Paperman - How to Write an Animated Short Film in 3 Acts

How to structure your short film? A short film can become your calling card for finding representation and getting your first feature film assignment. There are many ways to write short films, however, if your goal is to write feature films or tv series, I suggest you learn the three act structure. There are seven core elements that can be useful to explore when writing a three-act structured short film. In this video, we'll see how Disney's Paperman uses them to tell a powerfully emotional story.

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A Puerta Films production.
Camera: Jesús Robles
Written by: Pietro Schito
Motion Graphics by: Jesús Robles
Logo animation by: Aranza Engle
Edited by: Pietro Schito

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00:00 - Should we use the 3-act structure?
00:49 - Paperman Prologue
01:12 - Inciting Incident
02:25 - First Turning Point
03:17 - Mid Point
03:52 - Low Point
04:05 - Second Turning Point
04:25 - Climax
04:36 - Resolution
05:05 - Your FREE PDF guide!

#writeforanimation #screenwriting #paperman

[kentmessick]

Very informative! Is there an ideal duration for a short film? Under 10 minutes?

[chriswells]

I love the way you explain this and also how Georges boss immediately becomes the antagonist by simply telling george to do his Work🤣

[THEWORDONLINE]

You have done an excellent work Pietro. I particularly like the character of George. His very simple and humble nature is sweet. Reminds me of spiderman 🙂

[fvjbbds]

Hey pietro, thanks for the explanatory video its great. I was just wondering, should short animated comedies necessary fit into this structure?

[arifnbd]

I found your videos are top notch and very helpful... Normally we do not see much discussion about screen play or how to write story for animation!!!! I would like to see how you explain story explanation for the Oscar winning short "Father and daughter"

[shiny]

I cant even begin to explain how this video helped with my unsolved questions for my short animation film, thank you so much!!!

[jamesmcandrew]

This is an indipendent short film that was made years and years ago that Disney completely ripped off. it's a very awesome video though! Just as a non animated short but some guy trying to get noticed... that disney would rather rip off than attrubute.

[sayyedhussain]

As always, informative but simple. Thank you

[mugatracy]

This is so awesome. I knew about the three act structure but just watching the breakdown was amazing. I had a creative block and i feel more confident now. Can't wait to breakdown more animations. Paperman was the first animated short film i watched. ps you're so wholesome. i literally smiled when i heard " Go write something great" Definitely subscribing!

[Entereri]

Great video, this is a very clear explanation!

[KashifRoss]

This is one of my favorite short films, but I really love the story structure circle on the left. Great visual!

[RaulHerreraR]

It’ amazing 😃
It’s One of mu favorito short films

[maryamrahmani]

That was great, seriously. 👏🏽👏🏽 I've learnt alot.

[Rebecca-qgpb]

Is that 2d?

Or 3d and 2d? 🤔

Nice video by the way 😮

[wtbofnc]

Awesomeness! Thanks Pietro! -I need one of those cork board walls you have!

[SamSox-nz]

I found your free download the the story acts extremely helpful. Just wanted to say thank you for that!

[coreyartis]

Great teaching and way to explain it. I learn a lot from watching your channel.

[konanova]

This is very helpful, especially because I want to start writing my own stories! Short films might be a great way to get into that. Thank you

[EmaKřístková]

I mean, Paperman is first half of 20th century's novel of animated films

[DrecoMandres]

Another great video, thank you Pietro!