Cooperate on writing a short script.
Consistency Matters
A sharp and realistic dialogue will keep the audience's attention. For example, if a foreign exchange student comes to New York and speaks little English, she won't speak in long, perfect sentences or use American idioms.Dynamic Main Characters
The use of fewer cast members allow the main characters to develop and change throughout the plot. Characters should start at Point A and should reach Point D by the end of the script, with each character's plight conveyed to the audience early on in the story. To avoid contriving situations, it helps to think of real scenarios that your characters might encounter, such as when your rebellious best friend gets grounded for sneaking out to see her boyfriend.
Creating a short script requires of imagination, courage and dedication, but as author James Thurber said, "Don't get it right, just get it written." A typical short script runs up to 15 minutes, averaging page per minute. Ideas can be easily gathered by deciphering complicated relationships in a young adult's life. Real-life experiences can structure your plot, while script collaboration with other teens will make the story stronger and universally relatable.
Body language and appropriate word choices will accurately depict your characters. Also, subplots are too complicated and time-consuming, and the script should be fluid without the distractions of new characters arriving mid-story: In a story about a 16-year-old boy discovering that he's adopted, he shouldn't develop a crush on his biology partner on page eight of the script.
Stealing Like Shakespeare
Even Shakespeare borrowed the plot of Romeo and Juliet from poet Arthur Brooke's "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet." Genius is about using what you have, not creating from scratch, and memorable stories are often loosely based on existing scripts. Your movie collection, books and plays may contain hundreds of ideas for a short script.
The Polished Script
It takes a few reads aloud to catch any errors in plot consistency, language and character arc. Friends or classmates can listen to a run-through of the script and provide insight. With the meat of your script done, you can focus on the bones -- formatting. Also, free screenwriting websites can assist you with generating ideas and using the correct format for your script.
