comedy ideas for a short film

30. To develop your short film idea into a complete short film, you'll need to write a short film script, create a shot list and storyboard, and then begin the process of pre-production, production, and post-production. A racist woman must confront her own prejudices when she meets her new neighbor, who is from a different cultural background. 27. Remember that a short film prompt is just a starting point and that you should feel free to add your ideas and creativity to the project as you work on it. 69 Short Film Prompts to Jumpstart Your Next Film Project - Robin Piree 6. I know making a movie is scary. In this blog post, I've compiled a list of 55 unique and thought-provoking short film ideas to get your creative juices flowing and help you write your next short film script. "The Coexistence Experiment" - Two strangers with contrasting backgrounds are placed in a confined space as part of a social experiment, forcing them to forge a connection while learning to coexist. "The Living Ghost" - A conniving individual's scheme to fake their death for a hefty insurance payout backfires when they find themselves stuck in a bizarre limbo, unable to convince anyone of their very much alive status. "TimeShifters" - As a group of individuals explores the limits of their newfound power to manipulate time, they must also face the consequences of their actions on the intricate web of their relationships. A late-night call at a suicide prevention center. A TV personality is a fake Shark expert on a Shark Week show. 6. 4. "The Last Letter" - Unraveling secrets in a letter from his deceased wife, a man's understanding of their marriage is transformed, leading him on an emotional journey. 26. 60. "The Snowbound Passage" - A curious girl discovers a hidden portal to an enchanting winter realm within her attic, but as she explores this magical world, she must race against time to return home before her family discovers her secret adventure. "The Astronaut's Redemption" - A retired astronaut is approached by an alien race seeking help to save their dying planet, forcing him to face past choices and remorse. When a long-lost son returns home, a family is forced to confront the painful truths of their past and the possibility of a new beginning. 54. An astronaut lands on a desert planet. 74. There are several ways to find funding for your short film script ideas, such as crowdfunding, grants, sponsorships, and private investors. 47. Screenplay competition announcements! Trying to write a witty article is also hard. 78. 35. "Homecoming" - Returning home for the holidays, a student confronts lingering conflicts and unresolved issues from their past, testing their resilience. A man and his best friend, his dog, switch bodies. 20. "Escape the 9-to-5" - When a quirky team of coworkers finds themselves locked in their office during a weekend retreat, they must utilize their unique skills and camaraderie to outsmart their boss and orchestrate a daring escape. "Mistaken Identity" - A bewildered individual endures comedic chaos after being mistaken for someone else during a bus ride filled with unexpected consequences. A woman who has been blind since birth gets the opportunity to regain her sight and must decide if she's ready for the changes it will bring. 77. A hardcore rapper that actually didn't grow up in the hood. Let's dive in and let your imagination take flight! "Parcel of the Past" - A seemingly innocuous package containing a cryptic clue to an unsolved crime from decades past upends a person's life, compelling them to unveil the truth and prevent the dormant killer from striking again. "A Vanishing Act" - When a magician's wife and assistant vanish, he performs one last, astounding trick that magically reunites them, rekindling hope and love. Someone reading a scary book hears a knock at the door. Here are some story prompts to get you started. Moreover, you can make comic short films about the relationship between a teacher and a student. A young brother and sister survive after the apocalypse. 1. A group of children start an underground candy factory and run it like a drug cartel. Have some prompts of your own? 38. 92. 2. These same filmmakers fill their closets with valuable camera gear that collects dust and never gets used. "Age Gap" - Navigating their unique challenges, a couple with a considerable age difference embarks on a romantic weekend getaway in the City of Love, Paris. A man stuck in a thankless corporate job one day walks out and goes on a road trip. "Unaltered Past" - Living in a community where memories are manipulated and history is rewritten, one person must uncover the truth about a life-altering event before it's erased forever. A mother and her teenage son switch bodies. Learn From the Best "The Game" - Playing a seemingly innocent Halloween game, a group of friends discovers the stakes are far greater and deadlier than ever imagined. A hitman begins to question his profession after a job goes wrong. The experience of a character invited to a graduation party of someone they don't know. Want to make a short film or skit by yourself? He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. "Echoes of Yesterday" - Two friends stumble upon an abandoned house on the outskirts of town, only to find it haunted by the ghost of a murdered teenager who died there years ago. A criminal tries to attempt to go straight but is pulled back into a life of crime by an old acquaintance. "The Anger Within" - In a society programmed for perfect harmony, a man experiences anger for the first time and must confront the disruptive consequences of his newfound emotion. A version of this article originally appeared in the Austin Film Society's journal, Persistence of Vision. 69. 56. Part French sex comedy, part "American Pie"-like . I know firsthand that writing short films can be a challenging act. "Echelon Effect" - A scientist's accidental invention of a reality-altering device jeopardizes Earth's existence, sending shockwaves through the laws of physics. "Office War" - Office life takes a hilarious turn when a group of coworkers engages in an escalating prank war that spirals out of control with unforeseen results. A blogger trying to concoct a list of 101 hilarious (or slightly amusing) comedic story prompts runs out of ideas when he reaches the end of the list. "Starstruck Affection" - After hitting it off with a woman on a dating app, a man discovers she's a famous celebrity, forcing him to confront his insecurities and decide whether to pursue the date of a lifetime or walk away from the limelight. "Roommates" - Balancing exam preparation with the challenges of an unruly roommate, a college student struggles to maintain focus amidst the chaos. 46. If you want to come up with an idea for a dream, set an alarm in the middle of the night to wake yourself up in the middle of one, then scribble the plot down quickly. If that's you, stop it. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies. "Twisted Scheme" - A duplicitous couple plots to murder the woman's husband for financial gain, but their twisted scheme takes an unexpected turn. Brainstorming Ideas for Your Film Trailer - dummies A person who stumbles upon a mysterious town that no one else seems to remember or acknowledge. #Comedy #ComedyShortFilm #ComedyShow #IndianComedy. 15. 84. With the clock ticking, she must choose between the familiarity of the past and the uncertainty of the future. "The Black Hole Crisis" - A team of scientists studying a black hole inadvertently destabilize it, leaving them only moments to prevent its collapse and the destruction of the entire solar system. Making money from your short film is possible, but it can be challenging. 89. 36 likes, 7 comments - Kyngston (@logankyngston) on Instagram: "Artist: @tanjaliastorm Project: "When I'm Gone" Make up @stormdamodel Starring @splashformula49." We'll send you a list of our free screenwriting eCourses when you subscribe to our newsletter. "The Cursed Hotel" - A young couple's Halloween road trip goes awry when their car breaks down in an abandoned town, forcing them to take shelter in a haunted hotel plagued by a malevolent curse. A group of children obsessed with 1980s movies decides to remake the classics. Additionally, considerworking for freewith other filmmakers on passion projects and try to expand your network in the film industry. A bunch of bored fathers that binge The Sopranos decides to start a suburban mafia but they are a far cry from gangsters. A woman discovers that she is a character in a book and that the author is rewriting her story. Start with the ending first This doesn't seem like a how to write a short film tip, so much as a screenwriting lesson in general. You can earn money from film festival screenings, distribution deals, or streaming platforms. 16 Ways to Come up with Your Next Short Film Idea 1. "Love Story" - A blind individual and a deaf partner find love, communicating their emotions through tender body language and heartfelt expressions. A Little House on the Prairie fan wishes they could live in that world and realizes how hard that life really was. "Love Symphony" - A down-on-their-luck street musician's life takes a dramatic turn when a passerby with the power to change their future takes notice of their existence. Students in an elementary school dealing with surviving lunchtime. A group of teenagers discovers a cursed object that repeatedly causes them to relive the same day. Commence learning. A man must make it to a job interview on time, but his PTSD from a car accident keeps him from driving. "Hasty Nuptials" - A madcap couple races against the clock to plan their dream wedding in a single night, navigating a minefield of clashing ideas, eccentric vendors, and hilarious misunderstandings. The film is expected to premiere on Netflix later this year. Instead of having your short film tell the dramatic story of your alcoholic character trying to go sober over the course of a year, why not focus on the last day of the last step in their 12-Step program? 91. 84. The first day of school for a new student as they struggle to make a friend. This writing tool uses artificial intelligence to write a short film script in seconds. However, the typical range for a short film is around 5-15 minutes. "Imposter's Masquerade" - A Halloween party takes a dangerous turn when friends discover one of them has been replaced by an imposter, and they must unmask the intruder before it's too late. Here are 10 shorts you can watch online right now to get you started. So various films created using the same prompt will be different from one another. A young mother struggles to care for her child alone after her husband is deployed to war. The imaginary battle of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. 74. In your editing software, begin placing scenes in order. 23. 19. "Fractured Bonds" - A father and daughter engage in a heart-wrenching conversation about her drug addiction and its devastating impact on their family. 53. For example, a horror film will have an antagonist, monster or supernatural . A past arcade game champion from the 1980s quits his job to travel the country getting high scores on classic arcade game consoles. 13. A young couple's relationship is tested when one of them is diagnosed with a serious disease. A day in the life of a fighter pilot told within the cockpit. You know . The world's worst soccer player that is only on the team because their father coaches. 101 Hilarious (or Slightly Amusing) Comedic Story Prompts "Love Unassigned" - In a world where the government orchestrates relationships, a couple struggles to fall in love with someone they never chose. Look no further! 26. 11. "Ticking Portal" - A group of friends discovers a fleeting portal to another dimension, with only minutes to explore before the gateway closes once again. "Alien Frequencies" - Scientists working on a classified extraterrestrial communication project receive unexpected messages from another species, challenging their understanding of the universe. A first-time bank robber is forced to take hostages as he instantly regrets his choices. "Forgotten Memory" - Haunted by the resurgence of a traumatic event she believed was long forgotten, a woman grapples with her sanity and the truth. Forming a routine and working at a time where you can think without any disturbance is a good way to get inspired to write a short film idea. 64. 100. 5. It's also an epic journey through the highest of peaks and deepest of valleys as novice filmmakers quickly learn that it's not as easy as just having a few people, a boom mic, and a camera you need a great concept. "Beneath the Phantom's Veil" - Faced with a murder bearing the hallmarks of a supernatural entity, an investigator delves into the case only to uncover a more sinister and worldly explanation lurking beneath the surface. 35. Keep a dream journal. Coming up with fresh and original short film ideas can be challenging. "The Waiting Room" - As a couple anxiously awaits test results that will determine their child's fate, they grapple with grief and the strain on their relationship. A mother working three jobs in a single day and then coming home to kiss their child goodnight. Four female kindergarten teachers and their hilarious lives after the bell rings. Husband wife comedy sketches, Web Series, relationship banter, couple humour and meaningful fictional short films. "Hostage" - Thrown into a volatile hostage situation, a group of captives navigates a treacherous standoff with their lives on the line. A hipster who wishes they could live in the simpler times of the 1800s gets their wish and realizes how hard that life really was. 33. A carjacker accidentally steals a car full of rascal children. "Masquerade of Deception" - A blissful existence is shattered when a person discovers that those closest to them harbor dark secrets and hidden identities, forcing them to unravel the twisted truth before time runs out. "Costume Party" - Friends attending a costume party face a chilling mystery as they begin to vanish one by one, leaving the survivors to wonder if it's a game or a deadly plot. Films in this style traditionally have a happy ending (dark comedy being an exception to this rule). "Defying Destiny" - In a society where the government dictates careers and life paths, a determined individual fights to carve out their own destiny and defy the oppressive system. "Lost Memory" - Stricken with memory loss, a man falls in love with a captivating woman, unaware she is his long-lost spouse. A woman discovers their doppelganger. A popular TV Chef that can't really cook is hired by the White House to cook for the inaugural ball. Unraveling the Word Counts and Beyond, 99+ Scary Movie Ideas: Unleash Your Inner Horror Writer, 89+ Bursting Setting Ideas to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing, Character Motivations to Kickstart Your Next Story, 77 Roleplay Prompts: The Ultimate Creative Exercise, What is a Synopsis? 55. That's why I've compiled this list of 100 ideas for short films to help inspire you to brainstorm short film ideas, get your creative juices flowing, and beat your writer's block in writing your next short film script. Coming Up With Good Ideas Is Always A Struggle Even When Thinking About The Bad Ones.Starring:Will SmithSam WigleyGeorgia PayneSpecial Thanks to:Niamh Presto. Subscribe to my newsletter and get a 10% discount code for my shop. There are various types of funny short film ideas running through your brain. "Parting Moments" - Friends gather to bid farewell to a terminally ill companion, only to be blindsided by an unforeseen turn of events. The opposite of vertigo the fear of being too close to the ground. 75+ Romance Story Ideas To Get Your Creative Juices Flowing, How to Write a Script for a Short Film: Your Step-by-Step Guide, 141 Thriller Story Ideas to Jumpstart Your Writing Journey, 89+ Fantasy Story Ideas: Sparking Your Creative Juices and Setting Your Imagination Run Wild, 39+ Villain Ideas: Crafting the Perfect Antagonist, How Long is a Short Story? 101 Story Prompts to Kickstart Your Short Film. Get weekly writing inspiration delivered to your inbox - including industry news, popular articles, and more! document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Fine-tune your craft with high quality detailed notes, Industry-leading screenwriting software at a great price, Expand your network and knowledge with virtual events and writers summits, News, interviews, and writing tips from screenwriting greats. Short Film Ideas: 9 Easy Ways to Generate Ideas Live a Little: This goes along with #2. These true story writing prompts were conceived on the fly or were based on finding interesting true stories that are out there. Stop thinking about complex plot lines and characters, and instead try building a film around a simple idea. "Undercover Spy"- A secret agent must deal with one final enemy to complete a dangerous mission. Unfortunately, the film industry is highly competitive, and making money from a short film is not a guaranteed outcome. 43. "Bench of Revelations" - A woman, mourning a breakup on a park bench, finds solace in a stranger's companyonly to learn that the stranger is her ex's new partner. The Roy family is known for controlling the biggest media and entertainment company in the world. CNN . 52. "Whispers in the Shadows" - A family is home alone on a stormy night, but as strange noises and shadows begin to appear, they suspect that they are not alone and that something sinister is hiding in the room with them. Funny Subscribe to our prompts newsletter "Ghost" - Tormented by the ghost of a deceased loved one, a woman confronts the specter in a dangerous and emotional showdown. A travel agent struggles to hold onto a job that has no contemporary meaning. We provide aspiring writers industry access, free resources and inspiration, and a community to support you through every step of your creative journey. Instead of having your short story tell the horrifying story of a serial killer stalking and killing multiple victims, why not center the story on a single victim in their house watching the news reports of the killings and then hearing a floorboard creak from above. A young boy discovers that his toy box can transport him to different worlds. 62. "Fate's Dark Bargain" - At a Halloween gathering, a group of friends encounters a mysterious fortune teller whose predictions begin to come true, forcing them to seek a way to change their destinies before it's too late. A day in the life of an angel on Earth. 21 Series Bibles That Every TV Screenwriter Should Read, 99 Archetypes and Stock Characters Screenwriters Can Mold, 101 Great Plot Twist Ideas to Elevate Your Script, 21 Movie Treatments and Outlines That Every Screenwriter Should Read, 18 Plot Devices You Can Use to Elevate Your Story, What is a Story Engine and How Can it Help Your TV Pilot, [INTERVIEW] Pixar Storytelling Works: 'Elemental' Writers Use All the Rules, 5 Screenwriting Tips from 'Family Guy' Showrunners. 24. Your success is our #1 priority. A remake of the original silent film The Great Train Robbery. A delivery driver is tasked with a last-minute job to deliver an important package across the city within an hour but has to navigate through heavy traffic. A young woman must come to terms with her family's tragic past, which comes back to haunt her. "Dark Depths" - Friends exploring an abandoned mine on Halloween night become trapped by a cave-in, racing against time to escape before the mine collapses, burying them alive. When the WiFi goes down, neighborhood kids discover how to keep themselves entertained. 20. 150 Essential Comedy Movies To Watch Now | Rotten Tomatoes "The Unearthly Nanny" - A young woman takes a job as a nanny for a wealthy family but soon realizes that the child she cares for is not human. The Short Film Idea GENERATOR | The Formula for UNLIMITED IDEAS for Someone that faints at the sight of blood becomes a vampire. We can help! How To Come Up With Short Film Ideas - The Film Fund 14. A man becomes a hero after he saves a group of people from a house fire. Your short film script ideas can come from anywhere. It probably takes. 50. "Echoes of the Past" - A brother and sister confront their fractured relationship in the childhood room where they once shared carefree moments. They can come from a scene or moment in a film that wasnt fully explored. "Missing Evidence" - A detective's frantic pursuit of critical missing evidence before a trial commences leads to a high-stakes, dangerous chase. 85. 64. "The Standoff"- Caught in the crossfire, an innocent bystander is trapped between law enforcement and ruthless criminals during a nail-biting standoff. 29. "Blank Canvas" - Plagued by artist's block, a painter stumbles upon a window into her subconscious, where she must face her deepest fears and regrets to unlock her creativity. There is a man in a white shirt sitting at the table, suffering as hell. 36. https://registry.screencraft.org?utm_source=screencraft-blog&utm_medium=side-bar&utm_campaign=&utm_campaign=101 Story Prompts to Kickstart Your Short Film. 71. "Game Night" - A cozy gathering of friends for a game night turns into a chaotic whirlwind of suspicion and intrigue as they become convinced that one of their own is a cunning cheat. Two actors. It's as simple as that watch short films. I Need Ideas For A Short Comedy Film. I Dont Know What It Should Be From short horror film ideas to funny short film ideas, these short movie ideas can form the perfect foundation to kickstart a good short story and bring your next project to life with your film crew! A group of coworkers is stranded in their office during a snowstorm, leading to unexpected revelations and tensions. 3. "The Dolls" - Paranoia grips a group of people who believe their dolls are alive and conspiring against them. 24. "Ghost Story" - Friends sharing ghost stories around a campfire face a chilling twist when they realize their tales are coming to life in the shadows of the night. In 2018 we set out to make a five-minute comedy short, but I'll admit it: being funny is hard. 70. "Empty Nest" - Grieving the loss of their only child, a couple finds comfort in adopting a stray dog, discovering it's a miraculous reincarnation of their departed child. "Replacements" - In a world where human clones serve as laborers, one clone rebels against their purpose, demanding recognition and rights for their kind. They can come from a single visual that entices the creative mind a seed that continues to grow and grow until the writer is forced to finally put it to paper or screen. Short Film Ideas Checklist: 20 Fancy Ways to Get Inspired 51. Best Funny Story Ideas to Inspire Your Writing - Reedsy A genre is the type, style, or category of film. "The Heist"- A group of criminals plans and executes a daring heist in a high-security room, but things quickly go wrong. List of American comedy films; List of Brazilian comedy films; List of British comedy films; List of Indian comedy films; List of films based on British television series; By subject. 66. 80. A married couple struggles to reconcile their different expectations for their future during a family dinner. Choose another clip from that same scene until you find one that works for you. 79. 10. "Trunk of Terror" - A therapist, kidnapped by her patient, wakes up in a car trunk en route to a remote execution site, with just minutes to escape her captor. A robot comes to life in an inventor's shop. Grandparents welcome their six grandchildren for a week's vacation; only the parents never come back. "Echoes of a Killer" - Tasked with solving a murder that eerily mirrors a notorious past crime, a detective's relentless pursuit of the truth leads them to question if the original case was ever truly closed.