Tips for Making a Short Film
Consider Crowdfunding
Money is an important aspect of creating a short film. Of course, many people have made top-notch indie films on extreme budgets, but you’re still going to need some kind of money to get started. If you don’t already own gear, you’ll need to invest in affordable video equipment to get you started, but don’t skimp on the accessories you’ll need like a gimbal, microphones and a few good lights. In recent years, some independent film festivals have given out awards to truly compelling movies shot almost entirely on iPhones. Just make sure you have all the necessary gear and gadgets to make your project look professional, regardless of what you plan to film on.
Once you’ve set a budget for yourself, you should consider crowdfunding by reaching out to people you know or even starting a GoFundMe to help bring your vision to life. It can be a bit awkward to ask people for money, but you’d be surprised how many people are willing to buy into something they believe in–and just a little bit of money from a lot of people can really add up.
Find Compelling Actors
When making a film just for fun, the quality of the acting isn’t all that important because you’re not planning to share it with anyone but you and your friends. However, for a serious film festival, your actors are just as important as your script and your camera work, if not more so. Unless you have some talented actor friends, don’t ask them to be in your production. Instead, host auditions and encourage people who are already involved in acting to try out. Be critical. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but you need to find actors who can truly capture your script and get an emotional reaction out of your audience.
Keep It Short
Every short film festival has a time limit, most of which fall around 40 minutes, but that doesn’t mean that you need to run to exactly that time. In fact, if your story can be told in less than 40 minutes, it may even make your project stand out from the rest. It’s really all about quality. Keeping your production on the shorter side will keep people focused and prevent you from getting sidetracked with too many side plots. Be sure to be as concise and engaging as possible.