I wanted to share an article I wrote for the Raindance blog on "6 Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Made My Short Film" in case it's helpful to other first-time filmmakers out there. Having not gone to film school, making a short was trial by fire. I wanted to pass those learnings along to others so they don't make the same mistakes I did!
Hope you enjoy.
https://raindance.org/6-things-i-wish-id-known-before-i-made-my-short-film/
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Welcome Allison! Nice to meet you. Glad you're here.
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Thx for sharing, Allison Geller! I enjoy reading such advice articles on first-time/independent filmmaking. I recently read "What You Don't Learn In Film School: A Complete Guide To (Independent) Filmmaking" by Shane Stanley, and he reiterates what you said, plan, plan, plan, and be prepared to change your plans.
And congrats on your short film, HOME AT NIGHT. What are your plans now that it's completed?
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Thanks Ty Strange ! I'm developing a feature rom-com that addresses some of the same themes.
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Thank you, Allison, for sharing your article with our community. I found it helpful for any filmmaker and it was written in a very humane and genuine voice. It's appreciated.
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Hi Allison Geller - thanks for the share! When I made my first film it was totally trial by fire. I can so relate. If you're embarking on a feature next I recommend checking out Michael Worser's class on producing your first feature film - there's a lot of actionable information here for anyone taking that amazing leap into making a feature: https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-4-Part-Producing-Class-How-To-P...
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It's a great article! You show never give up even when it seems the worst can happen. Your ;never giving up attitude leads to success!
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Hello Allison, That was some really insightful information, I will try and remember it all. [ Allison I think I got it ], time is money. Many, Many Thanks.
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Hi Allison and this is really good. Thank you for sharing.
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Terrific article! And it's true that the more you ask of people, the more likely somone will be mad at you at some point. the best way to prevent that is to be super-prepared.
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Thanks Mike Boas! Definitely--I think it's safe to say that there's going to be at least one thing in any shoot that doesn't go as planned, but scrupulous prep can prevent a lot of those stressful moments!
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Great tips, @Allison Geller! I didn't know set-ups took so long! It gives me something to think about when I write scripts so it'll be easier on the director, cast, and crew.
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Thanks for sharing!!
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Great read Allison Geller, thank you for sharing. As someone who has made short films, I can say this is all very valuable!
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Thanks Nick Waters--I'm glad you could relate!
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So helpful. Thank you!
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Good morning, may I be assisted here please. I have finished writing my feature film and am struggling with funding. I have tried here at home and the response I get is that my story has many locations and if funding could be made available, the film will R36 million ($2 million). I have knocked at every door here in South Africa, even to private investors who promised to come back to me. The feature film is called: "Born Frees - Two Worlds Apart" which depicts the socio-economical disparities experienced by the previously disadvantaged communities in the advent of the dawn if democracy after the demise of Apartheid South Africa. I desperately need a funding partner as I believe that I have a unique product has an universal appeal
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VERY INSIGHTFUL Allison... it really gives one FAR MORE to think about before jumping into production! Thank you!