discover that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. Being open to new ideas and harnessing the power of your imagination will help you create unique and impactful stories.

Consider drawing from your personal experiences as a foundation for your creative pursuits. Look at the world around you and how it might influence your art. Watching creative and imaginative movies can also provide inspiration and models for your own works, whether they be films, writing, or other forms of creative expression.

Incorporate different artistic disciplines into your creative practice – be it painting, writing, or even music. You might find that by combining various artistic techniques, you are able to produce a work that is entirely unique and compelling.

One powerful way to fuel your creativity is to explore and analyze the works of other artists. By examining movies that inspire creativity , you can learn a great deal about the creative process and the various approaches taken by successful artists. Let these works motivate and challenge you to push your own creative boundaries.

When approaching a new creative project, remember to give yourself the freedom to experiment and make mistakes. Through this process, you will gain valuable insights and develop a deeper understanding of your craft.

In summary, embracing your creativity can lead to a world of endless possibilities. By engaging with art, exploring various disciplines, and immersing yourself in the works of others, you can foster your own unique artistic expression and make a substantial contribution to the world of creativity.

Brainstorming Movie Ideas

Elements of a Good Idea

Brainstorming movie ideas can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can spark your creative juices and come up with unique concepts for films. To begin, think about the elements that make a good idea. What are your favorite movies or TV shows? What aspects resonate with you the most? Use these inspirations to fuel your brainstorming process.

When developing new ideas, consider different film genres, themes, and plotlines. It’s essential to stay open-minded and explore various scenarios – consider writing down any initial thoughts, no matter how obscure or offbeat they may appear. During this stage, there’s no such thing as a bad idea.

One way to get started is by conducting research. Read books, articles, or even attend workshops to expand your knowledge and gather ideas for your movie. Don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from real-life events, personal experiences, or even your dreams. The goal here is to combine these elements to create a unique and compelling story.

Incorporate the following practices to enhance your brainstorming sessions:

• Mind Mapping : Visually represent your ideas by creating a mind map. This method helps you to connect thoughts and reveal relationships between concepts. You can start by writing down a central idea and branching out to related themes and plotlines.
• Collaboration : Share your ideas with friends, peers, or mentors. Collaborating with others can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your ideas while generating fresh perspectives.

Remember, persistence and practice are crucial elements in the brainstorming process. The more you explore and experiment, the better you’ll become at generating captivating movie ideas. Keep refining your ideas, and with time, you’ll discover your own distinct and creative voice in the world of film.

Storytelling And Screenwriting

Embarking on the screenwriting journey can be both exciting and challenging. To be successful, you need inventive story ideas that keep the audience engaged while staying true to your creative vision. As a writer, your primary task is to create a unique and captivating screenplay that showcases your narrative skills.

To begin, consider various genres in order to narrow down your story idea. Combining two genres, such as romantic-comedy or sci-fi horror, can breathe fresh life into familiar concepts. Keep in mind that a clear understanding of your chosen genre can help you develop a captivating plot.

New story ideas often stem from your own experiences, interests, and passions. Be open to inspiration from the world around you – people, places, and everyday situations. Observing and reflecting on your personal interactions can bring an authentic touch to your stories.

When starting with screenwriting, try the “start at the end” approach. By first identifying the endpoint of your story, you can more effectively craft the journey that leads to that destination. This method helps ensure a satisfying resolution – an essential element of compelling storytelling.

Additionally, exercise your creativity by exploring different angles and perspectives. Challenge yourself to come up with story ideas from unexpected places, such as dreams or pieces of overheard dialogues. Embrace unconventional settings, characters, or themes to infuse originality into your screenplay.

As you delve deeper into your screenwriting endeavor, remember that confidence, knowledge, and clarity will guide you through the creative process. Maintain a neutral tone of voice and stay true to your story, ensuring that it resonates with its intended audience. It is your uniqueness as a writer that will ultimately set your work apart.

Cinematic Techniques

Cinematography.

Cinematography plays a crucial role in defining the visual language of films. It encompasses various technical aspects, including framing, composition, lighting, and camera movements. To create impactful shots, consider incorporating creative methods like medium shots for establishing new scenes, or experimenting with different camera angles during conversations. Developing a unique cinematographic style can help you achieve a compelling visual experience in your movie.

Sound Design

Sound design is an essential component of film production as it enhances the narrative and adds emotional depth to movie scenes. It includes recording and manipulating audio elements such as dialogue, music, and sound effects. Pay attention to the synchronization of sound with visuals, and prioritize the clarity of dialogue for an immersive audience experience. Strive to establish an engaging sonic environment that complements the film’s overall mood and aesthetics.

Editing Techniques

Editing techniques are integral to establish your movie’s rhythm and pacing. They determine the way scenes and shots are combined to build a cohesive narrative. Incorporate various techniques to enhance the flow of your film, such as:

• Montage : A sequence of rapidly cut images that convey a specific idea or emotion.
• Cross-cutting : Switching back and forth between multiple scenes to create suspense or establish narrative parallels.
• Continuity editing : Ensuring seamless transitions between shots to maintain fluid storytelling.

Mastering the art of editing can greatly impact your film’s success by refining its visual grammar and creating a well-structured, engaging narrative.

Choosing Characters And Protagonists

When developing movie ideas, one of the critical aspects is crafting compelling characters and protagonists. To create an unforgettable story, you must establish the main characters effectively. This process involves a combination of creativity, inspiration, and knowledge about what makes a character engaging.

Start by determining the attributes and experiences that define your characters. Consider their backgrounds, unique traits, and motivations. These elements will help you create characters that are relatable and complex, allowing the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.

As for the protagonist, it’s essential to develop a well-rounded and dynamic character. They should be capable of growth and change throughout the story. The best-written movie protagonists often have an internal struggle or conflict they must overcome, making them more human and engaging for the audience.

When creating your protagonist, don’t shy away from giving them flaws. Imperfections make characters more believable and relatable, allowing the viewer to root for their success throughout the film. While it’s vital to have a likable protagonist who the audience can empathize with, it’s equally important to show their growth and development throughout the story.

An additional technique to consider is to study examples of great characters from movies you admire or those that resonate with your target audience. By analyzing their attributes and what makes them captivating, you can gather inspiration for your own characters.

Remember, creating a strong cast of characters and a captivating protagonist is a fundamental part of any script. The characters you create will ultimately drive the story forward and leave a lasting impression on the audience. Invest time in this process, refining your understanding of what makes a character stand out, and apply that knowledge as you shape your movie idea.

Using Real Life And Current Events

When looking for movie ideas, it’s essential to draw inspiration from real life and current events. This approach can help you create relatable and engaging stories that resonate with your audience.

World Events

Utilizing world events as inspiration can provide a rich source of material for your movie. You can explore significant moments in history, such as wars, political milestones, or the rise and fall of public figures. This approach allows you to delve into various perspectives and create a thought-provoking narrative. For example, you might choose to examine a historical event like the Cuban Missile Crisis or focus on a global issue like climate change. Pay attention to news headlines and follow ongoing global events to stay in tune with potential themes you can develop into compelling movie ideas.

Personal Experiences

Another powerful source of inspiration is your personal experiences, feelings, and emotions. Drawing from your own life can bring authenticity to your story, which helps the viewer connect with your characters and their experiences. Reflect on significant moments you’ve faced, such as overcoming hardships, achieving personal milestones, or navigating complex relationships. These experiences can serve as the foundation for your movie’s story, allowing you to explore themes such as growth, resilience, and introspection.

When using real life and current events as inspiration, try to balance fact and fiction to create an engaging story that remains grounded in reality, yet still captivates your audience. Remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone throughout your writing to effectively convey your message. By doing so, you will create movie ideas that truly resonate with viewers and leave a lasting impact.

Working With A Budget

Low Budget Films

Creating a compelling film with a limited budget can be challenging, but it is possible with the right approach. Begin by defining your budget and resources, as this will help you focus on what is feasible within your means 1 . It’s crucial to identify a compelling story you want to tell, as this will drive the entire project 2 . When crafting a script, consider writing as if you have no budget and avoid ideas that require significant financial resources 3 .

By being resourceful and creative, you can produce a high-quality film without breaking the bank. Utilize the following tips:

• Location scouting : Seek interesting and unique locations that can serve as a backdrop for your story 1 .
• Mood boards : Use them to visualize and generate ideas for production design 1 .
• Make use of available resources : Reach out to your network and local community for potential cast members, crew volunteers, and props.

One Location Films

One of the best ways to keep your budget low and manageable is by setting your film in a single location. This not only reduces production costs but also helps maintain a tight and focused storyline. When deciding on your one location, choose a place that is visually appealing, versatile, and adds depth to your story 4 .

A single location does not have to limit the scope of your film, as long as you pay close attention to the following factors:

• Production design : Use your resources to transform the location into a dynamic and visually engaging environment 1 .
• Camera work : Experiment with camera angles and movements to create visual variety within the fixed space.
• Lighting : Utilize different lighting setups to convey various moods and atmosphere throughout the film.

Remember that both low budget and one location films require creative problem-solving and resourcefulness to overcome financial constraints. With careful planning and an engaging story, you can create a memorable cinematic experience on a limited budget.

10 Production Design Tips For Filmmakers on a Budget – StudioBinder ↩ ↩ 2 ↩ 3 ↩ 4

How to Make a Low-Budget Film – Project Casting ↩

The Fundamental Template For Producing A Micro-Budget Feature Film – Noam Kroll ↩

How to Create a Low-Budget Film That Feels Like a Blockbuster – PremiumBeat ↩

Inspiration Sources

Using Public Domain

Exploring the public domain is a great way to find inspiration for movie ideas. Public domain works include literature, music, and artwork that are not protected by copyright laws. As a filmmaker, you can freely adapt these works into your own movies. For example, you could create a modern adaptation of a Shakespeare play or reimagine a famous fairy tale. The possibilities are endless, and the public domain provides a wealth of material to draw from.

Drawing From Classics

Classic literature, films, and plays can serve as valuable sources of inspiration for your movie projects. Analyzing the themes, characters, and storylines of these works can give you fresh ideas for your own creations. You don’t have to make a direct adaptation; instead, you can use the essence of these classics as a foundation for your movie. Additionally, the already established fanbase for these classics can help increase interest in your film.

Travel Experiences

Traveling is an effective way to gain new perspectives and experiences that can inform your storytelling. When you visit different locations, pay attention to the sights, sounds, people, and culture. These elements can translate into creative movie ideas based on your personal observations. For instance, you can create a story inspired by a particular culture’s traditions, or capture the feel of a popular tourist destination. By incorporating your travel experiences into your film, you provide a more authentic, relatable narrative for your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular genres to consider?

When brainstorming movie ideas, it’s useful to consider different genres. Some popular ones include action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, and thriller. Combining genres, like romantic comedy or sci-fi horror, can lead to interesting and unique concepts. You can explore movie theme ideas for more inspiration.

How to come up with original plot ideas?

To develop original plot ideas, consider putting your own spin on classic storytelling tropes or exploring unconventional narratives. You can also draw from your personal experiences or real-life events for a more authentic touch. Another approach is to use prompts or challenges to generate fresh ideas, such as taking two unrelated concepts and finding a way to connect them in a story.

What are key elements to create a compelling story?

Compelling stories generally have a strong premise, interesting characters, a well-paced plot, a clear theme, and an engaging narrative. You should aim to create conflicts and obstacles for your characters to overcome, crafting an emotional experience that resonates with audiences. Additionally, pay attention to your story’s structure, ensuring that it builds towards a satisfying climax and resolution.

What are some tips for writing engaging characters?

Developing engaging characters involves creating believable personalities, distinct voices, and meaningful relationships. To achieve this, spend time fleshing out your characters’ backstories, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Consider giving them memorable quirks or traits. It’s essential to create dynamic characters who undergo growth or change throughout the story, as this makes them more relatable and appealing to audiences.

How can I brainstorm unique settings for my movie?

To brainstorm unique settings, consider the tone and atmosphere you want to achieve. This can range from fantastical worlds to gritty urban environments. Explore different time periods, cultures, or alternate realities as potential inspiration. Additionally, you can use real-life locations or historical events as a starting point, then add your creative spin to make the settings feel fresh and original.

What are some methods to flesh out my movie idea?

Fleshing out your movie idea involves defining its structure, characters, themes, and settings in greater detail. Some useful methods include outlining your story, creating character profiles, writing scene-by-scene breakdowns, and sketching locations. Regularly revisiting and revising your ideas is critical to refining the story and identifying any plot holes or inconsistencies. Finally, consider seeking feedback from trusted peers to get fresh perspectives on your movie idea.

101 Story Prompts to Kickstart Your Short Film

Do you want to write a short film but need help finding compelling concepts? Sometimes reading simple story prompts is the easiest way to get those creative juices flowing.

We get our ideas from many sources — news headlines, novels, television shows, movies, our lives, our fears, our phobias, etc. They can come from a scene or moment in a film that wasn’t fully explored. They can come from a single visual that entices the creative mind — a seed that continues to grow and grow until the writer is forced to finally put it to paper or screen.

They may inspire screenplays, novels, short stories, or even smaller moments that you can include in what stories you are already writing.

Keys to Writing Short Film Scripts?

Before we jump into our 101 Short Film Prompts, let's quickly go over a couple of important factors of writing short film scripts.

Concept is Everything

The rite of passage for any filmmaker is making a compelling short film. That is where filmmakers cut their teeth and truly come of age. It's also an epic journey through the highest of peaks and deepest of valleys as novice filmmakers quickly learn that it's not as easy as just having a few people, a boom mic, and a camera — you need a great concept.

Showcasing a talking heads short film isn't going to get you noticed by audiences or industry insiders. You need to capture their attention with compelling and engaging narratives that have a beginning, middle, and end within the short film running time of 40 minutes or less (you generally want to stick with 5-20 minutes most of the time) .

Economize Your Storytelling

Short films should also focus on smaller story windows.

• Instead of having your short film tell the dramatic story of your alcoholic character trying to go sober over the course of a year, why not focus on the last day of the last step in their 12-Step program?
• Instead of having your short script tell the epic story of a historical World War II battle, why not focus on one soldier as they deal with the overarching conflict?
• Instead of having your short story tell the horrifying story of a serial killer stalking and killing multiple victims, why not center the story on a single victim in their house watching the news reports of the killings and then hearing a floorboard creak from above?

Watch Short Films

It's as simple as that — watch short films. Here are 10 shorts you can watch online right now to get you started.

(And read a short film script if you can get your hands on one.)

Note: Because we’re all connected to the same pop culture, news headlines, and inspirations, any similarity to any past, present, or future screenplays, novels, short stories, television pilots, television series, plays, or any other creative works is purely coincidence. These true story writing prompts were conceived on the fly or were based on finding interesting true stories that are out there. While some may have proven to be told already, there are always alternative storylines not covered in what has already been written and produced.

1. Someone watching a news report about a local serial killer hears a floorboard creak.  

2. A young brother and sister survive after the apocalypse.  

3. Someone reading a scary book hears a knock at the door.

4. An alcoholic struggles to decide between taking a drink or not.

5. Students in an elementary school dealing with surviving lunchtime. 

6. Students in an elementary school dealing with surviving recess.

7. Teenagers surviving the school politics of lunchtime. 

8. An addicted gambler sits at a table. 

9. A day in the life of the first astronaut on Mars.

10. A day in the life of the first colony on Mars. 

11. A man and a woman keep seeing each other during a night out with their respective friends. 

12. The experience of a character invited to a graduation party of someone they don't know.

13. The first human clone awakens.

14. The lifespan of a dog.

15. The lifespan of a cat. 

16. Dracula is in his coffin not being able to sleep and having to kill time until dusk. 

17. An African-American child's walk to school in a dangerous urban neighborhood.

18. A character wakes up with a gun in their hand and blood all over them . 

19. A day in the life of an astronaut living on the moon. 

20. The first day of school for a new student as they struggle to make a friend. 

'Mean Girls' (2004)

21. The imaginary battle of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. 

22. The life of a handgun when it hits the streets.

23. The story of a pilot that sees a UFO in the skies.

24. A robot comes to life in an inventor's shop.

25. A person struggles to survive after being thrown from their car in an accident.

26. A remake of the original silent film The Great Train Robbery.

27. A day in the life of a puppy. 

28. A German soldier trying to flee Nazi Germany. 

29. A woman in a house is attacked by aliens. 

30. A person is granted the wish to fly. 

31. A person is granted the wish to be invisible. 

32. A person makes a wish to be young again. 

33. A man on his deathbed is taken on a road trip. 

34. A woman spends a night with her newborn child, only to have to give it to adoptive parents.  

35. A day in the life of a professional thief. 

36. A day in the life of a homicide detective. 

37. A day in the life of a teacher. 

38. The new kid in the neighborhood struggles to make friends.  

39. A slave struggles to escape its evil white pursuers.

40. A rock climber's solo ascent. 

'Free Solo' (2018)

41. The day in the life of a professional gamer. 

42. The world shown through the eyes of a drone.  

43. A late-night call at a suicide prevention center. 

44. The duel of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. 

45. The duel of two samurai. 

46. A day in the life of a maid that works for a rich family. 

47. A mother working three jobs in a single day and then coming home to kiss their child goodnight.

48. A day in the life of a truck driver. 

49. An astronaut lands on a desert planet. 

50. A day in the life of an angel on Earth. 

51. Teacher by day, stripper by night. 

52. A vampire decides to commit suicide by sunlight after one last night on the town. 

53. A day in the life of a Vegas stripper. 

54. It's revealed that a sad person has been preparing for a loved one's funeral. 

55. It's revealed that a child's friend is actually imaginary. 

56. A babysitter must save a child when a forest fire bombards the neighborhood. 

57. Surfers are lost at sea after riptides pull them out.  

58. A park ranger discovers a dead body.  

59. A travel agent struggles to hold onto a job that has no contemporary meaning. 

60. A house that is haunted.

'The Conjuring' (2013)

61. An astronaut returns home but no one remembers who he is. 

62. A day in the life of the last man on Earth. 

63. A day in the life of the last woman on Earth. 

64. A day in the life of the last dog on Earth. 

65. When the WiFi goes down, neighborhood kids discover how to keep themselves entertained. 

66. Four female kindergarten teachers and their hilarious lives after the bell rings. 

67. An assassin sent back in time struggles with killing Baby Hitler. 

68. An Uber ride gone wrong. 

69. An Uber driver picks up a hitman.

70. The Angel of Death, in human form, visits its victims. 

71.  Two people are stuck in an elevator together. 

72. Two people are stuck in the rubble of a fallen building and struggle to survive — it's a 9/11 tragic story. 

73. An actor goes through a day of auditions and life in Los Angeles.

74. A character finds a magical item in an antique store. 

75. A man contemplates suicide and finds an unexpected reason to live. 

76. A man tries to become a superhero. 

77. A day in the life of a fighter pilot told within the cockpit .

78. A man and woman fall in love over the course of thirty years of chance encounters. 

79. A man wins the lottery and does good deeds with the money until it's all gone. 

80. A serial killer stalking a victim. 

'Psycho' (1960)

81. A human clone escapes a research facility to find their double. 

82. A man discovers their doppelganger. 

83. A woman discovers their doppelganger. 

84. A child discovers their doppelganger. 

85. A carjacker accidentally steals a car full of rascal children.  

86. A man returns to his hometown only to discover that no one remembers him. 

87. A knight duals with another. 

88. A woman wakes up to discover that everyone else on Earth has vanished.  

89. A young Sherlock Holmes in middle school solves a mystery. 

90. A child wanders off on their big wheel only to be found later that night by a truck driver. 

91. A woman awakens on an island and realizes she is the only survivor of a plane crash.  

92. Someone wakes up with the ability to hear everyone's thoughts. 

93. Someone wakes up with the ability to touch anyone and see when they are going to die.  

94. A cowboy encounters a UFO. 

95. A sailor encounters a UFO.  

96. A reunion between old high school friends goes sour when past issues emerge. 

97. A man in an interrogation room confesses. 

98. A man stuck in a thankless corporate job one day walks out and goes on a road trip.  

99. One day, a woman finally decides to leave her abusive husband. 

100. A coming-of-age tale about a middle school boy confronting bullies. 

101. A first-time bank robber is forced to take hostages as he instantly regrets his choices.    

'Dog Day Afternoon

Share this with your writing peers or anyone that loves a compelling short film. Have some prompts of your own? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter !

Want More Ideas? Take a Look at Our Other Story Prompts !

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries  Blackout , starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, the feature thriller Hunter’s Creed , and many Lifetime thrillers. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies

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• 15 Video Project Ideas for Students in 2024

15 video project ideas for students (that teachers will love too)

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How can you better engage your students and help them get the most out of their lessons this school year? You probably already know that kids love watching videos in class, but what if you could take this incredible learning tool a step farther? Why not give your students the tools they need to really absorb topics from history and science to the arts and current affairs? In this article, you'll find 15 video ideas for school kids and older students, as well. From elementary to creative project ideas for college students, there's something for students of every age. Let's get started!

15 video ideas for school that kids will love

Whether you're a teacher looking for video project ideas for your students, or you're a parent or student looking for a creative project for home or school, check these out. We've put this list of video projects together to help students stay engaged, get more from their lessons, and learn to love the learning process.

1. Record an interview with a famous historical figure

History's greatest figures were real people with real ideas, experiences, and flaws. Sometimes, reading about them in a textbook just doesn't do them justice. Instead of reading passage after passage in class, why not have your students research their favorite historical figures and create videos of mock interviews with them?

From elementary school through high school (and even college), this is a great way to inspire students to do a little more research and bring history's greats to life. They'll just need to do some research, write a script for the interview, film it, and then edit it together with the right software, like Movavi Academic.

2. Make a stop-motion animated scene

Getting a full cast together to create a video can be difficult, but you don't need a full cast when you choose to make an animated video. And stop-motion is a really cool way to explore the world of stop-motion.

For an art project, students can build their own clay sculptures and learn the patience and skill that it takes to make tiny changes and capture each of them to create the illusion of movement. If the video is for a science or history project, your students may be able to source stock stop-motion animations and edit them into their creations.

3. Cover the latest news and current events

Studying geopolitics and current affairs? Get middle school and high school students excited about staying up-to-date on the latest news – by having them create their own news show.

Students can work together in groups to cover all of the different topics they'd normally see on a morning news show, such as weather, local news, global elections, and other topics. They can learn about what goes into producing the news, how to get interviews with interesting subjects, and how to cut everything together into a cohesive video that's informative and entertaining.

4. Make a video portfolio

Students with an interest in art should get familiar with how to create a portfolio as soon as possible. Art schools, graphic design programs, and film schools will all require students to submit portfolios for admission. And, when they graduate, they'll need to have a solid portfolio of their work ready to show future employers.

Help students prepare for a successful future in the arts by helping them create video portfolios of their art work. Whether they work with paint and drawing, animation, video creation, music, or any other art form, a video portfolio is a great way to go.

5. Make a how-to video

What's the best way to show that a student really understands a subject? Have them teach others!

Students can record the steps they take in performing a science experiment, or they can create a screencast video to show how to create a presentation or how to edit a video for TikTok. There are countless options for how-to video ideas for school, and students can use the skills they gain in making these videos to excel in and out of the classroom.

6. Film a behind-the-scenes video

What goes on behind the scenes in group projects? How does a high school play go from auditions to opening night? Behind-the-scenes videos are fun and engaging, and this kind of project is a great way to get kids excited for going back to school or for a big project.

7. Create a day-in-the-life of your class video

Similar to a behind-the-scenes video, a day-in-the-life video is a great way to create memories and build students' skills at the same time. This is an especially fun – and potentially important – project for high school video production classes. Have students record things that happen throughout their days, and then let them practice their video editing skills by going through their footage and cutting it down to the perfect short film. It's a great way for beginners to learn new multimedia skills, and there's room for students with more experience to hone their skills too.

8. Make a cool montage video

"It's time for a montage!" Set to music, montage sequences are a great way to show that time has passed and that a character (or real person) has progressed a great deal over that time. While some filmmakers use this technique a little too much, it's a valuable tool for any young filmmaker or video creator to master.

Plus, with the right music, a montage can look really professional, and it could become a key piece of a student's portfolio.

9. Recreate a moment in history

How can you get students excited to learn about history? Bring it to life! Give students the opportunity to connect more with historical figures and events by recreating key moments in history. This is a particularly fun idea for a creative final project for middle school or high school students.

10. Film a science experiment

Looking for a unique and fun way to liven up chemistry or physics class? Science experiments are an important (and often fun) part of students' education throughout their academic careers – starting as early as elementary school and continuing through their university years.

Filming a science experiment and showing how students' hypotheses were proven right (or wrong) can help students retain what they learned from their experiments. And it gives them a reference to study later, too.

11. Create a video book report

Traditional book reports are boring. Students hate doing them, and teachers hate grading them. Why not give students a more creative option to share their experience of reading a great book?

Especially good for elementary school kids, video book reports give students a creative outlet that helps them dig deeper into the books they're reading for school. Instead of writing a few sentences about a book, they can use the art of video-making to bring the book – and their experience with it – to life. Students can dress up as their favorite characters and give a report on the book in character. They can make a mock news report about the book's big conflict. The possibilities are endless!

12. Film a video tour

Want to showcase your school to parents and new students? Let your students take the lead as they create a video tour of the school and all that it has to offer. You might be surprised at how interesting, funny, and creative students get as they highlight their favorite classes, the best parts of their days, and how to get from the gym to chemistry class before the bell rings.

If you want to take this video idea to the next level, you could stage a contest to see whose video will be turned into a commercial for your school. Then, you can post the winning video (or videos) on your school's website for everyone to enjoy – and to highlight how much fun your students have as they learn and prepare for the future.

13. Create a video time capsule

Students looking for ideas for how to make a video project might want to consider making a video time capsule. They can brainstorm about the things, events, and people that really define them at this point in their lives. Some ideas to include might be a memento of a winning season for the school's baseball team, the theme for this year's homecoming dance, or the most popular TikTok trend that everyone keeps copying.

Then, they can get creative with how to show those things and people in a video. Video time capsules can be montages or music videos. They can be interviews or tours, and they can include aspects of all of the above. The more fun students have with their video time capsules, the more interesting they'll be to look back on years later.

14. Make an instructional video of your favorite hobbies

Want to teach students how to think and work methodically? You can help them break down and analyze step-by-step processes by having them create how-to videos.

With an idea like this, it's always a good idea to let students choose topics and subjects that they love and care about. So, instead of assigning them to create how-to videos of random or irrelevant processes, let them get creative with videos about their favorite sports, hobbies, arts and crafts projects, or anything else that they find truly engaging.

15. Edit each other's videos

Now, let's talk about how you can make any of the above ideas even more interesting and fun. Choose from any of these video ideas. Have students write their scripts and storyboards, get all their recording done, and then … swap footage with each other for post-production video editing!

You and your students might be surprised at how wildly different each project turns out with different students doing the editing. This is a great way to show how important each part of the editing process is and how raw footage can be used in a lot of different ways.

33+ Ways to Brainstorm Movie Ideas [Ideas for Filmmakers]

Key Takeaways:

• Reflect on Your Personal Interests: Look at your hobbies and things you love, as they can give you great ideas for stories!
• Analyze Your Movie Preferences: The kinds of movies you like can help you figure out what kind of stories you might be good at writing.
• Envision a Movie About Your Life: Thinking about your life as a movie can help you learn how to make good characters and exciting plots.
• Draw Inspiration from Real-world Issues and News: News and real events can give you ideas for stories that people will find interesting.
• Step Outside and Exercise: Doing some exercise can help your brain develop new and creative story ideas.

Do you love movies? Of course you do!

Movies are a great way to escape reality and enter another world.

But what if you could be the one who creates those movies? It’s not as complicated as you might think! Every excellent feature film or short film begins with a great screenplay , and great scripts start with great ideas.

I always have fun with this step of the creative process because it’s where I find I have the most freedom. When you brainstorm, the possibilities are endless, and I love to play the game of “what if” when coming up with new plot lines, characters, dialogue, action scenes, or even names for people and places.

Every single script I ever wrote – from Bare Knuckle Days to Dead Strays to Terra Alpha One – went through this brainstorming process, both at the outset when I was trying to solidify the story idea and characters, as well as throughout the process.

Each time I had to figure out where to take the story next or encountered writer’s block, this exercise helped me figure out what to do next. And I’m sure it can help you!

I n this article, we will discuss 33+ ways to brainstorm compelling movie ideas. I’ve used each of these to help me come up with ideas for my own books and movies .

With these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful independent filmmaker !

How To Brainstorm Movie Ideas

1: Focus on What Moves You

Brainstorming for movie ideas can be fun and rewarding if you approach them with the right mindset. Start by thinking about things that you like and enjoy. What are some of your favorite movies? What TV shows do you always make time to watch? What books do you love reading over and over again?

Once you have a list of topics, try to narrow it down to a specific genre or style of film that interests you. You can start thinking about potential plotlines, characters , and settings.

Don’t be afraid to be creative – the best ideas often come from the most unexpected places! With a little effort, you can come up with a great movie idea or short film idea based on your own story that you’ll be excited to bring to life on the big screen.

Here are some specific questions to ask yourself when you are trying to brainstorm your own ideas for films:

• Take a look at your day-to-day life – what are some interesting events or situations that could make for good movie ideas?
• What kind of mood are you in now (sad, happy, angry, etc.)? Would that mood (or the reasons behind it) make for an intriguing movie idea?
• If you could create any world for your movie, what would it look like, and how would it function differently from our planet Earth?
• What themes/topics have been explored enough in movies already, and don’t want to see more on the big screen anytime soon (or ever)?
• Do you have any favorite books or movies that are in the public domain that could serve as inspiration for a new film?

2: What Movies Do You Enjoy?

One fantastic way to come up with a great idea for a movie is to think about the kinds of movies you enjoy in your own life..

What are your favorite genres? What themes do you find particularly interesting or exciting? What kinds of film locations do you like best? What kinds of imaginary worlds do you enjoy when you watch fantasy or sci-fi movies?

Once you understand your taste in movies, you can start brainstorming movie ideas that fit within those parameters.

For example, if you love a good romantic comedy, you might come up with a fresh idea about a couple who meet and fall in love under unusual circumstances. If you’re interested in action-packed thrillers, you might develop a new spin on a group of thieves who pull off a high-security heist.

By thinking about the types of movies you like to watch, you can develop a wealth of ideas for your film projects.

Here are some more questions to ask yourself:

• What are your favorite movies, and why do you like them?
• What genres of movies do you enjoy the most (drama, comedy, horror, etc.)?
• What are any personal favorite movies that don’t seem to get enough love from general audiences or critics alike? Why do you think they’re underrated gems worth watching time and again, regardless of what others might say about them?
• If you could choose any location to film a movie, where would it be and why there?
• What time period would you like to see a movie set in (or what year)?
• If you could choose any existing book to be made into a movie, which one would it be and why do you think it would make for an excellent cinematic experience for audiences everywhere (keeping in mind all the critical factors such as screenplay adaptation , cast selection, directorial vision, etc.)
• If you could choose any actor or actress to play the main character in your movie, who would it be and why?
• Are there other actors or actresses you want to see in a particular role or movie type?
• Which classic story would you like to see remade uniquely, and what would the new take be on the tale?
• Do you have any favorite movie scenes that inspire you when thinking of your ideas for films/movies to be made?
• Do you have a favorite film character who might be a fantastic inspiration for a new character? Or can you think of a boring character type you’d like to avoid?
• How do existing movie loglines describe the core ideas for those films in a simple way? Read them to find out!

3: Imagine a Movie About Your Life

One way to find movie ideas is to imagine a movie about your life..

What would it be like if your life were turned into a blockbuster film? What sort of exciting adventures would you go on? Who would play you as the main character in the movie?

This can be a fun way to capture ideas and develop a genuinely original movie idea. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild; that’s what movies are all about!

Ask yourself these additional questions:

• If you could choose any actor or actress to star in a movie about your life, who would you choose and why them specifically?
• If you could choose any soundtrack for your film, which bands/artists would make the cut, and why did you select them specifically for this project?
• Interview your friends and relatives for stories about your time together, and get a fresh perspective on how others see you.
• Are there any other family members who have stories worth telling? Dig into your family tree and see what you can find. Think of your own family and your own life… you might find great narrative possibilities!

4: Think of Real Life Issues

To develop ideas for movies, try thinking about real-life events, news, and issues you’re passionate about..

What problems do you see in the world that you feel need to be addressed? What stories do you know of people overcoming adversity? What historical events do you find fascinating?

Once you have a general idea of the story you want to tell, start brainstorming specific scenes, characters, and plot points. Write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how wild or far-fetched it may seem.

Then, start refining your ideas and fleshing out the details. The more specific and well-defined your ideas are, the easier to turn them into coherent screenplays during your creative process.

More questions to think about might be:

• If you could combine two seemingly unrelated topics, what kind of movie would that be, and why is it interesting to you as a viewer/consumer of films?
• Are there any real-life stories that would make great films if adapted properly onto the big screen – biopics, historical dramas, etc.? Examples could be family stories, world events, or even local current events around you.
• Is there a social issue or a particular subject that you feel passionate about and would like to explore through the lens of cinema – even if it’s uncomfortable or challenging to do so?
• What news headlines instantly grabbed your attention? Is it a current event or a historical one? How does it apply to our world today?

5: Turn Off Your Phone and Go Outside!

There’s no shortage of great film ideas, but sometimes, finding the inspiration you need to get started can be hard. One of the best ways to jump-start your creativity is to get out of your comfort zone and explore the world around you.

And what better way to do that than by turning off your phone, TV, and computer and going outside? By disconnecting from the constant stream of information and stimulation, you allow yourself to see and experience the world around you. You might just stumble upon the perfect movie idea for your next film!

Here are some ways you might find inspiration for brainstorming movie ideas outside the four walls of your home:

• Get out and explore your neighborhood – take a walk around and see what catches your eye.
• Visit a local park or nature reserve and take in the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
• Ride your bike to a nearby lake or river and enjoy the fresh air and the view.
• Head to the nearest downtown area and people-watch for inspiration.
• Take a day trip to a nearby city or town and explore different neighborhoods.
• Let your surroundings inspire you – think about the different stories that could be told in that location.
• People watch! Look at the people around you to give you ideas for future screenplay character descriptions and ideas for character flaws!
• Strike up conversations with strangers – ask them about their favorite movies, short films, TV shows, or books.
• Take note of any interesting conversations you hear.

Take a moment to jot down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how crazy they may seem!

How Can I Find a Good Short Film Idea?

One of the hardest parts of making a short film sequence is developing good ideas. You want something original and fresh that can be told in a limited time. Here are a few tips for coming up with a great short film idea:

• Start with a personal story. One of the best ways to develop an exciting film idea is to look to your life for inspiration. Think about a time when you experienced something unusual or unexpected. This could be anything from a funny incident to a life-changing event. By mining your own experiences, you can come up with an idea that is both personal and unique.
• Look for stories in the news. If you’re struggling with an original idea, try finding one in the news. Look for headlines that grab your attention, then think about how you could tell that story in a short film format. This can be a great way to add current events to your film without being too heavy-handed.
• Brainstorm with friends. If you’re struggling to develop an idea, try brainstorming with friends or fellow filmmakers. This can be a great way to get new ideas!
• Look for writing and story prompts online ! You can check out my article for fantasy writing prompts !

RELATED: Check out my article on how to find short film ideas to find more information on this topic!

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re feeling writer’s block or you’re stuck for an idea for your next movie, try brainstorming story ideas with some of the techniques we’ve outlined in this post.

And don’t forget to have fun with it! The best film ideas often come from letting your imagination run wild!

Common Questions (FAQs)

What do you call movies that make you think.

They’re called “thought-provoking” movies and are the kind of films that stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Thought-provoking movies make you question your assumptions and reevaluate your beliefs. They challenge you to see the world in new and different ways. And they force you to confront the ugly truths we often try to ignore.

What are good topics for a short film?

There are endless possibilities for finding the best short film ideas. One option is to focus on a specific time, such as a wedding day or graduation. Another option is to tell a story over several days or weeks. Alternatively, your short movie could focus on a particular theme , i.e., love, loss, or betrayal. The important thing is to choose a topic that you feel passionate about and think will resonate with your audience and use that for your own short films.

What are good ideas for a film?

There are countless great ideas for films out there. The challenge is finding the right one for you. One great method for capturing ideas is brainstorming with friends or family members. See what kinds of stories and characters they come up with. Another excellent method is to read books and watch films that inspire you, then try to develop your spin on them. If you’re struggling with ideas, don’t hesitate to contact a professional screenwriter or director for help.

How do I get ideas to write a movie?

When it comes to film, inspiration can come from anywhere. It could be a book you read, a story you heard, or even a personal experience. The key is to take that initial spark of an idea and develop it into a full-fledged plot. Ask yourself questions about the story. What are the characters trying to achieve? What obstacles are in their way? What kind of ending would be satisfying? Answering these questions can help flesh out the film’s basic structure .

What are some good movie topics?

While there are countless great movies, developing new script ideas can sometimes be tough. Here are a few potential topics to get your creative juices flowing: – An underdog sports team that finally gets their big win. – A young woman coming of age and finding her place in the world. – A group of friends who embark on a life-changing journey together. – A love story that transcends time and space. – A family who is dealing with a problematic issue or adversity. – A crime has been committed, and the fallout that ensues.

Looking for more help with creating a great film? Check out these other articles:

How to Write a Screenplay Synopsis: Tips for Screenwriters

5+ Best Screenwriting Software Programs (Reviewed)

5 Top Indie Filmmaking Tips from a Film Festival Director

7 Best AI Video Upscaling Software (Free & Paid)

Filmmaker, Author, Actor and Story Consultant

Neil Chase is an award-winning, produced screenwriter, independent filmmaker, professional actor, and author of the horror-western novel Iron Dogs. His latest feature film is an apocalyptic thriller called Spin The Wheel.

Neil has been featured on Celtx, No Film School, Script Revolution, Raindance, The Write Practice, Lifewire, and MSN.com, and his work has won awards from Script Summit, ScreamFest, FilmQuest and Cinequest (among others).

Neil believes that all writers have the potential to create great work. His passion is helping writers find their voice and develop their skills so that they can create stories that are entertaining and meaningful. If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, he's here to help!

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As a student in the filmmaking and scriptwriting industry, one of the biggest challenges you will face includes creating film.

As a student in the filmmaking and scriptwriting industry, one of the biggest challenges you will face includes creating film. So many film ideas might swirl around your head, but can you be sure they are of the right style and suitability for your academic assignments?

When you are asked to take part in creating a short film, for example, you need some useful short film ideas that you can put to immediate use. To help you start creating successful prompts, read on. We will cover some of the essentials you need to know about creating the best short story ideas for your upcoming assignment.

Before You Act On Your Short Film Ideas…

Ask yourself the following questions:

· How suitable is this idea for the assignment that you have been provided with?

· Do you have the tools and the talent to make these short movie ideas work?

· Is the length of time you have suitable for telling the story that you have in mind?

· Would you need to adjust or adapt the plot in any way, shape, or form?

· Will you create this screenplay/film alone, or is it collaborative?

· Do you have any specific guidelines or requirements from your lecturers?

Ask yourself these questions, and you might find it easier to start putting together good movie ideas that actually work for you. Now, let’s look at some useful concepts you could use in your student filmmaking.

Short Film Ideas For Students You Can Use Today

Silent action.

One of our best options, particularly when you need something really short – such as a few minutes long – is silent action. For example, you could create a short film based on something we need to overcome. A common example is someone climbing a mountain: the idea here is to create a silent movie that shows how challenging such an activity would be. So long as the focus is on the action and the emotions that action can generate, this can work well as a student film idea.

However, silent action can take many forms – you are not limited to just this typical choice. Many 3 minute short film ideas , though, will be based on using silent action to get the message across purely through movement instead of words. Think about your hobbies and interests. For example, if you like martial arts, you could show the same kind of silent action via martial arts. Showcase the discipline required and the challenges faced. With the right post-production music, this can come across as thoughtful and quite epic.

A Snippet Of Something More

As a student in this industry, it is natural for you to have a little ideas book littered with concepts. Students who are passionate about their craft will likely be working on a kind of ‘feature film’ idea they would love to produce. Well, why not take a snippet from that and base your short story topics around that?

Look for something that you could use from your main ideas and features and put that to good use. Pick a scene that you believe is one of the most pertinent or important in your overall vision. Craft something around that – you need to provide context and trim some edges, but it can work.

This allows you to showcase something very interesting that you have been working on for a good while now. Another bonus of this choice is continuity. You can then return to this same idea for future projects, bringing people into the world you have created.

Fear Comes To Life

Another useful idea that we have when evaluating short film ideas for students is to look at something horrifying. For example, have you ever found yourself reading something scary only for there to be a chap at your door?

Think about how often you might have found yourself so engrossed in a horror book, and then something breaks your concentration. In a short film, you can convey that sense of being so engrossed in the horror – perhaps a narration over the top of the person reading? – only for the door to go.

You then decide if the ‘chap at the door’ will be something scary – such as the individual from the horror book coming to life. Or, if you want to go down a more comical route, you could have something like the mailman or someone selling cookies. Create that suspense quickly!

Homage To The Classics

If you are short on time, the best thing you can do is create something akin to the old 1920s silent movies. This can be a good way to help you showcase your scriptwriting skills, as everything will be told through card prompts and the like.

The main challenge here is ensuring you get the tone and style right, but this kind of nostalgic design can be very useful. As far as short story ideas go for this, you can be as creative or as simple as you like. Inspire yourself by watching some of the masters of this craft – experts like Charlie Chaplin, to name but one.

These short films can be designed quickly and easily and allow you to showcase your ability to tell a story through actions instead of relying upon a detailed spoken script.

Making The Right Decision

Hopefully, the above short film ideas for students will have your mind whirring with opportunity. The challenge you probably face is deciding which statement suits your own personality and style best. The difficulty also stems from the fact that you want to choose something that will garner interest from lecturers and fellow students alike.

The last piece of advice, though, is quite simple: do not get in your head too much. Focus as much as you can on simply creating something true to the person that you are. Do not try and create something to impress a lecturer alone; create something that speaks to your own mindset and thought process. You are far more likely to gain positive feedback if you are true to yourself instead of trying to create something specifically for your lecturer or your student audience.

Creating short stories as a student is difficult, but the above prompts can hopefully spark something in your mind. The main takeaway is this: the world is your oyster; you must decide which part of the world you wish to portray!

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When you want to improve your screenwriting skills, turning to some of the best books on screenwriting can inspire you. What books are worth your money, though?

Struggling with the idea of writing a successful screenplay? Then use the following tips for writing screenplays and make this process a little bit easier!

Are you having a hard time finding the right screenplay prompt? Then, use one of the following ideas to make your screenplay writing experience much easier!

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Lesson Plans Using Film Adaptations of Novels, Short Stories or Plays

— with discussion questions and assignments.

For a list of movies frequently shown as adaptations of literary works, see TWM’s Adaptations Index .

Used appropriately, movies based on novels or short stories can supplement units based on the written original, enhance students’ interest in analyzing the written work, and motivate classes to excel in completing assignments that teach the skills required by the ELA curriculum. Filmed versions of plays supply the same benefits and often provide an experience that is close to viewing a live performance. Studying a cinematic adaptation of a literary work will show students how words are converted to visual media and allow a comparison of the written original to the cinematic version, permitting teachers to highlight the techniques of both film and the written word in telling a story. Presenting a filmed adaptation with high production values will demonstrate that movies can be an art form which communicates differently, but no less importantly, than the written word. Moreover, when used as a reward for having read a novel, a filmed adaptation can demonstrate that novel-length works of fiction usually contain a wealth of detail, information, and subplot that cannot be included in a movie. For all of these reasons, filmed adaptations of novels, short stories, or plays, are excellent resources for lessons requiring students to learn and exercise the analytical and writing skills required by ELA curriculum standards.

Note that novels and short stories can be analyzed for their use of the devices of fiction. Plays employ most of the devices of fiction but add the theatrical devices of music, sound effects, lighting, acting, set design, etc. Movies employ most of the fictional and theatrical devices as well as a separate set of cinematic techniques such as shot angle, focus, editing, etc. This essay focuses of the literary devices shared by written works, theatrical works, and film. For an analysis of theatrical and cinematic devices, see TWM’s Introducing Cinematic and Theatrical Elements in Film .

I. SHOWING THE FILM BEFORE READING A NOVEL, SHORT STORY, OR THE SCRIPT OF A PLAY

Usually, a filmed adaptation of a written work is best shown after a novel or short story has been read by students. This avoids the problem of students watching the movie in place of reading the book or story. However, in certain instances, where the written work is hard to follow or when students have limited reading skills, it is better to show the film before reading the written work or to show segments of the film while the writing is being read. Students who have difficulty reading a novel or a short story can often follow the conflicts, complications, and resolutions in a screened version that they would otherwise miss. For example, obscure vocabulary and difficult sentence structure in The Scarlet Letter and Billy Budd make these classics difficult reading for today’s students. The PBS version of The Scarlet Letter and the Ustinov version of Billy Budd are excellent adaptations which can serve as an introduction and make the reading more understandable. Viewing a filmed adaptation of a book by Jane Austen enables students to understand the story and avoid getting lost in the language as they read. (See “Emma Thompson’s Sense and Sensibility as Gateway to Austen’s Novel” by Cheryl L. Nixon, contained in Jane Austen in Hollywood, Edited by Linda Troost and Sayre Greenfield, 1998, University of Kentucky Press, pages 140 – 147.)

Plays, which were meant to be watched rather than read, are usually a different matter. Viewing a staged presentation with actors, a set, sound, and lighting is an experience more like watching a movie than reading a script. One of the few exceptions are the plays of Shakespeare which are usually better when read and studied before they are seen. Students need to be introduced to the Bard’s language in order appreciate a performance.

II. SCREENING ALL OR PART OF THE MOVIE IN SEGMENTS

A film can be segmented, or chunked, and shown before or after the corresponding segment is read by students studying the novel, story or play on which the movie is based. Have students keep up with the reading so that the timing is accurate and the events in the film do not get ahead of their presentation in the written work.

Several of the assignments suggested in Section IV can be modified for segmented viewing. The following assignment will allow students to exercise their analytical and writing skills after a segment of the film has been shown. The assignments can be modified to focus on specific elements of fiction or literary devices.

Discussion Question: What is the difference in the presentation of the story between this segment of the film and the corresponding sections of the [novel/story/play]? [Lead students into a discussion of any important elements of fiction or literary devices which are present in both or which are present in one but not the other.]

Assignment: [Describe a scene in the film.] Compare this segment of the movie with the corresponding sections of the [novel/story/play]. Cite specific examples to illustrate how the presentation in the two media either differ or are the same. Your comparison should include: (1) any elements of fiction and literary devices which are present in both or which are present in one but not in the other; (2) a discussion of the tone of the two presentations; and (3) an evaluation of the two presentations stating which you think is more effective in communicating the ideas contained in the story, including your reasons for that opinion. When you refer to the [novel/story/play], list specific pages on which the language you are referring to appears.

III. WATCHING THE MOVIE AFTER THE BOOK HAS BEEN READ

Comparing film adaptations with their literary sources can enhance students’ ability to analyze, think, and critique the writing, imagery, and tone of a literary work. Differences between the movie and the written work can be used to explicate various literary devices. The discussion questions and assignments set out below, as they are written or modified to take into account the needs of the class, will assist teachers in making good use of a filmed adaptation of a novel, short story, or play.

Before showing the film, think about whether you want to point the students’ attention toward any issues that you want them to think about as they watch the movie. This could be the use of a motif or other literary device or changes in theme. Many of the discussion question and assignments set out below can be easily adapted to be given to students before they watch the film, the discussion to be held, and the assignment completed after the movie is over.

IV. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR USE WITH FILMED ADAPTATIONS

Fill in the blanks with a number appropriate to the abilities of the class and the relationship of the written work to the filmed adaptation. To make sure that students complete the assigned reading, the exercises set out below require a thorough knowledge of the written work with references to page numbers of the text.

• Discussion Question: How is the presentation of [name a major character who appears in both versions] different in the [book/story/play] and the movie? [Follow up with:] Why did the filmmakers change the way in which this character was presented?

Assignment: Describe _____ characters which appear in both the film and the [book/story/play]. At least one of them should be a minor character. Specify how dialogue, action, and physical appearance in the movie define the individual. Using direct quotes from the written work, citing page numbers, describe the characters using the same criteria. Evaluate which presentation is best in allowing either the viewer or the reader to fully grasp the nature of the characters.

• Discussion Question: Were any scenes described in the [book/story/play] substantially altered in the filmed adaptation? [Follow up with:] Why did the filmmakers change the scene?

Assignment: Select at least _____ scenes from the film that were altered considerably from similar scenes described in the [novel/story/play]. Use direct reference to details in order to illustrate the differences. Cite specific page numbers when you are referring to anything appearing in the [book/story/script]. Evaluate the changes in terms of how well the intention of the scene is made manifest in either media.

• Discussion Question: What elements of fiction appear in the [book/story/play] but not in the film? Did this detract from the quality of the story told by the movie?

Assignment: Note _____ examples of elements of fiction that have been left out of the film but seem important in the [book/story/play]. Suggest reasons that may justify the elimination of the scenes, characters, subplots, or settings. Be sure to use direct reference, with page numbers, to the written work in order to support the opinion offered.

• Discussion Question: Did the filmmakers add any characters or events that do not appear in the [book/story/play]? Did this help to tell the story first suggested in the literary work?

Assignment: Often in movies, the screenwriters will add characters or events that do not appear in the original [book/story/play]. Note _____ examples of these additions and suggest reasons that they may have been written into the film.

• Discussion Question: How does the tone of the story told in the film differ from the tone of the story told in the [book/story/play]?

Assignment: Evaluate the tone created in the movie. Cite clear examples of color, visuals, editing, and music that may have contributed to the tone of any particular scene. Compare the tone created in the film to the tone created in the [book/story/play] using the same scene. Cite specific examples, giving page numbers, of the description that created the tone in the written work.

• Discussion Question: Did this film change the theme or any of the ideas presented in the [novel/story/play]? What were they? Did these changes improve on the story underlying both the written work and the movie?

Assignment: Ideas are the reasons stories are told. Themes are the major ideas in a story; however, most stories contain other ideas as well. Some films change the ideas presented in the work of literature from which they were adapted. Pay close attention to theme and other ideas in both the written version and in the movie and write about how they were changed. Evaluate the changes.

• Discussion Question: Which told the story better, the [novel/story/play] or the movie?

Assignment: Often a story will seem to be deprived of beauty or meaning by the changes made in a filmed adaptation. On other occasions, the experience of the written story will be enriched by watching a filmed version. Write an informal essay stating your opinion of the quality of the story told by the movie as compared to the [novel/story/play]. Justify your opinion with direct reference to both the film and the written work; for the latter, cite the specific page numbers for the passages on which you rely.

• Discussion Question: Compare the settings of the story in the written work and in the movie. Is the movie faithful to the [novel/short story/play] in terms of the settings used?

Assignment: How do the settings in the movie reflect the images of place found in the [novel/story/play]? Describe specific details in both the film and the work of literature that support your conclusion. When referring to the written work, cite page numbers.

• Discussion Question: Compare the use of visual images in the movie and in the [novel/story/play] in the description of the various characters.

Assignment: Using specific examples of written descriptions in the literary work and visuals in the movie, discuss the presentation of character contained in both.

• Discussion Question: Describe any important differences in theme between the story appearing in the written work and the story told on screen.

Assignment: Attitude toward subject, meaning the basic topic (such as war, love, politics) can shift dramatically between a [novel/story/play] and its movie adaptation. Explain through example any changes that can be seen between the attitude toward the subject expressed by the filmmakers and presented by the author of the [book/story/play].

• Discussion Question: Were any important motifs, symbols, or allusions included in the work of literature missing or changed in the movie adaptation? Why do you think the filmmakers made these changes?

Assignment: Important motifs, symbols, or allusions contained in a written work of fiction are sometimes missing or changed in the movie. Specify examples of these literary tools that are not a part of the filmed adaptation. Note any replacement motifs, symbols or allusions contained in the movie.

• Discussion Question: What, if any, were the changes in the plot between the [book/story/play] and the film?

Assignment: Rising action, an important part in the plots of both written fiction and movies, may be different in filmed adaptations. Note any changes. Describe details which are important in the written work that have been removed from the movie and details which are not in the [book/story/play] which have been added by the filmmakers. When referring to the written work, give the page numbers of any passages or details to which you refer. Justify the changes.

• Discussion Question: Which ending did you like better, the conclusion of the [book/story/play] or the way in which the movie ended? Explain why.

Assignment: Compare the ending of the [book/story/play] to the ending of the film. Illustrate how any differences either reiterate or obscure the intention of the original work. Cite specifics and support all assertions.

Movies with screenplays that are carefully adapted from novels, short stories, and plays can be an important part of lesson planning. Using the techniques described above, teachers can make film adaptations an integral part of the learning process.

Written by Mary RedClay and James Frieden .

The next new film camera could come from Lego

It's an exciting time to be a film photographer. After almost two decades without a major new film camera release, Pentax released the 17 earlier this year . Now, there's a chance we may be getting yet another film camera from another famed manufacturer... Lego.

The toy company has a program called Lego Ideas , which lets community members submit their own designs. If enough people vote for an Idea, Lego will review it, and there's a chance it'll get turned into an actual product you can buy. (Some examples of current products that were once ideas: a motorized lighthouse , a typewriter , and a Polaroid OneStep .)

This is why there's a chance we'll get a film camera from the company. User Zung92 has submitted a plan for a real, working film camera that's made up of 595 plastic bricks. They call it the ZH1, and say that it has an actual viewfinder, releasable winding lever, and can even take half- or full-frame images.

If you want to see what photos taken with a camera made with off-the-shelf Lego pieces look like, Zung has posted a gallery on their Instagram . The quality is about what you'd expect from a camera where the exposure length is dictated by how long you hold down the shutter button, but the fact that it produces useable images at all is really impressive. In their Ideas submission, Zung92 says it took a lot of work to get the camera light-sealed while still keeping it portable.

The project is actually a few years old at this point, but press from outlets like PetaPixel and Kosmo Foto have recently thrust it into the spotlight. That's likely because it has less than a month left to get the 10,000 votes it needs to be reviewed by Lego's experts. At time of writing it hasn't quite made it, but it seems extremely likely that it will given how quickly the counter is going up.

If it does reach that threshold and makes it to production (which, again, isn't assured even if it gets the votes), it'll be far from the first camera set from the company. It currently sells the aforementioned Polaroid SX-70 reproduction and a 'Retro Camera' kit that even includes film roll-shaped bricks. There have also been various Leica-inspired reproductions over the years . However, none of those have ever let you insert a real roll of film, turn the advance lever, and take a picture.

One final note about using a Lego camera. As I was writing this, I considered whether I should make a joke about how someone using the ZH1 might lose a roll of photos because they dropped the camera, and it shattered into 595 pieces (as Lego creations are wont to do). But it turns out that's already happened. Last year, Zung posted on Instagram : "My Lego Camera took a tumble, shattered into pieces, and even went on an adventure down a street vent!"

That's so much worse than accidentally opening the film door while rewinding the roll.

NO! (Marcel Marceau) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyY5vWc5TEQ

Pretty neat. I wonder if the designers considered making it for 120 film instead, the red window would make film advance a bit less problematic.

“My Lego Camera took a tumble, shattered into pieces, and even went on an adventure down a street vent!"

That's so much worse than accidentally opening the film door while rewinding the roll. End of quote

Ever tried to put a Canon or Sony back together after accidents like this? Or let your granddaughter do it? Maybe had to buy 2 or three relacement bricks for 2,- each.

All the people that just love square boxy cameras will love the ergonomics!!!

595 pieces result in about 50€. I like Lego and I like cameras 😀

Will it have BeAF?

Cool, but I don't want it. However, cool.

Next week: Cucumber camera!

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-vegetable-camerandslr-camera-sofyene-meddourene.html

It’s pretty cool though. Should add a couple of specialty pieces to make it decent. A lens and a shutter. Maybe leaf shutter?

OK, I'm not the only one whose first thought was "Don't drop it!!"

That’s not accurate. I have built jumbo jets out of lego bricks as a child. And even after one crashed, it took me minutes to repair it and send it to the next destination. Try this with a Boing or Nikon.

I think Boeing jets would be more reliable if actually made from Legos :-D

Would be kinda a bummer to drop it and fog your film tho. (Also I was being cheeky).

I'm really really curious on how the light-seal was form along with film flatness with just Lego!

Not just built like a tank; you can reassemble it as a tank!

Best comment right here.

This planet definitely requires more plastic garbage.

How joyless can you be? Also, the difference is that Lego generally doesn't end up in the landfill. I still have my Lego bricks from the '80s somewhere.

I don't have anything against Lego. I prefer real cameras over cheap stuff. They make me joyful.

Legos back to the 1960s, here. They never get thrown away. They also never wear out.

This planet has endured meteor strikes, ice ages, sun flares, you name it, it can handle plastic too.

So don't buy or use anything. Ultimately it's all plastic garbage.

Legos have a far, far, far greater useful life expectancy than any camera.

Lego almost never ends up in a landfill because they hold their value really well. New sets are held onto; used sets and parts are bought at garage sales or at the massive online sites Bricklink and Brickowl. Even old scratched pieces are used as hidden filler for large models.

How many old digital point and shoots have been tossed?

Worst case, Lego gets reused in my workshop to make jigs and mold supports.

In truth Lego's suck or did for me as a kid. I couldn't make anything more than a little hut as a kid, let alone a camera or a spaceship. Most overrated toy, I take that back The Etch and Sketch is the worst. Asi if I could make a life like picture of Abraham Lincoln. More like a a few crooked lines and it found it's way to the bottom of the toy box.

I'm sorry, dude

That's really a you problem.

Gikab and yslee2 You two probably spent your formative years using your Etch and Sketch making barely recognizable cat images.

My uncle Kyle drew a road grader for me with my Etch-a-Sketch. Six round wheels, it was really incredible. Had I not been five years old, I would have taken a picture of it.

Not being able to build with Legos (I made a helicopter in first grade) or draw with an Etch-a-Sketch isn't the fault of the toys.

Skills issue

I'm not indicating fault to the toys. I didn't find them enjoyable as a kid. I had more fun with a 10 cent super ball. Lego's are marvelously successful, I was more a Lincoln Log guy I guess.

Awwe, I loved my Lincoln Logs too! I wonder if you can still get those..

Yep. https://lincoln-logs.com/ Awesome!!

Made a 3ft Lego Empire State building with my older cousin around 73/74, so not clear why you stopped at a little hut.

Speaking of 10 cent rubber ball.. sometime in the mid 1970s, my grandparents had a great big pile of topsoil dropped off at their house. My uncle Darion and me, made a vast series of tunnels throughout it, and when you dropped a tennis ball in at the top, it would come out of a different hole in the bottom every time. I wish I had been more than about 6, so I could have taken a picture of that, too!

Not long after that, I discovered Grandma's OneStep and promptly shot the whole cartridge. Film was expensive for those, so they kinda hid it after that :-D

Not gonna lie. I'd buy this.

Yea, the Retro Camera set as mentioned in the article already caught my eye, but this would be really killer!

What's next, a working toy camera for the Cracker Jack prize in the box? A Matchbox car with a working toy Google Maps camera mounted to the roof? ;-)

“ A Matchbox car with a working toy Google Maps camera mounted to the roof? ;-)“

You laugh… but take my money! Though, denominationally, I’d prefer an Apple mapping car myself. ;)

The Apple mapping car would be a different size than everything else and not compatible with other Matchbox cars, requiring its own complete set of supporting toys (parking garage, service bay, etc) and it would be twice as expensive.

What manufacturers still make serious film cameras I know Pentax came out with a semi serious one and Leica makes M6 but is that all there is today?

Not many "serious" ones, but plenty of entry level plastic stuff. Plus all the instax stuff. I think there will be plenty more "serious" cameras on the market in 2-3 years.

Mint is releasing the Rollei 35AF, an update of the old classic. I'd get one if I was still into film.

Looks fun but film cost these days.... if this was the 90s it would be great for kids

Very good! I already have my digital Lego camera. 😎 https://www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72157666938767243/ Hoping that the project will be successful for film enthusiasts

So you'll end up getting a bag of plastic pieces and have to assemble yourself only to find you might be missing a key piece at the end and/or you have duplicates of something you don't need.

Might want to fill up your glass, it seems half empty.

Lego is very good about including all the pieces, and if you are missing any, just contact them, and they'll happily send you a replacement.

Hundreds of Lego kits later, (my Nephews continuing passion since he was knee-high — he’s now 22), I can’t remember a single piece missing out of the box.

I’ll ask him though. If I can pry him away from his law studies.

Why can’t the internet allow us to have nice things?

I'm kind of joking here. I mean in general it has to be frustrating to not be able to finish a project because you're missing ONE piece of the kit and not being able to finish it. I'm sure they have good QC procedures to ensure all pieces are there, and that more importantly, this camera comes completely assembled (ready to go). It was more or less a joke, not aimed at Lego necessarily.

Although this does look like they are trying to get in on the fun of film photography, but sadly I think that market may start to dwindle as time goes on (the resurgence possibly being rather short lived since it seems that films are getting harder to find these days especially some of the popular ones, like some of the Fuji and Kodak -- some of which you can no longer buy or buy in the US at least).

You're confusing Lego with IKEA. :-)

I think you are confusing this with chinese-made, assemble yourself furniture.

And having had Chinese-made furniture, IKEA, and Lego, my issue was usually ending up with more parts, not less.

IKEA is known for mostly cheap "junk". Lego is actually decent quality, but I haven't touched a lego set in probably 30 years so I don't know if their quality is still good or not, but back in the 80's and early 90's some of their sets were quite good (especially the Technics line, which was always fun to play with). These days the kits are almost too specific that it takes out the creativity you had with some of the more generic sets (or just bulk sets of random blocks).

That all being said, I think Nikon at least needs to release a modern version of their Nikon S camera (which this somewhat resembles, but then again many cameras from that era looked similar in overall design and layout).

Lego are super zealous about their quality control. they manufacture to within a few millionths of an inch in tolerance, and each mold is only allowed to make so many pieces before it is retired and then destroyed so it can't fall into competitors' hands. I went to the Lego amusement park in California, and they have a rather extensive museum/factory tour that you can take.

Also regarding film, I ran out at a shoot (yes I did the whole thing on film) and walked across the street to the drugstore where I was able to buy a three pack of Fujicolor. Film is still not that tough to find.

Although I was a little disappointed to not be able to buy Kodak. They're now made in the same factory so it doesn't really matter.. but I grew up buying Kodak film at the local drugstore.

I used to wait for Super 8mm film to expire, then stock up at half price and save!!

@Mr Bolton, Design and manufacturing quality control is one thing, and many companies can do that very well, but getting everything in the box is another division. Not saying Lego has this issue or that it's a real problem.

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How to cite ChatGPT

Use discount code STYLEBLOG15 for 15% off APA Style print products with free shipping in the United States.

We, the APA Style team, are not robots. We can all pass a CAPTCHA test , and we know our roles in a Turing test . And, like so many nonrobot human beings this year, we’ve spent a fair amount of time reading, learning, and thinking about issues related to large language models, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-generated text, and specifically ChatGPT . We’ve also been gathering opinions and feedback about the use and citation of ChatGPT. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared ideas, opinions, research, and feedback.

In this post, I discuss situations where students and researchers use ChatGPT to create text and to facilitate their research, not to write the full text of their paper or manuscript. We know instructors have differing opinions about how or even whether students should use ChatGPT, and we’ll be continuing to collect feedback about instructor and student questions. As always, defer to instructor guidelines when writing student papers. For more about guidelines and policies about student and author use of ChatGPT, see the last section of this post.

Quoting or reproducing the text created by ChatGPT in your paper

If you’ve used ChatGPT or other AI tools in your research, describe how you used the tool in your Method section or in a comparable section of your paper. For literature reviews or other types of essays or response or reaction papers, you might describe how you used the tool in your introduction. In your text, provide the prompt you used and then any portion of the relevant text that was generated in response.

Unfortunately, the results of a ChatGPT “chat” are not retrievable by other readers, and although nonretrievable data or quotations in APA Style papers are usually cited as personal communications , with ChatGPT-generated text there is no person communicating. Quoting ChatGPT’s text from a chat session is therefore more like sharing an algorithm’s output; thus, credit the author of the algorithm with a reference list entry and the corresponding in-text citation.

When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

You may also put the full text of long responses from ChatGPT in an appendix of your paper or in online supplemental materials, so readers have access to the exact text that was generated. It is particularly important to document the exact text created because ChatGPT will generate a unique response in each chat session, even if given the same prompt. If you create appendices or supplemental materials, remember that each should be called out at least once in the body of your APA Style paper.

When given a follow-up prompt of “What is a more accurate representation?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that “different brain regions work together to support various cognitive processes” and “the functional specialization of different regions can change in response to experience and environmental factors” (OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript).

Creating a reference to ChatGPT or other AI models and software

The in-text citations and references above are adapted from the reference template for software in Section 10.10 of the Publication Manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, Chapter 10). Although here we focus on ChatGPT, because these guidelines are based on the software template, they can be adapted to note the use of other large language models (e.g., Bard), algorithms, and similar software.

The reference and in-text citations for ChatGPT are formatted as follows:

• Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)
• Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Let’s break that reference down and look at the four elements (author, date, title, and source):

Author: The author of the model is OpenAI.

Date: The date is the year of the version you used. Following the template in Section 10.10, you need to include only the year, not the exact date. The version number provides the specific date information a reader might need.

Title: The name of the model is “ChatGPT,” so that serves as the title and is italicized in your reference, as shown in the template. Although OpenAI labels unique iterations (i.e., ChatGPT-3, ChatGPT-4), they are using “ChatGPT” as the general name of the model, with updates identified with version numbers.

The version number is included after the title in parentheses. The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods.

Bracketed text is used in references for additional descriptions when they are needed to help a reader understand what’s being cited. References for a number of common sources, such as journal articles and books, do not include bracketed descriptions, but things outside of the typical peer-reviewed system often do. In the case of a reference for ChatGPT, provide the descriptor “Large language model” in square brackets. OpenAI describes ChatGPT-4 as a “large multimodal model,” so that description may be provided instead if you are using ChatGPT-4. Later versions and software or models from other companies may need different descriptions, based on how the publishers describe the model. The goal of the bracketed text is to briefly describe the kind of model to your reader.

Source: When the publisher name and the author name are the same, do not repeat the publisher name in the source element of the reference, and move directly to the URL. This is the case for ChatGPT. The URL for ChatGPT is https://chat.openai.com/chat . For other models or products for which you may create a reference, use the URL that links as directly as possible to the source (i.e., the page where you can access the model, not the publisher’s homepage).

Other questions about citing ChatGPT

You may have noticed the confidence with which ChatGPT described the ideas of brain lateralization and how the brain operates, without citing any sources. I asked for a list of sources to support those claims and ChatGPT provided five references—four of which I was able to find online. The fifth does not seem to be a real article; the digital object identifier given for that reference belongs to a different article, and I was not able to find any article with the authors, date, title, and source details that ChatGPT provided. Authors using ChatGPT or similar AI tools for research should consider making this scrutiny of the primary sources a standard process. If the sources are real, accurate, and relevant, it may be better to read those original sources to learn from that research and paraphrase or quote from those articles, as applicable, than to use the model’s interpretation of them.

We’ve also received a number of other questions about ChatGPT. Should students be allowed to use it? What guidelines should instructors create for students using AI? Does using AI-generated text constitute plagiarism? Should authors who use ChatGPT credit ChatGPT or OpenAI in their byline? What are the copyright implications ?

On these questions, researchers, editors, instructors, and others are actively debating and creating parameters and guidelines. Many of you have sent us feedback, and we encourage you to continue to do so in the comments below. We will also study the policies and procedures being established by instructors, publishers, and academic institutions, with a goal of creating guidelines that reflect the many real-world applications of AI-generated text.

For questions about manuscript byline credit, plagiarism, and related ChatGPT and AI topics, the APA Style team is seeking the recommendations of APA Journals editors. APA Style guidelines based on those recommendations will be posted on this blog and on the APA Style site later this year.

Update: APA Journals has published policies on the use of generative AI in scholarly materials .

We, the APA Style team humans, appreciate your patience as we navigate these unique challenges and new ways of thinking about how authors, researchers, and students learn, write, and work with new technologies.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

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