Writing the Short Film

About this Class

WEEK ONE: Students will bring rough ideas for 5–7 minute short films (5–7 pages) to begin developing their concepts. Ideas won’t need to be polished at this stage and can evolve throughout the process. As a class, we’ll refine each idea until every student feels confident in their concept. We’ll also explore genre, effective storytelling for short films, what works for festivals, and how short concepts can evolve into feature-length projects. WEEK TWO: Students will bring beat-by-beat breakdowns of their stories. Together, we’ll analyze logic and structure to strengthen each concept. We’ll discuss screenplay format, purpose, and structure, and students will begin drafting their scripts. WEEK THREE: Students will bring first drafts for discussion and optional table reads. Travis will provide notes, and the class will explore structure and development strategies in preparation for the next polished draft. WEEK FOUR: Students will bring second drafts for review and optional second table reads. Travis will give detailed feedback on improving story and concept effectiveness. We’ll discuss moving toward production, maximizing production value, and key elements like sound design, editing, formatting, and style. The goal is that by the end of the course, each student will leave with a fully developed short film concept ready for production and a strong understanding of how short-form storytelling connects to longer screenplay formats. Travis Nicholson is a human writer, director, actor and producer from Nashville, TN. His writing, directing, and producing credits include feature films, television series, short films, commercials and countless music videos. Working with diverse directors such as Clint Eastwood, Joel and Ethan Coen, F. Gary Grey, and Harmony Korine has given Travis exposure to a broad range of styles and techniques over the years, helping him develop in his varied interests. In 2012, a short film he produced entitled "The Arm" was awarded "Special Jury Prize for Comedic Storytelling" at the Sundance Film Festival. That same year, "Super Zeroes," which Travis co-wrote, produced and starred in, won the "Audience Award" at the Nashville Film Festival. In 2014, "Listening", another feature film producing effort shot in Los Angeles and Cambodia, received glowing reviews from The Hollywood Reporter and Moviemaker magazine. In 2017 Travis co-created, co-wrote, and executive produced "Still the King" a comedy television series starring Billy Ray Cyrus