John ChamberlainWith the Aesthetica Film Festival just around the corner it got us thinking what exactly it takes to make a short film.
We caught up with Miles Watts of MilesTone films and Paul Richardson of Parashoots to ask them their top tips and “What not to do” to make your short film a success (or not).
1
DON’T be all talk. Get out there and make your film.
DON’T wait for years to make a pet project; either make it or move on.
2
When you do finally make a short, DON’T take longer than six months to produce it.
DON’T get into debt to fund your film. There are funding campaign sites these days!
3
DO have people working on the sound, visual FX and music concurrently.
DON’T use copyrighted music.
4
DO learn how to store, edit and export your footage correctly and efficiently.
5
DON’T expect to emulate another filmmaker’s model for success. Find your own way.
DO make your film as best you can, but always be learning and improving.
6
You DON’T have to put all your ideas into a short film. Focus on a theme, a mood or a message.
7
DO feed your crew. Write it into the budget. An army marches on its stomach.
