Filmmaking / Directing : How to make my short film idea a reality? by Chris Ramey

Yes it is cheaper to write it then shoot it. Write it. IF it is that fresh after writing it shoot it.

I'm thinking the place to start is the script. Turn that really good idea into a really good short screenplay. Once it's finished then you could shop it around to local directors.

Chris if it is only in your mind right now... Discard it. forget about it. And if it goes away it was not meant to be but if it really was/is about something, and you can't seem to stop thinking about it, like a true love, grab it man and nourish it. First, without any pressure, just write a casual outline, then put it away for a week or two. Then gradually when the feeling is right, it will blossom into what it is meant to be. Whatever you do don't force it let it happen naturally.

Hi Chris, I was in the same boat as you are several years ago. What I did was to get involved with my local filmmaking community and found kindred spirits to work with on projects and eventually collaborated with them on short films. Last year I made my first one as a director/DP and this year have been DP and editor of three shorts for our local film festival. It is hard to find good screen writers to turn your idea into a script, as I found. I ended up adapting a short story for my first film rather than trying to do an original idea first. You need to find a writing partner or screen writing group, and then when you have a good script for a 10 minute short, find a local videographer or filmmaker to help you work out the technical details of getting it on screen. Getting a good script should always be first priority, then find a filmmaker, then get the best actors you can convince to work with you for free and plan to buy meals for everyone especially if they do your film for fun. You would be surprised how many people would work on a film for "free" if they are getting fed. Good luck with it.

Write it and rewrite it until get it as good as you can get it. Once it is written try to get some people to have a table read. Then depending on how much you have to spend you'll have a better idea how to proceed.

Unfortunately, ideas are unlikely to get you any traction. Bottom line is you need a well executed, polished screenplay that will impress people. Of course, you can self produce but don't expect any financial return on a short and don't expect it to be any good unless it has been vetted by experienced writers and filmmakers.

I agree with the above statements although you can wait around forever for the right this or that. Just go out and shoot and learn from it. Contact film students who need the experience. Find a DP and just do it. You can always go back and shoot again with a budget.

It will only ever be an idea unless you explore it. As Jacqueline has said, you may just find that it's an 'idea' with no beginning and end. To make it suitable for a short film, your idea will need lots of other things added, to flesh it out. Don't be afraid to ask or put your idea out there.

Thanks everyone for the great advice!

When are you going to write you idea into a script?

Don't know. I've been planning on writing it down at least into a story type paper. But just haven't gotten around to it. We just moved to a different state recently and are still getting settled here. Seems I'm working on the house or when I'm not doing that, trying to find a real, paying job. Haven't had much time to sit down and write yet...hopefully soon!

Well, now that you know how to make your short film idea into a realty you have the power in your hands. As soon as you find the time in your busy life you can make this a reality!

Like plenty of people have said here, an idea is just an idea until you put it on paper. Take the leap, start writing and you never know what you will find on the other end.