# Short Film 1-5 min — Format

> Ultra-short narrative cinema. Single idea, single moment, often no dialogue.

## Format basics

- Length: 60s - 5 min
- Single story arc
- Festival circuit (1-3 min often special category)
- Often experimental
- Limited resources

## Structure (compressed)

```
0-30s    SETUP
         Character + world established quickly
         Visual storytelling

30-180s  CONFRONTATION
         Single conflict
         Turn or twist
         No subplot

180-300s RESOLUTION
         Climax
         Final image
         Emotional close
```

## Compressed 3-act in 5 min

| Act | Time | Beat |
|-----|------|------|
| 1 | 0-1 min | Setup + inciting incident |
| 2 | 1-3:30 min | Confrontation + crisis |
| 3 | 3:30-5 min | Climax + resolution |

## Key principles

### Single core idea
- ONE concept fully explored
- Don't try multiple subplots
- Theme through one situation

### Visual-first
- Often dialogue-light or wordless
- Image carries meaning
- Body language, glance, gesture

### Strong ending image
- Last shot crucial
- Audience leaves with this
- Resonates beyond runtime

### Compressed character
- Type + 1 specific trait = enough
- No extensive backstory
- Show through action

## Sub-types

### Single-shot films
- One continuous take
- 1-3 minutes typical
- Technical achievement

### Wordless films
- No dialogue
- Pure visual storytelling
- International appeal (no translation)

### Single-location
- One setting
- Maximizes location detail
- Production-friendly

### Concept films
- Single idea explored
- Often sci-fi or fantasy
- "What if..." premise

## Sample 3-min short concept

```
TITLE: "Last Bus"

EXT. EMPTY BUS STOP - NIGHT (0-30s)

A WOMAN (30s) waits alone. The last bus is late. She checks her
phone. Nothing.

EXT. SAME (30-90s)

A MAN (60s) arrives. Silent. He sits at the other end of the bench.
They don't speak. The wind picks up.

EXT. SAME (90-150s)

The man pulls out a thermos. Pours. Offers her the cup. She hesitates.
Takes it. Their hands touch briefly.

EXT. SAME (150-180s)

The bus arrives. They board. Sit on opposite sides. As the bus pulls
away, she returns the empty cup to him with a nod.

FADE OUT.
```

## Best practices

### Open IN action
- Don't waste time on setup
- Audience figures it out
- First image = mood + question

### One protagonist
- Multiple characters confuse
- Single POV
- Audience identifies fast

### Cut everything possible
- Each frame must justify
- No filler
- Cut beats that aren't essential

### Endings hit hardest
- Spend time on ending
- Final image lingers
- Resonates beyond runtime

## Production fit

- Single director
- Tiny crew
- Few locations
- Minimal equipment
- Festival submission ready
- Low budget achievable

## Awards / festivals

- Cannes Short Film Palme d'Or
- Sundance Short Film Jury
- Vimeo Staff Picks
- YouTube short film features

## Common mistakes

- Trying to tell feature-length story
- Multiple characters confused
- Setup too long
- Dialogue exposition
- Ending unearned
- Generic concept
- Forgetting ending image

## When to write

- Festival submission
- Director showcase / portfolio
- Concept proof-of-concept
- Visual experiment
- Limited resources
