7 Compelling Short Film Ideas to Kickstart Your Creativity

The importance of originality and creativity in short filmmaking can’t be overstated. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s always simple to come up with interesting ideas that can sustain even a 20-minute movie, let alone something that could end up in film festivals.

First time and seasoned filmmakers alike encounter challenges to getting the creative juices flowing. Even a quick brainstorm for movie ideas can feel impossible. For beginners especially, this can feel like a huge obstacle, until you learn tricks to overcome it.

Whether you want to pursue indie filmmaking or produce a feature film for a major studio, short film concepts are an ideal way to get a sense of the process from start to finish.

This post provides a rapid-fire list of short film ideas to spark creativity and challenge conventional storytelling.

1. Last Message

Imagine a day in the life—the last day of someone’s life—spent sending messages that will impact a future the main character won’t be part of. It’s all about connections between people, even when they aren’t physically present with each other.

Example Plot

Film a drama about the last day of an old man who spends his final hours sending meaningful, anonymous messages to impact others' lives positively. Depending on the setting, he might send physical letters or digital texts for others to read, but the storyline stays the same.

Tip

Focus on character development and emotional storytelling to engage the audience deeply with the protagonist's journey.

2. Glass Slippers

Retell a well-known, classic tale, but set it in the real world and switch up the roles a bit. Viewers appreciate the familiar fantasy mashed up with real-life events. And the believable stumbles of a “storybook” character can be quite entertaining.

Example Plot

Create a modern Cinderella retelling set in a bustling metropolis, where a young woman uses her tech-savvy skills to find her mysterious suitor from a coffee shop. Perhaps she’s a little out of place, having come from a rural area. But her investigative abilities with social media and databases are all she needs.

Tip

Focus on integrating advanced production design techniques to create a visually rich, technologically advanced urban setting that contrasts with the protagonist's humble beginnings.

3. Switched at Sleep

Freak viewers out with a science fiction short movie that puts people in terrifying situations and changes how the world works. The combination of impossible scenarios and raw human emotion will keep filmgoers on the edge of their seats.

Example Plot

Develop a sci-fi thriller about people waking up in another person’s body each day and its impact on society. Even as a short film, this leaves plenty of options for unexpected plot points and creating suspense.

Tip

Experiment with camera angles, editing techniques and other aspects of videography to effectively portray the confusion and horror of being trapped in another body.

4. These Halls Echo

Movies don’t have to be long to explore the darker corners of the mind. Thrillers combine horror and psychology for something truly terrifying and give filmmakers endless options for fun camera work.

Example Plot

Film a psychological thriller set in a high school, where a student hears echoes of thoughts revealing secrets and desires. They confide in a group of friends, but no one believes them. Between the voices, the social ostracization and the questioning of their own sanity, the student is at the center of the film’s madness.

Tip

Practice sound design and audio editing to creatively use the 'echo' effect, which enhances the thriller aspect of storytelling.

5. The Final Symphony

Dystopian and post-apocalyptic settings may be dark, but they are excellent fodder for all sorts of other human narratives. Often, the story explores not only heroism and overcoming, but what’s been lost and the importance of art and the beauty of nature.

Example Plot

In a dystopian future where music is banned, a group of rebels plot and perform a cinematic, final illegal symphony. Tension exists in the creative process and conducting it in secret, as well as in an ultimate dispute with law enforcement.

Tip

Beginning with the storyboard, focus on art direction and cinematography to capture the contrast between the oppressive setting and the beauty of the forbidden symphony.

6. Broken Colors

Fantasy and imaginary realms are excellent for filmmakers who want to create visually stunning pieces. You can use magic to illustrate deep truths through art, and challenge conventional views about our world.

Example Plot

Film a magical realism tale about a colorless world far from Earth, and a young child who starts seeing splashes of color, leading them to uncover a forgotten truth about humanity. This short story wouldn’t even need much (or any!) dialogue to communicate the ideas, and could be an idea for making an independent film.

Tip

Utilize color grading and visual effects to gradually introduce colors into the film, symbolizing the child’s unique perspective.

7. Digital Ghost

As the world becomes increasingly digital, incorporating social media and tech into art will become increasingly relevant. Especially with the ongoing evolution of AI, the screenwriting material for this genre will only grow more interesting.

Example Plot

A thriller meets sci-fi when a person’s digital footprint comes to life after their death, leading to unforeseen consequences for their family and friends. While this isn’t possible at the moment, viewers will certainly be able to imagine the scenario and consider how they might handle it.

Tip

Experiment with visual effects to represent the digital ghost and explore themes of technology’s impact on personal privacy. Consider pacing, particularly during intense moments.

Learn How to Make Your Short Film from Pro Filmmakers

As a filmmaker, take the time to practice and grow your skills. Skillshare can help you develop key filmmaking skills across a range of abilities, especially if you’re a beginner working on your first short film.

Check out classes like:

Explore Skillshare’s tutorials and classes on writing a short film script, shooting a film on an iPhone and more from filmmakers in the film industry. Whatever route you choose, it all starts with a great idea!

Written By

Katie Mitchell

Katie lives in Michigan with her husband, kids and pets. She enjoys cooking, travel and live music.