Coffee
A film sequence.
Writing a non-dialogue film may be difficult, but it can be very rewarding. Being able to visually imply and tell a story without actually telling it is an interesting situation.
Show, don’t tell.
We have all heard that phrase before, but we can often forget to keep that in mind when coming up with a shot list, or a script. We can get caught up in trying to make something that is meaningful, and moving, and end up with a filmmaking piece of “I knew that was coming…”
The following is a film sequence I put together for a short film, titled, “Coffee,” by Joshua Hooker. Give it a watch if you’d like.
Sometimes conflict can be difficult to depict. This can be especially evident if your actors aren’t willing to role play, but I have found, as well as many others, is to write for who you have. Sort of base the character off of your actor — that way you don’t have to convince them to be another person. This will save you time, and frustration.
Shot List — Plan
ES — sun rising outdoors off the back porch.
ES — of the house.
CU — to a MS — Shea face, then alarm goes off…then MS to waist getting up. CU — cutting off alarm.
MS to CU action at the coffee pot. Changes filter, water, rinsing pot, etc.
ECU — his face when there is no coffee.
MS — Kate laying down.
Shea grabs keys MS (shoulder down)
Out the front door — Down the steps — to the car… key ECU won’t work. Running begins — dramatic music — into the gas station — grabs coffee and out the door… back to the house.
panting and sweaty — starts coffee
switch to Kate waking up
Shea gets in the shower — kate grabs coffee and uses the last sugar and milk…
Shea goes to grab coffee and…. ECU on his eyes and top of nose. Screaming from inside… LS from front door looking in. ELS to outside of house. (screaming continued…)
