Creating a short film is an exciting yet challenging endeavor, especially when working with a tight timeline. With proper planning, you can produce a compelling short film in just six months. This guide breaks down what to do each month, along with detailed weekly tasks, covering every essential aspect, from script registration to distribution and film festivals.
Budgets are where art meets reality—every dollar spent is a choice that shapes the story we’re about to tell.
The detailed plan provided for shooting a short film in six months is categorized into different phases, each covering specific aspects of the filmmaking process. Here’s how the tasks align with the typical phases of film production:
QUICK OVERVIEW
1. Development Phase (Month 1)
- Concept and Script Development
- Budgeting and Funding
- Legalities and Paperwork
- Assembling Your Team
2. Pre-Production Phase (Months 2-3)
- Script Finalization
- Storyboarding and Shot List Creation
- Scouting Locations and Securing Permits
- Casting and Rehearsals
- Production Preparation
- Equipment and Wardrobe
- Scheduling and Call Sheets
- Final Preparations
3. Production Phase (Month 4)
- Shooting Begins
- Continue Shooting
- Mid-Production Check-In
- Wrap-Up
4. Post-Production Phase (Month 5)
- Editing Begins
- Refining the Edit
- Finalizing the Edit
- Music and Sound Mixing
5. Distribution And Marketing Phase (Month 6)
- Final Touches
- Film Festivals and Distribution Strategy
- Marketing and Promotion
- Screening and Release
Month 1: Pre-Production Planning
Week 1: Concept And Script Development
- Idea Generation: Start with brainstorming. What story do you want to tell? Keep it simple and focused, given the short film format.
- Scriptwriting: Write your first draft. Aim for a script that is around 10-15 pages, as one page generally equals one minute of screen time.
- Script Registration: Once your first draft is complete, register your script with the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) or a similar organization in your country. This step protects your intellectual property.
- Script Coverage: Seek feedback on your script from peers or professionals. Consider hiring a script consultant for coverage, which provides you with a detailed analysis of your script’s strengths and weaknesses.
Week 2: Budgeting And Funding
- Budget Planning: Outline your budget. Consider costs such as locations, equipment, crew, cast, post-production, and distribution. Be realistic about what you can afford.
- Funding Sources: Explore funding options. Crowdfunding, grants, and partnerships with local businesses are all viable options. If you’re applying for grants, start the application process now as it can be time-consuming.
Week 3: Legalities And Paperwork
- Forming an LLC: If you haven’t already, consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to protect your personal assets.
- Lawyer Consultation: Consult with an entertainment lawyer to ensure all contracts and agreements are in place, including talent releases, location agreements, and crew contracts.
- Copyrights and Trademarks: Begin the process of securing any necessary copyrights or trademarks related to your film.
Week 4: Assembling Your Team
- Director of Photography (DoP): Start by hiring a DoP who shares your vision. This role is crucial as they will help shape the visual style of your film.
- Casting Director: If your budget allows, hire a casting director. Otherwise, start the casting process yourself by posting casting calls on websites like Backstage or local casting boards.
- Other Key Crew: Begin to line up other key crew members, including a producer, production designer, and editor.
Month 2: Pre-Production And Finalizing Details
Week 1: Finalizing The Script
- Script Revisions: Based on feedback from script coverage, make necessary revisions. This is the time to refine dialogue, tighten the plot, and ensure that your story is as strong as possible.
- Final Read-Through: Organize a table read with your cast to hear the script out loud. This helps in catching any remaining issues and allows the actors to get a feel for their characters.
Week 2: Storyboarding And Shot List
- Storyboarding: Work with your DoP to create storyboards. These visual representations of your script will guide your shooting process and help communicate your vision to the crew.
- Shot List: Develop a detailed shot list that outlines every shot needed for each scene. This will help keep the shoot organized and efficient.
Week 3: Scouting Locations And Securing Permits
- Location Scouting: Visit potential shooting locations. Consider lighting, sound, and accessibility when choosing your locations.
- Permits: Once locations are finalized, apply for any necessary permits. This is especially important if you’re shooting in public spaces.
Week 4: Casting And Rehearsals
- Casting Finalization: Hold auditions and finalize your cast. Make sure to sign contracts with your actors, detailing their roles, pay, and shooting schedule.
- Rehearsals: Start rehearsals with your cast. Focus on key scenes and character development. The more prepared your actors are, the smoother the shoot will go.
Month 3: Production Preparation
Week 1: Final Pre-Production Meetings
- Production Meeting: Hold a meeting with all key crew members to discuss the shooting schedule, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Tech Scout: Visit your locations with your DoP, gaffer, and sound team to plan lighting setups, camera angles, and sound recording strategies.
Week 2: Equipment And Wardrobe
- Equipment Rental: Confirm and rent your equipment. This includes cameras, lenses, lighting, and sound gear. Make sure everything is tested and in working order.
- Wardrobe and Props: Finalize wardrobe choices with your costume designer. Ensure all props are sourced and ready for the shoot.
Week 3: Scheduling And Call Sheets
- Shooting Schedule: Create a detailed shooting schedule that breaks down each day by scene. Be realistic about how much you can shoot in a day.
- Call Sheets: Start preparing call sheets for each day of the shoot. These should include location details, call times, and contact information for all cast and crew.
Week 4: Final Preparations
- Rehearsals: Hold final rehearsals with your cast, focusing on difficult scenes or complex camera movements.
- Set Dress Rehearsal: If possible, conduct a dress rehearsal on set with the full crew. This allows you to identify and solve any last-minute issues before the official shoot.
Month 4: Production
Week 1: Shooting Begins
- Day 1: Start with simpler scenes to get everyone comfortable. Ensure the crew follows the shot list and schedule.
- Daily Rushes: Review the footage at the end of each day. This helps catch any issues early on.
Week 2: Continue Shooting
- Focus on Complex Scenes: By this point, the cast and crew should be in a rhythm. Tackle the more complex scenes that require multiple setups or intricate performances.
- Backup Footage: Ensure all footage is backed up daily to avoid any data loss.
Week 3: Stay On Schedule
- Mid-Production Check-In: Hold a meeting with key crew members to assess progress. Adjust the schedule if necessary, but avoid going over budget or behind schedule.
- Problem Solving: Be prepared to solve on-set problems quickly, whether it’s an issue with lighting, sound, or performance.
Week 4: Wrap-Up
- Final Scenes: Shoot the final scenes, ensuring that you have all the coverage needed. Don’t rush through these; the end of your film is as important as the beginning.
- Wrap Party: Once shooting is complete, thank your cast and crew. A wrap party is a good way to celebrate and show appreciation for everyone’s hard work.
Month 5: Post-Production
Week 1: Editing Begins
- Assemble Edit: Begin by creating an assembly edit. This rough cut helps you see the structure of the film and identify any missing shots or scenes.
- Editor’s Collaboration: Work closely with your editor, providing feedback but also trusting their expertise.
Week 2: Refining The Edit
- Rough Cut: Move from the assembly edit to a rough cut. Focus on pacing, performance, and the overall flow of the story.
- Sound Design: Start working on sound design, including dialogue editing, sound effects, and ambient noise.
Week 3: Finalizing The Edit
- Fine Cut: Refine the rough cut into a fine cut, which is a more polished version of the film. Ensure that the pacing is tight and the story is clear.
- Color Correction: Begin the process of color correction to ensure the film has a consistent and visually appealing look.
Week 4: Music And Sound Mixing
- Original Score: If you’re using original music, work with a composer to score the film. Make sure the music enhances the mood and tone of your story.
- Sound Mixing: Mix all audio elements, balancing dialogue, sound effects, and music. Poor sound can detract from even the best visuals, so don’t rush this step.
Month 6: Finalizing And Distribution
Week 1: Final Touches
- Final Cut: Complete the final cut of your film. This version should be fully edited, color corrected, and sound mixed.
- Legal Review: Have your entertainment lawyer review the final product to ensure all legal requirements, such as music rights and actor contracts, are met.
Week 2: Film Festivals And Distribution Strategy
- Festival Submissions: Research and submit your film to relevant film festivals. Consider both large and niche festivals that align with your film’s genre and themes.
- Distribution Plan: Develop a distribution plan. Will you self-distribute, or will you seek a distribution deal? Consider platforms like Vimeo On Demand, Amazon, or film aggregators.
Week 3: Marketing And Promotion
- Press Kit: Create a press kit that includes a synopsis, cast and crew bios, high-quality stills, and a trailer. This is essential for promoting your film to festivals and distributors.
- Social Media: Start promoting your film on social media. Build anticipation with behind-the-scenes photos, teaser clips, and updates.
Week 4: Screening And Release
- Premiere Screening: Organize a premiere screening for cast, crew, and select guests. This is a great way to celebrate the completion of your film.
- Release Strategy: If you’re self-distributing, choose a release date and start marketing the release. If you’ve secured a distribution deal, coordinate with your distributor on the release schedule.
Conclusion
Shooting a short film in six months is a demanding but achievable goal. By following this detailed month-by-month and week-by-week guide, you can efficiently manage your time and resources, ensuring that your film is completed on schedule and at a high standard. Remember, the key to success is thorough planning, clear communication with your team, and flexibility in problem-solving. Good luck with your filmmaking journey!
