By : Nikon School Blog | 6 Mar, 2017 |
Your next short film may well be your ticket to fame. Short films are in vogue today. Generations of film makers have struggled long and hard to make short films a genre respected by viewers and critics. Thanks to digital technology and affordable digital SLRs, short film making has become much easier than it was a decade ago. Not just that, rise of video sharing and social media platforms as well as growth in film festivals throughout the world have also made short film making a lucrative way to start your film-making career.
So, what are the first things you need to do to get started in short film making? Here are a few points to keep in mind before you take the plunge.
Subject
Many people get stuck right at the beginning and can't zero in on a suitable subject. While there are hundreds of subjects to choose from, it is a good idea to select a socially relevant topic. People can instantly connect to current social issues and you have a higher chance of getting a good viewership. Other than this, ideas that excite you can also become the subjects to shoot.
Equipment
You can shoot your first short film even with an entry level DSLR, like the D3400. Ultimately, the content and message of your movie matters, not what you shot it with. However, do ensure you know your equipment well, as your expertise will reflect in the way you expose and focus the shots in your film. Read the user manual thoroughly to understand all video related features. Attending DSLR film-making workshops conducted by Nikon India will surely help beginners.
Script
The film may be short, but it's still a film. Begin with a one liner, expand the idea into a synopsis, and then prepare a shooting script, complete with shot divisions. This is very important because you need to know exactly which shots to take and what the nature of each shot is. Many first timers start shooting randomly and lose their way due to the lack of a good script. Though not necessary, it is very useful to create a story-board, which is a collection of rough sketches to show each shot's composition.
Continuity and screen direction
Ensure there is continuity of costumes and props in related shots. Follow the basic principles of screen direction to ensure your short film is technically sound.
Sound, Music and effects
You can make an impactful short film with recorded or live sound. However, there may be many disturbances, especially if your film has dialogues. Investing in a microphone, like the Nikon ME-1, is a good idea.
Permissions and homework
Do your homework about locations you plan to shoot at. There may be restrictions on photography or videography at many places, and permissions may be required for those places.
Feedback
Do not hesitate to ask for the feedback of your near and dear ones. Accept every form of criticism as a stepping stone. If possible, show your work to an established film maker, and work on your mistakes.
Teamwork
Though you can shoot a short film all by yourself, having a few people to help you out will be of great help. Ask like-minded people to be part of your crew. With a 3 to 5 member crew, you can accomplish a lot more than what you alone can.
Lastly, believe in your story, and do not be afraid to try new ideas to present it.