New year, new you… new film? If making a short film is on your list of 2025 resolutions, let this be just the thing to get you going.
How to make a short film
There’s no part of filmmaking that’s easy — but there are plenty of resources out there to help you craft the perfect DIY filmmaking checklist.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite articles from the archive: From inspiration and filmmaking tips to the latest AI video tools, there’s a little something for every stage of the process here.
First, get inspired
If you need a little inspiration or motivation, take a look at some of our all-time favorite low-budget short films or see what Staff-Picked directors have to say about why they love the short form.
“I feel like when I made my first short, the best thing I did for myself was go, ‘This doesn’t need to be good.’”
Start writing and storyboarding
It all begins with getting your ideas down on paper. Here’s how fellow filmmakers are approaching screenwriting and storyboards.
Know the basics
Whether you’re stuck on your shot list or don’t know where to start with pre-production, let these articles give you a hand.
- 10 most common types of camera shots in films
- Free shot list template
- The basics of B-roll
- Learn the art of pre-production (and why it matters)
Make a post-production plan
Don’t let the final phase of making your first short keep you from finishing. Lean on these how-tos for an introduction to editing.
- Video editing 101: Quick tips and video editing basics for beginners
- Best sound editing software for beginners
- Video color grading vs. color correction explained
Get in the weeds
When you’re down to the nitty-gritty details of production and editing, don’t forget these essential pieces.
“Something really small and cheap and personal and honest will do and take you so much further than something that is very expensive and very cinematic but very shallow.”
Try AI
There’s now an army of AI video tools for every stage of film production. If you’re curious about what’s out there, this article provides an in-depth curation of resources.
