ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

5 years, 11 months ago - Tim Benjamin

I think the only "vital" (as you say) thing is to have a compelling story/script/concept, and then to perform it well. Ideally you will also film it nicely ... but that gets expensive fast. You can make a good film with nothing but a phone, and you can make a bad film with a budget of £millions.

I mean you could make an interesting short film with nothing but selfie mode on your phone, if the performance and script were right ...

In terms of post production, if your budget is limited, I would personally recommend downloading and learning Davinci Resolve 16 (there are lots of good free training materials on the Blackmagic website). It's a very good package that has (probably) all the tools you'll need, and unbelievably it's free.

If you want to have a crew of people involved then I would recommend first advertising on this site for a producer, maybe someone just starting out as a producer, and collaborate with them. They will help you put together the crew and schedule that you need for your script. But get your script and concepts together first :)

HTH
Tim

5 years, 11 months ago - Marlom Tander

I think you need to accept that you'll be doing your own post. At least draft versions. After a few you'll be at the stage where you know what you want well enough to brief someone expert, AND have a decent idea as to what should be expensive, and what shouldn't. Davinci Resolve is great IF you have the kit to run it. Check the specs. Otherwise there is other software. Personally, I use Vegas.

So, get the best possible stuff in the can - you need someone who can shoot - might be an all in one DOP/camera operator, and someone who knows sound.

But TBH, the only VITAL bit is damned fine acting. CASTING is thus the most important part, and a that takes having a perfect script as a given :-)

5 years, 11 months ago - jacqueline kirwan

Thanks Tim and Marlom for the advice :)

I will check out Davinci Resolve and Vegas - it's a skill that I plan on learning quite soon.

The scripts are polished, and I think I might get cracking on getting a lean crew, but the tip of getting a producer does make a alot of sense.

My aim is to have everything all filmed, and festival ready for next year :)

5 years, 11 months ago - Suzanne Smith

Hi Jacqueline

I can advise you on the production side of things. Are you planning on Directing your script? If so then you should try to find a Producer and / or DOP with experience making short films, who connects with your story. All scripts have their own requirements, so some need very little or no lighting, whereas others are all indoors and need a lot of work. The most basic essentials are your DOP and Sound Recordist, but I would also recommend a Production Designer, an AD, Costume and Makeup, and a Stills Photographer. Your DOP will let you know how many people they need for their department depending on what format you'd like to shoot on and what shots you require. The other HOD's will also let you know if they require more people depending on what you'd like to achieve.

Obviously this is all budget dependant so what you'll find is that many short films are designed to be made for as little as possible; for example shooting in one location with just a handful of actors is the best way to keep costs down. That said, when starting out, the best way is to just jump in with both feet and go for it. Best of luck :)

5 years, 10 months ago - Andrew Bruce-Lockhart

My thought would be find people who are unconsciously competent... Ie they know what to do without thinking about it. So..
Likes been said - start with seeking out a producer. They’ll run things for you and find the people you need.
Next advice I’d give would be stop thinking about doing it.... get on with the doing part. It’s a buzz and youll learn so much from those you surround yourself with.

5 years, 10 months ago - jacqueline kirwan

Thank you Andrew for the advice and completely agree!

I’m aiming to get this filmed in January 2020, and will see if I can get a producer onboard, but my gut is telling me to get a lean crew, and learn my lessons as I go :)

5 years, 10 months ago - Jackie Sheppard

Can't recommend getting a producer strongly enough. It's not just about getting the film made, it's also about getting it made professionally and legally. What happens if you make a brilliant short but can't then show it anywhere because you don't have proper agreements with your cast or crew; you have unintentional product placement that isn't cleared for use; etc etc. Or, worse, some disaster befalls you and you didn't have the proper insurance in place?! Get a producer. Do it right. Give yourself the space to focus on the role you want to play, ie writing/directing. All the best with it.

5 years, 10 months ago - Andrew Griffin

From personal experience I can categorically say that getting a producer is a must. If you’re the writer, director, actor, producer and editor the project might get done but wearing so many hats wears thin pretty quickly. However, you could share some of these roles with other cast and crew. Maybe your audio person can source locations while another cast member looks for financing etc. As long as you’re okay with someone else having a steering role it can work well. An alternative, and one I’d recommend, is get the producer (who could also take on other support roles) who’s as keen on seeing the promise of the project fulfilled as you are. Good luck!