Filmmaking / Directing : Short films newbie by Mariia Rudenko

Hi, Mariia Rudenko. Stage 32 has a webinar called "How To Produce A Short Film." www.stage32.com/education?p=8944921084211

Learn by experience. By shooting a short film, are you thinking of filming yourself or hiring a crew? Have you put a budget together and where will you get the money? These are some things to consider. Big suggestion, don't overcomplicate it and / or obsess about gear. Rather story and talent behind / in front of camera.

thanks a lot Maurice Vaughan !

You're welcome, Mariia Rudenko.

thanks a lot Stephen Folker ! to be honest as it’ll be my first experience, I’ll use all means to make it as cheap as possible. I already have actors and setting, and my phone :) Just must figure out how to do it technically:

- what tools I’d need to have

- what software to use for the montage

- and multiple other things I’m sure I’m not aware of

all of that is mentioned in the course, I’m sure. But maybe the are some things I should especially pay attention to?

Highly recommend the webinar Maurice Vaughan suggested, Mariia Rudenko. Tash is a fantastic teacher.

Shooting short films on a budget comes down to finding a way for everything. Can you borrow equipment, ask someone to use their house or location for free, get actors and crew who might be willing to work for the experience. It truly begins and depends on scale and scope of the project and the budget.

This might help:

https://youtu.be/kfqo3a-YgmI?si=gNzj8rL8E6JsSoF2

Yes, there's the webinar as suggested, and here's something I always recommend. Always. You have a smartphone, yes? Grab one of your friends, and you will direct and shoot them using your smartphone - have them enter the kitchen and make a cup of coffee. Do not worry about the light, and do not worry about sound. When you've completed shooting, edit it on your smartphone, and watch your results. Have the final short be approx 60-90 seconds. You will quickly learn what works and doesn't work. And then you know what you do? Grab another friend, use a different home/kitchen, and shoot again. All this will allow you to get used to directing an actor, what to say, how to frame the shot, when to add camera movement. So have at it, and have fun!

Wendy Weising this is very helpful! thanks a lot

Richard "RB" Botto thanks a lot, I'll definitely check this webinar out. I have actors and location. From equipment I only have a camera on my iphone, but I'll see what can be done

Right. Thanks so much Lindbergh E Hollingsworth ! This is how I intuitively thought to start shooting. But was hesitant whether smartphone would be enough. But hey, why not to have a challenge of shooting my first short film only using a phone?:)

Hi Mariia Rudenko - I think you’ll find this blog very helpful! https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-make-a-successful-short-film-on-your-own-terms-3097

Sometimes putting out a call or asking your actors if they know anyone who would let you borrow equipment works wonders, Mariia Rudenko

thanks a lot for the link Amanda Toney ☀️

Thanks a lot for your advice M LaVoie ! To hire a director would be of course a plan in a perfect world. But for now I can’t afford it. That’s why I’m looking for cheaper options. For this short film I don’t have an ambition of a broadway show. I treat it as my first learning experience, from which it’ll be clear what’s definitely wrong, what doesn’t work, what to pay attention to next time etc

And I totally agree learning process is very important. That’s why I’m here.

Understand the process, and fulfill the process.

Understand the three phases of production.

Production, Production, and Production.

Budget could always be brought down very easily.

Use your imagination, but it’s OK to be lofty.

It’s even better to be grounded and bring all that loftiness back down to earth.

Hi Mariia Rudenko -- what a great question! I found short films to be challenging adapting to the short form structure. For me, it helped to focus on a single idea and single story beat which would be the main structure of the short. And keeping the idea using whatever locations you have available for free helps too. My wife Pamela & I have done our web series "That Darn Girlfriend" from our apartment. Zero budget. (except for the 1970s wigs I bought for my character Vic).

Dig that post, Mario Leone

Also a very valuable share, William Joseph Hill

The best way to learn is to go out and do it Mariia Rudenko and there are classes here on Stage 32 as well. Good luck!

Thanks for encouragement Mario Leone ! really important points.

William Joseph Hill wow thanks for sharing That Darn Girlfriend. Just checked it out with my husband. It's very funny! :) your example inspires me.

Mark Deuce I think so too! thanks

Hi Mariia Rudenko - you are going to learn so much making your film - it's truly exciting. You've gotten terrific advice here from the community. I'll add 2 tips from experience:

1) Feed the crew & cast as well as you can. I'm not suggesting breaking your budget - you can be creative - but shoot days are long and hard and if folks are fed - and feel taken care of - it goes a long way attitudinally and that makes a big difference - you want your last hour of shooting to feel as energized and focused as your first hour each day and that rarely happens if people are hungry or feel that hasn't been a priority.

2) Sound is HUGELY important. Audiences can be forgiving on a lot of levels if they can hear the story clearly and aren't pulled out of the experience in the unique way that poor sound can bring about. They make mics for iPhones that work pretty well in a pinch. But spend some extra time planning how you are going to capture good sound.

I also highly recommend this Stage 32 webinar called "Everything You Need To Make An Award-Winning Short Film" - Tash Ann has so much experience in this format: https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944908402995

That is the daily double, Sam Sokolow. No doubt!

Kapow!

Nobody has mentioned "story" (everybody thinks they got that on lockdown).

A great story is still the cheapest way to make a short. 1 location. Small cast. Tons of twists.

And if you're shooting a pilot, save that for another time.

https://howtostartyourscript.wordpress.com/

Love your vibe!

Instant follow :)

Keep me in the loop!

Dave

yes, totally agree Sam Sokolow ! pizza and beers are already included in my film’s budget. Thanks for pointing out the sound. I also read about it. Will dig more on the technical side of this question.

David Santo thanks a lot for the link and encouragement! happy to connect!