Film is a collective medium. It is our responsibility to ensure that every technical aspect of the film plays correctly. Here are some tips that will make making your short film easier. It will also be useful for those who are just starting out in the film industry. Please remember that I only deal with short fiction films and not documentaries.
Have you got an idea? Do you have old paperwork? Or a storyline that can be visualized. Simply write down your idea on paper. It is better to write than to remember. They can be edited or changed whenever you wish. For a low budget short film, pre-production can be very important.
Your creativity is your greatest asset. Imagine the story over and again until the film is visible. Once you get a clear idea, keep thinking. Now is the time to break it down into pieces. Make sure to list every visual component. Then, convert those pieces into the most likely shots. Finally, arrange them correctly. Now it’s time to remove the pieces. You can then eliminate or replace images that are not possible to show through the camera. Don’t hesitate to do it. You can remove any segment that is costly. Creativity here is key. These shots can be substituted with a more expensive set.
Limit the number locations in your screenplay. It will save you time and reduce your vehicle costs. You should only make it to one or two locations.
Large, high definition cameras can be expensive to rent. Use small, simple cameras to capture your film. These cameras can be borrowed by your friends, or you can buy one yourself. These small cameras can be used to make a short film with enough resolution for even a budget. You will have a better film if your own camera is used. It is a better creative and economic option.
You can place most sequences in natural daylight. This will save you the cost of hiring lighting accessories. Use a few glittering papers and polystyrene as your reflector. Lighting for night photography will cost you a lot and take up a lot more time. Avoiding it is the best thing. Utilize natural light whenever possible.
You don’t need a professional actor for a short movie. You won’t be able to hire them if your film is not well-respected. You don’t have to hire stars. Encourage your neighbours, teachers, and parents, to take action. You can act too. You can achieve the same result with precise and well-rehearsed rehearsals as when you write a screenplay.
Preproduction involves planning the entire event and getting locations ready for shooting. Remember that time is money. Employ a professional approach. You will see the results yourself.
You don’t have to buy editing software, or hire consoles to edit your short film. There is an alternative. Some companies now offer trial versions of high-quality software. This is all you need. Get some good editing software for your personal computer. I’ve found some excellent software on the internet. You can now download the manual. Take your time. Pros can also help you. You don’t have to be afraid of cutting your shots. You will be the best. Good luck.