How To Write A Short Film

An online workshop in which BAFTA-longlisted, BIFA-nominated writer/director Liam White outlines the process of writing a film.

It's hard to write a good short film. To tell a complete story, that entertains, that has a point, that provokes questions in the audience, that has characters that feel real, who speak dialogue which sounds natural, in such a small amount of time... it's tricky.

In this workshop I give an overview of the process I use from having an initial 'that's interesting' idea, all the way through to a written script.

I focus on the methods I use to bring the best out of the idea your story is exploring, how to maximise it's potential. I'll touch on how to create characters that sound and act different. We'll look at green and red flags to bear in mind as you shape the story.

I should point out, I use the same method for feature writing, only.... there's more of it! This workshop would also be useful if you're a filmmaker working on a feature script.

At the end of the session is a Q&A where we can get as specific or as broad as you like when it comes to writing. After the session you get a recording of it, plus the presentation, and some other materials to help you on your way.

Throughout I will be referring to some of my short films as specific examples of where choices were made and to highlight the lessons involved. Links are below.

I've done these a few times now, in person and online and they've always gone down really well.

Who is Liam to lead such a workshop?

I was selected as one of the Screen Stars of Tomorrow 2025, and one of 15 filmmakers for the BFI Network@LFF cohort in 2024.

My last short Housewarming was BIFA nominated in 2024, and won Best UK Short at Raindance 2024. Barry Ward won Best Actor at Manchester Film Festival 2025.

My previous short, Punch-Drunk, was BAFTA-longlisted in 2022. I have a feature in development with Escape Plan (Love Lies Bleeding), and other projects, both short and feature, in development.

Proof of the Pudding:

HOUSEWARMING

Short of the Week https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2025/02/17/housewarming/

Directors Notes https://directorsnotes.com/2024/06/20/liam-white-housewarming/

Vimeo https://vimeo.com/1057425514

Letterboxd https://letterboxd.com/film/housewarming-2024/

PUNCH-DRUNK

Vimeo https://vimeo.com/falsetoothfilms/punch-drunk

DOUGHNUT

Short of the Week https://shortoftheweek.com/2021/11/22/doughnut

TICK TICK TICK

Vimeo https://vimeo.com/360522251

Testimonials From Previous Workshops:

‘Listening to Liam was inspiring.’

‘I found it thorough and helpful. Has mainly inspired me to go out there and play with my own ideas.’

‘It was informative without being overwhelming. It felt like it could be practically applied and used.’

‘Thanks so much for the session. I found it really helpful in identifying what to focus on when writing, re-writing and collaborating.’

‘Seeing the journey from the point of view of someone who didn’t go to film school, who doesn’t have the money or leg up. It’s the practical advice needed!’

‘It was great to hear about Liam’s process as a writer and director’

‘Great session, really enjoyed it. Very insightful, and inspiring! Mid-way through the session I got several ideas for shorts.’