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How to make a short film

Want to make a short film but don't know how to get started? Roving reporter David S has the lowdown.

It's no secret that Quentin Tarantino made his start as a big-time director when he was a rental store nerd watching every movie he could get his hands on. Anyone can be a director, they just need some direction!

Here are a few easy steps to get you on your way as a budding film-maker. Just promise me you won't make a Gigli sequel.

Think of a good idea

Okay, so there's a long list of things that have been done to death already, things that the world doesn't need more films about. Coming of age teen dramas, action hero blockbusters... Besides, films heavy on action/violence are really hard to make look realistic anyway, unless you've got a few spare millions lying around to spend on special effects!

My general rule is that people should make films that reflect their personalities and what is happening around them. If you're a romantic at heart maybe you should go with a soppy (okay that was unfair... sensitive?) romantic piece. If you're into sports, a sport drama about the basketball team that almost made it could be good. And, if you're a bit wacky, perhaps an experimental film about, well, anything.

You're only limited by your imagination in this business. Remember - your film doesn't have to necessarily have a story or even people. Animations are good as long as you have the patience. Don't be scared to make a documentary, either. Exposing the truth can be a most rewarding experience for both audience and film-maker alike.

Plan it out

This stage tends to be a bit laborious, but it's well worth it when it comes to filming day. After all, you only get out what you put in.

The first step is to write a screenplay with all the lines of dialogue as well as directions for your actors. Ask people you trust to read over it - maybe your teachers or parents - and ask them what they think. Make changes wherever necessary.

You can download this screenplay template to give you an idea of how to set one out - here's a .pdf (23KB) and here's an .rtf version (21KB).

If you're up to it, draw up a storyboard that illustrates what you plan to shoot, scene by scene. You don't necessarily have to be good at drawing to do this. I tend to photograph my shots on location because stick figures don't really do it for me.

You can download this storyboard template to use on your own film shoots - here's a .pdf (23KB) and here's an .rtf version (547KB).

During this stage you should also construct a shooting schedule. That just means a basic plan of when and where you'll do your filming. This helps you stick to a schedule, but it's also useful to let your actors know when they're needed.

Finally, make sure it's legal to film wherever you want to do your shooting. I once got kicked out of a shopping center for filming without permission. Lesson learned: permission is important!

Get people and equipment

Feel free to put up ads around the place asking for actors or crew members. It's quite often the case that people are happy to do work for free so they can put something in their resumé or folio.

Family and friends can be good - often they're the people who will most likely say yes, but be wary - they might not be any good! And it can also sometimes be hard to stay objective when directing your little sister.

Ask people to help with things that you may not how to do yourself, like operating microphones or making lunch for people during the film shoot. Also don't forget equipment, which is extremely important.

If you don't have your own camera, borrow a decent one from someone you know, or hire one. As a general rule, if you're hiring equipment, the more expensive the better. Also make sure you have a decent enough computer to edit with. You don't want to be stuck with a whole lot of footage but nothing to do with it!

Film and edit

Now you've got a schedule, a camera (consult the manual for tips and advice on filming) and your film-making team, you can make something creative and wonderful. Don't be afraid to keep the camera rolling - outtakes are often just as good/funny as the film itself! They can also be useful in making your end credits more interesting.

After the filming has been completed and you're happy with the results, plug your camera into the computer and start editing. Mac users have iMovie at their disposal (it comes with the computer), but my program of choice is Final Cut Pro.

If you're a Windows user you have the basic Windows Movie Maker program to use for free, or you can purchase Sony Vegas for a more professional editing suite. Editing takes some time, but is really rewarding when it's all done and dusted.

Get it out there!

Now for the fun part! Your movie has been completed, and now you can burn it onto a DVD or post it onto YouTube for the world to see.

Make sure you burn copies for all your team, and spread the word about your good work. Post links to your film around everywhere possible. There are quite a few youth film festivals and competitions around, so keep your eyes peeled!

Send a copy of your film to Channel 31 if it's any good. They're very community-minded and you may even see yourself on TV. You could also send it in to youthcentral - see our Submit an idea page for details.

Now go forth, young apprentice directors, and I look forward to hearing myself mentioned in an Oscar award speech sometime soon!

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