Marilyn Milgrom Script Questions
Why are some directors driven to write their own script?
In order to get the correct feel of the film, to practice new ideas and help link the script to the shots to give them more of a meaning.
You should make an intense character study if you are scared of what?
If you are scared of actors.
What should you be careful of if you only have 5K to make your film?
Try not to include shots or scenes that require special effects stunts etc these can be expensive.
If a feature film is described as a novella, how might a short be described?
As a Haiku; exploring just one idea.
What are the length boundaries different film festivals stipulate in their short sections?
Most festivals will take any short films if they are under 30 minutes long, although they find that they struggle to feature 20 minute shorts unless it has enough of a secondary story to back it up. Directors that aim for their film to be funded, make their films about 10 minutes long.
If the function of your short is to make your audience laugh, how long should it be?
Around 2-3 minutes long so it keeps the audience interested.
What are the three basic elements any kind of dramatic story requires?
A world, a character and a dilemma.
A world, a character and a dilemma.
Why can it be useful to set your film around a familiar event/ritual?
This will give you an advantage, time won’t be wasted on choosing the right amount of characters, finding the right settings etc.
Because a certain part of a characters life is focused on in short films and takes them on metaphorical journeys.
What are the 5 most important questions to ask when you begin to develop your story?
Who is the main character?
What is the problem?
How will the audience recognise this problem?
Are the stakes high enough?
Am I telling the story from the best point of view?
Who is the main character?
What is the problem?
How will the audience recognise this problem?
Are the stakes high enough?
Am I telling the story from the best point of view?
One of three things must drive your character through the story. What are they?
A want, a need and an obligation.
A want, a need and an obligation.
What crucially most accompany this element?
A challenge for the character making it hard for them to achieve a want need or obligation.
Why are a lot short films about children and teenagers?
This is because bigger problems can be found for teenagers/children due to the lack of experience in the adult world.
What is one of the most important ways you can demonstrate your skill as a filmmaker and not just a story teller?
By portraying the characters inner problem through a series of shots to give meaning.
What does ensuring that something is at stake in the story mean the audience can do?
It means they can see the big problem if the character does not resolve the problem they have come across.
How can a different POV change the story?
The audience can see the story from another perspective, meaning that the outcome or their opinion of the film may be different.
Why do many short film scripts fall down?
Due to the script being shaped around the main character of the short and the writers point is not been given across correctly.
Why does an awareness of the meaning inherit on your story matter?
It will allow the story to be clear to the audience meaning they will understand your short to how you wanted.
What is the tone intimately connected to and what are the implications of this?
Tone is linked to genre so it is vital the two are considered when making a short. The meaning you want to give across must be easy for the audience to understand
How does tone emerge in a film?
From the elements of the film support the meaning of the story.
What is the common flaw of most short film scripts submitted for funding?
The lack of development in the script and the story.
What is the ten point plan to test the spine of your story?
Title
Genre
Setting (Time & Place)
Main Character
Want/Need/Obligation
Opposition
Catalyst for change
Climax
Resolution
Title
Genre
Setting (Time & Place)
Main Character
Want/Need/Obligation
Opposition
Catalyst for change
Climax
Resolution
How the audience feels
What point does Marilyn Milgrom make about unity?
Each scene must reveal something about the characters want to increase the audience’s understanding of the film.
How can we make sure that what happens in the story could not have happened before?
To make the scenes before the ending create a relevant ending.
What is the step outline and what does it ensure?
This is a good way to make sure that there are no weak points in your film by checking these four points:
One sentence that summarises what happens.
What is revealed that is significant to the plot?
What is revealed that is significant to the audiences understanding of the characters?
Is there an indication of significant theme?
What is revealed that is significant to the plot?
What is revealed that is significant to the audiences understanding of the characters?
Is there an indication of significant theme?
Every scene of significant action should deliver something on at least two out three possible fronts. What are these?
Plot, Character and Theme.
What is signified by the ‘order’ in which to tell the story?
The way in which the scenes are shown for example, flashbacks/ linear.
What do audiences instinctively know?
If something is dishonest
As a writer what is crucial thing you are looking to ensure?
That you tell the story in the way that makes the meaning easy to understand and keeps the audience interested.
How do we establish the world and the character?
High speed and minimal dialogue.
What advice is given for making the film cinematic once you have a good story?
To use shots and sound together to give more of a feeling.
