Short Film Script: "The Message" Genre:
Drama / Slice of Life
Drama / Slice of Life
Duration:
1-2 minutes
1-2 minutes
Concept:
A person finds an old message and is reminded of a special moment.
A person finds an old message and is reminded of a special moment.
Scene 1: Waking Up
Location: Bedroom
Shot:
Hold the phone horizontally and shoot from a top-down angle or side angle.
Person (actor) wakes up, stretches, and picks up the phone from the bedside table.
Close-up of the phone screen turning on.
Dialogue (Voiceover or Text Message):
No dialogue, just ambient sounds.
Scene 2: Finding the Message
Location: Living Room / Workspace
Shot:
Person scrolls through old messages, stops on one message.
Close-up of the phone displaying an old message: “Remember our trip? Miss you.”
Shot Tip: Use a hand-held zoom or move the phone slightly for dynamic effect.
Scene 3: Nostalgic Moment
Transition: Person smiles softly, gets up.
Shot:
Person walks to a drawer or shelf, picks up a small keepsake (like a photo, ticket, or souvenir).
Hold the camera steady or use a slow pan to show the keepsake.
Scene 4: Remembering
Location: Sitting by window or in a cozy corner
Shot:
Person sits quietly, looks out the window/dreams.
Insert a soft-focus shot of the keepsake or window view for mood.
Optional:
Voiceover or caption: “Sometimes, a small message can mean everything.”
Scene 5: Ending
Location: Back to the phone or the keepsake
Shot:
Person picks up the phone again, types a reply or just smiles.
End with a close-up of the phone screen showing “sent” or “smile” emoji.
Tips for Filming:
Location: Bedroom
Shot:
Hold the phone horizontally and shoot from a top-down angle or side angle.
Person (actor) wakes up, stretches, and picks up the phone from the bedside table.
Close-up of the phone screen turning on.
Dialogue (Voiceover or Text Message):
No dialogue, just ambient sounds.
Scene 2: Finding the Message
Location: Living Room / Workspace
Shot:
Person scrolls through old messages, stops on one message.
Close-up of the phone displaying an old message: “Remember our trip? Miss you.”
Shot Tip: Use a hand-held zoom or move the phone slightly for dynamic effect.
Scene 3: Nostalgic Moment
Transition: Person smiles softly, gets up.
Shot:
Person walks to a drawer or shelf, picks up a small keepsake (like a photo, ticket, or souvenir).
Hold the camera steady or use a slow pan to show the keepsake.
Scene 4: Remembering
Location: Sitting by window or in a cozy corner
Shot:
Person sits quietly, looks out the window/dreams.
Insert a soft-focus shot of the keepsake or window view for mood.
Optional:
Voiceover or caption: “Sometimes, a small message can mean everything.”
Scene 5: Ending
Location: Back to the phone or the keepsake
Shot:
Person picks up the phone again, types a reply or just smiles.
End with a close-up of the phone screen showing “sent” or “smile” emoji.
Tips for Filming:
- Use natural lighting whenever possible.
- Keep shots steady — use a tripod or stabilize with a shelf or cushion.
- Record in portrait for social media or landscape for a cinematic feel.
- Add soft background music or ambient sounds for emotion.
Feel free to customize the script to fit your style or available props!
-Claude
