15 Life Hacks to Plan a Short Film
Short films have gone a long way to win the hearts of the audience and found their place in the filmmaking industry. Nowadays we can notice the prosperity of short films and almost every producer at least once has thought about creating a short film. However, short films require more dedication, as you have a time-limit and the film has to express the complete idea. So, what do the experts advise to take into account while planning a short film? Here is a list of 15 life hacks to create the one.
Idea is the most essential
Yes, it sounds obvious, but it is the core issue. Think what is the aim of your short film and consider the story you will have to tell just in several minutes and hold the viewers’ attention.
Plan your budget
Before writing the script, think of your budget. It will help you to structure your production plan and understand what sources you can afford while shooting your future masterpiece.
Create a script
A script will help you to ensure that the film will depict your idea. Take your time and write a detailed scenario, which will make it easier for you to develop a comprehensive plan for shooting your short film, plan certain scenes and define the timeframes.
Brevity is the soul of wit
The shorter the script, the fewer finances you’ll have to gather in order to produce the film. Moreover, if you want to apply your short to a film festival, you will have to make your creation no longer than ten minutes as festivals like to show as many shorts as possible. Besides, it’s always good to stick to the genre and make sure that you don’t cross the line, after which a short film turns into a feature one.
Don’t forget about the practicalities
When planning a short, keep in mind that due to the lack of time and sometimes money, it will be too complicated to include action scenes like in the best box-office films. Short films have their own charm, which is created with the use of different shooting and production techniques. Take a challenge and show your story in a simple, yet compelling way.
Storyboard
Draw each shot of your script. It will determine the flow of your film and the sequences of scenes so that you can correct your scenario right at this stage. As soon as you create a storyboard, you will also save a lot of time and organisation work in the future.
Motion the plan
It is a more advanced stage for you to enter after the creation of the storyboard. However, it will make your idea more visual and will help you to understand all the peculiarities of your script. Besides, it will be a sketch of your further work, and due to the plenty of online tools, you can do it very quickly and for free.
Find the suitable camera
In a short film creation, technical questions are of vital importance as well. Some filmmakers start with shooting a short with their phone and manage to produce masterpieces. But as the quality of a short film still depends the equipment you use, search for an inexpensive, yet professional camera, lights and other equipment that will make your creation visually pleasing without breaking the budget. Luckily, nowadays there is a significant choice of them.
Mind the lightning
It’s already well-proven that the proper lighting can change the whole perception of your images. So, minding the location, try to make the shots in the preferable lightning or if it necessary, add some. It will lead your short film to a new and more professional level.
Scout for a location
Once you have created a story, search for the best suitable place. Be mindful that sometimes it is somewhat difficult to find an appropriate and cheap area. Sometimes it is necessary to agree with the owners to shoot your film there. So, even at the stage of film planning, think about where you are going to create your short.
Get actors for the film
It is probably the most challenging task as the success of your short depends on the cast involved. It doesn’t matter if your actors are professionals or someone from your friends, in case they embody the role and hold the audience’s attention, the film will have success.
Recruit a crew
A crew will help you with the various aspects of film shooting, while you can be concentrated on the idea. Of course, if your budget is limited, you may fill some roles by yourself or ask your friends who are interested in film creation whether they are ready to help you.
Welcome collaboration
Although, your short film depends on your vision and decisions, be receptive to good advice, no matter where it comes from. Sometimes it can add new ideas to your film.
Attract an investor
This part can be the most profitable as an experienced investor can not only help you with the financial questions but also promote your short. By the way, different film finance companies, such as Red Rock Entertainment, can help you to find the proper investments today.
Do it
All help and life hacks are useless until you sit and start writing your script. If you have a great idea, run with it. Your Actions and persistence are the keys.
