Research: How to make a short film

Pre-Production: 

Write within your means: Consider your resources (cast, budget, locations) when crafting the story. Start with what you know you can pull off. 

Think in setups and payoffs: Create emotional and narrative build-up and deliver satisfying conclusions. 

Go against the obvious: Surprise the audience by subverting their expectations. 

Let theme guide your story: Figure out your central message and let it inform the plot and characters. 

Production: 

Preparation is key: Know the script inside and out, create shot lists and storyboards, and be ready to adapt.

Tone is crucial: Every camera angle, lens choice, and lighting decision should reinforce the desired atmosphere. 

Cast wisely: Choose actors who can embody the characters and deliver the emotional depth you need.

Commit 100%: Both you and your cast need to fully invest in the performance for it to resonate. 

Prioritize sound: Capture dialogue clearly and utilize layers of sound design to enhance the experience. Feed your crew: Happy and well-nourished people work better! 

Post-Production: 

Take breaks and get fresh perspectives: Step away from the film to regain objectivity and see it with new eyes. 

Pacing is vital: Find the right rhythm for your story, avoiding both dragginess and rushed scenes. 

Sound design and music matter: Choose music and sound effects that complement the tone and enhance the storytelling. 

Get feedback: Share your film with trusted individuals and use their notes constructively. 

Don't overreach: Avoid visual effects or other elements you can't fully realize, as it can detract from the overall quality.


Planning your short film isn't just outlining shots; it's igniting potential. Before cameras roll, meticulous brainstorming shapes a story with intention, not whim. It crafts emotional payoffs, not head-scratching confusion. It hones your team's vision, uniting them from Day 1. When the clock starts ticking, chaos doesn't reign; instead, a roadmap guides you, transforming limitations into creative fuel. So plan, plot, and ponder, for in that focused preparation lies the difference between a muddled mess and a masterpiece.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ALL ABOUT ME!

Image
I was born in the United States of America, but when I was two years of age my family and I moved to Argentina in 2009. Of course, my parents grew up there and after we moved there, we stayed for approximately 6 years. The reason we had to move out is because since 2016 Argentina has been having an economic crisis. After we got back to the US, I had to start school in 4th grade with no knowledge of English whatsoever. I had a very rough time in elementary as my grades were awful and it was hard to make friends due to the language barrier. However, in Middle school I finally managed to get straight A's and B's, make plenty of friends, have good test scores, and overall have a good school experience.   Almost all of the friends I made in middle school (Sunrise Middle), came to Fort Lauderdale high school, which has made my overall experience here good. Almost every class that I go to I have a friend I can talk to, a companion I can share experiences with, and most important a fri...
Read more

Short film research: Oracle/Thriller

Image
a. Common Sounds: Suspenseful Score: Orchestral strings, eerie pianos, building crescendos, sudden silences. Diegetic Sounds: Footsteps, creaking floorboards, dripping water, car engines, tense breathing, whispers. Sound Effects: Sharp stings, glass shattering, phone ringing, doors slamming, mechanical whirring. b. Common Mis-en-Scene (CLAMPS): Lighting: Chiaroscuro (light and shadow), use of cold blues and greens, isolated spotlights, darkness in corners. Setting: Isolated locations, abandoned buildings, dark alleyways, confined spaces, grand but empty mansions. Costumes: Black and neutral tones, leather jackets, trench coats, raincoats, suits that conceal weapons. Props: Hidden cameras, phones with cryptic messages, weapons (guns, knives), ticking clocks, broken mirrors. c. Common Editing: Fast-paced cuts: Heightening tension, quick shots of chase sequences, jump scares. Slow-motion sequences: Building anticipation, emphasizing dramatic mom...
Read more

Storyboard: The lull

Image
Scene 1: Establishing shot of the street with the name of the studio in the skyline. Scene 2: Shot of missing posters and the name of production company is shown on one of the missing posters. Scene 3: Shot of sidewalk then reporter comes in frame walking and actors names are being displayed  Scene 4: Reporter enters a building, which is their job. Medium long shot is used and film name appears on wall as person walks by.  Scene 5: Reporter walks into job saying "hi" to co-workers. Music and edited by appear on screen  Scene 6: Reporter walks to his office/cubicle and sets himself up. Steady zoom in and the title, directed by, displays on wall.  Scene 7: Insert/shot of reporter opening file on missing persons/people/friend group.  Scene 8: The boss starts asking about how the case is going. Involves a two shot, over the shoulder shot, and a medium close up.  Scene 9: Reporter then tells the boss about how close he is with the case. Has a medium clos...
Read more