Teachers! Looking for scripts for a class to analyze or produce?

Take 26 Short Screenplays for Independent Filmmakers for a test drive in your classroom. Or apply online for a free copy, if you’re a teacher.

How do these screenplays fit into a class?

The book contains 26 classroom-ready screenplay exercises.  Each exercise contains a short film script and demonstrates a specific aspect of cinematic language (montage, documentary, public service announcements, animation, other film genres and common cinematic devices).

All scripts as written can be filmed quickly and inexpensively. Some will work on zero budget. All are great team projects. Some of them can be made (or adapted to be made) by one person working alone.

Or the collection can be used in class for script analysis, script rewrite assignments, acting exercises, and other activities that don’t involve hands on film production. The book has even been used in special education classes!

Since it’s a collection, you can assign a different script for each student in your class to analyze, or assign all of your students the same script to produce and see how uniquely each person interprets the same story into a different film.

Released under a Creative Commons license, each short film script is designed to be photocopied, adapted, and shared with students, actors, and crews — without licensing hassles. All screenplays in the book are royalty free.

After your students finish their films, tell us! (And post them online.) We want to show other educators how you’re using film in your classroom and what’s possible with a collection of short film ideas. We’ll gladly help promote your students’ film portfolios, too.