I'm in preproduction for a movie i'll enter in a film competition but the film can't go for more than 2 and a half minutes (including credits). and i was wondering if you had any advice that could help, i'm having trouble thinking of a story.

Yuo'll have to keep it VERY simple, because you don't have time for any true plot or character develpment. I would create a conflict involving something basic, like an everyday activity.

try to make the conflict something that just about everyone can relate to, also. So then you'll get people's attention a lot easier, and they'll actually care about the person that's going through the conflict more.

It's pretty much what's been said, but I'd say go for a conflict with an obvious past...
This way your time frame will easily go beyond the extent of your short film.

E.

You'll need a montage!

or just keep it simple like Mark says..

ya, or you could just shoot some everyday thing but spend a lot of time on setting up the stot and lighting and stuff to make it look really good. i was thinking something like a guy waking up, or like, 2 minutes at work or something.