Eight-Point Guide to Writing Shorts

Introduce main character(s); set the scene.
Give the character a problem, obstacle, obsession or addiction.
Let the character work out a plan to overcome the problem.
Before setting out to solve the problem, there may be a moment of doubt that will require the hero to seek advice from a mentor: teacher, best friend. This is an opportunity to let the audience know more about the problem and weigh it up in their own minds. What would they do?
With new resolve (and often a magical gift from the mentor: the watches Q gives James Bond; Dorothy's ruby slippers), the hero sets out to overcome the problem, obstacle, obsession or addiction.
Overcoming the problem or challenge (getting the girl; escaping tyranny; saving the world) will be met by extreme opposition from the rival, who will usually have greater but different strengths and will in some ways bear similarities to the hero: the nemesis is the hero's dark side.
The hero will appear to fail in his quest. He will give up or glimpse defeat, even death, and will require superhuman effort to overcome this daunting final task.
The hero wins the final battle, with an opponent, or enemy, or with himself, and returns to his natural state wiser, or stronger, or cured, but not necessarily happier.
The journey has made him a different person. He has glimpsed death and can never go back to the simplicity of what he once was.

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‘A riveting read, packed with rare anecdotes and expertly chosen examples from across the film world. And by weaving throughout tales from the likes of Cocteau, Bunuel or Fellini, Clifford Thurlow provides a refreshing and much needed focus on the artistic and creative – as well as the technical – aspects of filmmaking.’ Nic Wistreich, Development Director of Shooting People and co-author of ‘Get Your Film Funded’

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‘Nobody should think about making a short film without reading this first. Thurlow takes new filmmakers through the steps of shooting film in a way that will save time and money. Plus it's a good read!’
Jennifer Fate Velaise, Producer, Fate Productions, Los Angeles

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‘Clifford Thurlow’s book is the definitive must have for any filmmaker contemplating making and marketing a short.’
Elliot Grove, Raindance, the 'Voice of Independent Film'
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‘Many undergraduate students will find this book useful as it aims to cover the whole process from idea to distribution ... Making Short Films should be an opportunity to develop skills and hone the craft.’
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‘Your ideal guide that will take you right through the process.’ John Jenkins, Writing Magazine

‘Thurlow passes on his insider tips to guide the novice over the minefield of filmmaking and inspire them to go out and make movies. It's enough to make you feel like the next Spielberg. But why not? Someone has to be. And my guess is it will be someone who starts off reading Making Short Films.’
Terence Doyle, British Film Magazine www.britishfilmmagazine.com

‘Takes new filmmakers by the hand and leads them every step of the way.’
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'Thurlow brings his personable style to Making Short Films and turns what is effectively a step by step text book into an easily assimilated, fact packed tutorial with all the dynamism and panache of a contemporary novel...an essential tool of the trade and indispensable for the embryonic auteur.'
Mike Von Joel, State of Art

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