so i'm taking a class for my graphic communications degree which is basically 8 weeks of creating a short film. the first week's already over and i haven't thought of a story to film yet. it has to be 3-10 minutes (mine might as well be 3 minutes since i'm lazy af). the main thing is that i want to make a film that doesn't require any actors, or at most just one actor, which can be myself. i have no friends and i don't exactly want to ask my parents -.- so because of the no actors thing, i think it takes out a lot of story possibilities. i also don't go outside a lot (pls stop judging) but i can film around my neighborhood, which is a suburban area with trees/grass/a playground. while trying to come up with ideas, i thought i could do something like a joke made into a film, like this short film: but i haven't found any jokes i can make into a 3 minute film with just 0-1 actors i also thought about doing a story that has to do with playing league.. something like these: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqZKSoNWGZO-nrajuEhxvUg like, the frustrations of playing, or whatever. but uh that's as far as i got so i would really appreciate some ideas if you have them
Gotta be honest, comedy with 0-1 people isn't going to be easy. A lot of the humor is derived from reactions or people bouncing off of one or another. Take the well known bit "Who's on First?" It's really funny largely because of the reaction. I'd even say that the clip you posted the humor is derived from the reactions and misinterpretations of the other cabin members. I want to make it clear that it is possible to humor with 1 person, but it's just very difficult. Anyway, I think something you might want to consider is trying a short stop motion idea, if that's allowed. Only thing is, you will need to start soon because 3 minutes of stop motion will take a long time to make, but this will allow you to have multiple characters but you can do everything by yourself. Drama is your other option. This is also very hard in such a short format because you don't have any time to develop a character or a plot. So, I would suggest you think of an event that happened in your life or someone's life who you know and try to recreate it. For example: Maybe you just moved into the neighborhood and thus you don't know anyone. You're nervous about going to a new school and are feeling some resentment towards your parents for moving. You make the bold, but rash, decision to sneak out one night determined to go back to your old home but shortly after you start your journey you are discouraged by the actual impossibility. You find yourself contemplating your decision in the park. There you meet someone in the neighborhood. You have a small conversation and discover this person attends the school you start tomorrow. You make a connection and, with their encouragement, decide to go home. This chance meeting has filled you with an optimism that maybe things will be okay. This idea really works better with a younger character, but it might be believable for an older character. Anyway, that's just a rough idea. I would definitely say for a drama look back at your own experiences and think of moments that have stayed with you. These are usually filled with emotion and if it had such an impact on you, it's probably something with which others can connect or apply to themselves.
