Have you got a story that needs telling but are not sure where to start? In this fast-paced modern world, consumers are increasingly demanding quick and effective short film video content; however, if you have never created a movie before, it can seem like an incredibly daunting prospect.
Here at The Red Heart Company, we know how tough it can first appear to bring your vision to life. That is why we thought we would take a look at the steps needed to create a compelling short film:
Step One – Create Your Plan
While it might be tempting to pick up your camera and start shooting, preparation is one of the most important steps. This will act as your foundation for the entire project, which is why the first thing that you will need to do is to create your plan.
This plan should cover everything from what the film will be, who will be involved, what is required to detailing where the locations will be, when it will be filmed and how you will achieve your goals. The more comprehensive you are in this step, the better the results are going to be.
Step Two – Create A Script
Once you have your plan in place, the next step is to start your developing your script. This is a vital part of the pre-production plan and ensures that the story you want to tell is able to be accurately turned into reality.
Short script writing can be very challenging as it requires you to be as concise and as simple as possible while still detailing the plot.
Step Three – Practice Makes Perfect
With your foundations in place, you can then start rehearsing and practicing your short film. A table read is a great way to ensure that your entire cast understands each other, as well as help to highlight areas of the script that need work.
You should also create a storyboard to set out each scene. This does not need to be produced by a professional artist; simple drawings are enough to ensure the entire crew knows what you are trying to achieve.
Step Four – Start Shooting
The next step of the process is to start filming your story. It can be tempting to try and cram as much as you can into each shoot day; however, for the best results, you should set yourself a set number of shots each day and focus on them. After each day, you should also review the footage to ensure that you have captured everything that you need.
Step Five – Edit
Finally, you will need to edit all of that footage together into your final short film. This is one of the most important aspects of production and will determine how viewers perceive your movie. When editing the footage together, you must keep the story in mind and ensure that you are accurately bringing that to the final cut.
Of course, it’s not just about the narrative. The editing phase is also where you will be able to brighten the picture, enhance the audio, and add those extra touches that will make your film unmissable.
Need help with your short film?
If you need help bringing your story to the big screen, then The Red Heart Company is here to help you. Our highly experienced and award-winning team has helped countless storytellers, businesses, and documentary makers create their vision, and we are dedicated to helping you every step of the way.
We use our passion, knowledge, and resources to help create the most compelling and engaging short films possible. Want to find out more? Get in touch today!
