5 EASY STEPS TO MAKE A SHORT FILM WITH SHORT BUDGET

It is always advisable to start your Short-filmmaking Career with a low and minimum budget. If you have some mind boggling idea which you want to express and share with the world in most stylish way, making a short film is the best option. The world has changed and people are revealing and sharing more than hiding. With advent of internet you can cross boundaries and reach globally. Even if you want to start your career in film-making, you should start with short films rather than feature or full length movies, and show your creativity to world.The "5 Easy Steps to make a short film with short budget" are:

DEVELOPING A STORY LINE and WRITING SCREENPLAY - For making a Short film you must have a story idea. You can tell a story, or some experience from life. For this a world-class talent is not at all required, you can just start with any subject of whom you have a reasonable knowledge. Try to make an original one. You can do a lot of things with a little effort. After you finalize you storyline you have to get your plans into action. It means how you will narrate the story in the Video. There are free software like Storyboard Pro from Atomic Learning, which have pretty cool features. Again you can find many free story board software on net. But if you are a first time filmmaker, it is better to start writing on pen and paper or MS word. 

 

SELECT a CAMERA: If you have any video camera at home you can kick start with it. But now it is the day of HD. So it is always advisable to shoot in HD in 1920x1080 resolutions. You can shoot with DSLR in HD mode. It is advisable not to comprise with video quality. You have to finalize the list of characters, location, props in writing and plan what you will shoot in which location on which day. Finalize your cast and crews, and delegate the responsibilities to each and every crew member, so that you as director can find yourself relaxed on the shooting day. 

PLAN and SHOOT and DIRECT: Once everything is planned out, it is time to start the shoot. Make sure you have all characters on the location in time. Make 2 copies of script. Also see your camera's battery is fully charged and you have extra storage space.A spare battery is always an advantage Since the budget is low, it is advisable to shoot on natural sunlight and open space shoot.  The sun should not be directly facing your camera, because it can damage the camera itself, and the shot too. It the script demand indoor location, lit the objects with led or tungsten lamps. Do not use tube light, which will flicker.

 

EDIT YOUR FILM: Once shooting is complete it is time to go for edit. If you are using windows you can use moviemaker or Imovie in mac. There are array of video editing software available on the net. Professional video editing software like Final Cut pro or Avid cost a lot but low end program can fulfill your need. You can also opt for trail versions of the available software.  If you do not have knowledge of video editing try for some professional advice. A good video can be  made by proper editing only and good editing can change the look of your short film from amateur to professional. If you have an extra budget go for some VFX and graphics in at least in titles. People are obsessed with glamour and your video will miss something if graphics is not used. You can yourself try as all editing software has titling and transition and effects. Now you have to garnish the end product with background music and effects. If there is noise in the video you have to dub the same for best result.

DISTRIBUTE AND SHOW TO PUBLIC : Now your short film is complete and ready for public viewing and appraisal. First show it to your friends who have not yet seen it. As you be not be the right judge,because you yourself have already seen it many times. Take positive advice if any correction is needed go for it. Now upload it in you tube or Vimeo and promote it through other social media.There are many festivals for Short Films.If you feel your film can compete with others and have some novelty stored in it, then go for it.You can find list of short film festivals in wikipedia.

 

This is an overview of "5 Easy Steps to make a short film with short budget" for beginners. Making Short Film requires mastery in  skills like story writing, direction, editing,sound design,vfx and graphics. No one is perfect.Go on learning and enjoy.