In writing short films, scriptwriters need to develop characters who are strongly drawn and who have clear objectives, according to Graham Lester George, the award-winning Nottingham writer. His films include the BIFA-nominated Washdays, which was awarded best film at Rushes Soho Short Film Festival 2009.
While the world in which a film takes place and the plot are also central, beginners could start creating ideas for films by focusing on character, Lester George told delegates at a recent Year of the Writer workshop at the University of Nottingham.
In one exercise, delegates were given a few minutes to sketch a brief outline of two characters, including their names, age, physical appearance and general temperament. As soon as the participants starting thinking about how those people might interact, they began getting ideas for stories. “The more you know your character,” he said. “The better they come across in the story.”
He also said that every character should have a problem, or be involved in an event, that is explored by the film. And that the stakes should be high: “Don’t wimp out on the story,” said Lester George. “Make it powerful, with an event that is important relative to the character’s life.”
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