British Comedy Guide

Short Films Advice

What's the usual structure for a comedy short film (7mins) How many plots? How many acts?

Three acts.

4 plots

Hey I couldn't understand your message did you want axes or asses?

Quote: Marc P @ 19th July 2014, 10:38 AM BST

Three acts.

That doesn't bloody help.

Quote: Mikey88 @ 4th August 2014, 12:36 PM BST

4 plots

haha

Not really Mikey.

yes Marc

I'm glad you agree. wisdom lies not in not making a mistake, but learning from it.

I couldn't agree more sir

Good.

No real reason why a seven minute piece can't have four different plots.

Apart from the fact that I said so?

And I'm right?

But taking your stance can you give some reasons why it can?

I was joking when I said it should have 4 plots - it can have as many as is appropritae

Quote: Marc P @ 6th August 2014, 10:26 PM BST

But taking your stance can you give some reasons why it can?

(Gets out PowerPoint)

· That it's physically possible.
· That you want to fill it with as much detail as you can.

On a serious level. Making a short film is like making love to a beautiful woman. If you only have seven minutes to hit the wow factor - you don't want to see to three other women first.

It is physically possible to put six sides to a wheel and have a hexagonal one. It's not a good idea though. It's honestly not about great detail. I could be wrong about this. What is your favourite short Paul? And which one with multiple plots in such a short one? It doesn't matter if you haven't written or made any yourself, just wanted to see if your approach could work? Its an interesting debate.

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