Uploaded March 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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This week we have 9 Short Film DO’s and DON’Ts. If you're looking for how to make a short film, we have some filmmaking tips for you. Making a short film can be difficult. Whether you want to learn to improve your filmmaking skills or you're shooting your first short, we have a few tips and tricks you don't want to miss!

1. DO – Start with a bang!
It doesn’t have to be an actual bang, but something exciting that engages the audience right away.

2. DON’T – Show the Mundane. We don’t need to see your character wake up, floss, brush their teeth, park their car, or any other boring stuff unless it serves the story or has a unique, funny or dramatic twist.

3. DO Minimize Exposition. In a short film, there’s no time for back stories, flashbacks, soliloquies.
Minimize your exposition.

4. DON’T say “Yes, no, goodbye, hello.
This is boring “dead dialogue” that wastes time in a short film. Find more creative ways to say these things. Or cut them out all-together.

5. DON’T – Be Beige. Use colors, textures and patterns in your backgrounds, in your locations, and in your costumes
Sometimes a gallon of colorful paint can liven up a room or a set. You can also use lighting to add color to your film as well.


6. DO – Use Interesting Locations. this is important. If your characters are talking in a living room, can you make it a café/restaurant or maybe they are outside instead ? Having interesting locations pulls your viewers into the story and Ups your production value.


7. DO – Use Costumes, Vehicles, Props to Reveal Info.
If your character drives a vehicle, make it match their character – it will reveal a lot about them.
Costumes, vehicles and Props are a great way to “get” who a character is before they even say a word.


8. DON’T – Bore us with credits. Especially opening credits. Short films play much better at festivals without an elaborate opening credit sequence. shorts should be short.
For festivals, try making a version where you even speed up your END credits. People will love you.

9. DO – Make Your Characters Diverse.
Short stories should be about interesting unique characters.
Old and young. All sizes. All races. Find “interesting” looking actors. Not everybody has to be 20 and beautiful.
Some of the best short films tell stories about unusual characters.
Cast people who fit the roles, and be diverse!

Hope these tips are helpful if you’re getting ready to make a short film.
Keep in mind when making a short film. It’s a short. If you want to play at festivals, an average 8 minute film often will get in over a great 20 minute film.
Get right to the point. Hook your audience. And don’t say hello, yes, no or goodbye. Just end it.


Be sure to like and subscribe for new videos every Tuesday…
AND FRIDAY!

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If you have any questions on the techniques used in this review video, please send a note in the comments. Thanks for watching 9 DOs & DON'Ts For Short Films (Tips on How to Make a Short Film), in our Film Jams series!

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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:

LENSES
-Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2RXMuh9

CAMERAS
-Canon C200 - amzn.to/2Xm83Ny

AUDIO GEAR
-RODE Wireless GO - amzn.to/2FaqmuF

Other equipment we use to film:

CAMERAS
-Canon C100 - amzn.to/2u04CMm
-Canon C300 - amzn.to/2TbymjT
-Canon EOS R - amzn.to/2QaPZlK
-Sony A7III - amzn.to/2TAoYqK

LENSES
-Canon 24-105mm - amzn.to/2ILo9tp (main interview)
-Canon 100mm macro - amzn.to/2KsZuaF (product shots & CUs)

TRIPODS
-Sachtler - amzn.to/2KTXbfH

MICS
-Sennheiser MKE600 - amzn.to/2ILulBP
-Sennheiser 416 - amzn.to/2INrtQy

LIGHTS:
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-Kino Flo Diva LED - amzn.to/2BuunZp

PHOTO GEAR
-Profoto Beauty Dish - amzn.to/2zgfjPV
-Profoto D2 500 Strobe Kit - amzn.to/2J28AZx
-Canon 5D mkIII - amzn.to/2KRE3zl
-Profoto Air Remote - amzn.to/2MU7MZa


Filmed on location at: LitewaveMedia.com in St. Petersburg, FL

Special Thanks to the St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Commission Digital Creator Program

Disclaimer: This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It doesn't cost any more for you, and helps support the channel so we can continue to make more videos like this. Thank you for your support!

#ShortFilms #ShortFilmMakingTips #HowToMakeAShortFilm