My whole life I always wanted to be a director. I always make videos with my friends and there not little crappy ones you see on YouTube, there pretty good. But anyways, I never no what to do with these short films, but now I’m in a film class in high school and we need to make a short film. I just need some tips for making an A+ material short film. Thanks!
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bjdzyak says
Apart from having to make a short film for a class, before you put in the effort to make a film, ask yourself what you hope to achieve with that particular project.
As an aspiring filmmaker, your body of work will be used as your calling card to attract financiers or an agent when you are ready to make larger projects on a professional level. So it is important that you take the time to make everything you do as excellent as it can be within the parameters you have to work within at any given time.
What this means for you right now is that you write a script that doesn’t push the limits of what you are capable of achieving. For instance, you likely don’t have the budget for a million warriors coming over the hills of Ireland, so you wouldn’t bother writing a story that needs that. Instead, think about the resources you DO have available and then think of a story that is within your reach. What will likely happen is that because you don’t have access to a lot of "production value" type elements, like amazing locations or special effects, you’ll be forced to concentrate on CHARACTERS. And the key to all great movies is that the characters come across as real for the audience. In time, your access to resources will grow, so those extras will be there if you need them, but even the biggest movies with lots of fancy FX still need solid characters at the core.
It’s one thing to write a great script with great characters, but you are making a movie from it. So, you’ll need great Actors who can bring your words to life. Skip your friends and move on to the drama department in your school. Better yet, go to the Theater Department at the local University and audition Actors there. Look for a local Theater group that may have older talent who are all interested in doing more work. If your script is good enough and you can convince those people that you have the skills to make the movie look as professional as possible, then before you know it, you’ll have a cast and crew who are all enthusiastic about making a movie…your movie.
Look below for some links to resources that will help you as you sit down to write and begin thinking about production of the film itself. If you have enough time, I urge you to also volunteer your time on other productions near you… University projects if possible, but if not, then look for local production companies. Offer to carry cases or get coffee and explain that you are interested in learning how actual professionals really shoot their projects. The experience will be invaluable as you take those lessons and apply them to your own work.
If you have any additional questions, email me directly at…
Good luck!
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
veron says
You could try reading some short stories; you might get an idea for a film.