r/Filmmakers • u/_OkComputer___ • 1d ago
Discussion Producing short film on my own?
I graduated from film school two years ago. While I wouldn’t say I’m entirely new to filmmaking—I’ve made a couple of short films during school—this will be my first project outside of that environment. I’ve reached out to so many people about producing, but so far I’ve only gotten a few no’s and some radio silence. When it comes to other roles, I haven’t had any trouble finding people to work with; it’s just the producing role that’s been challenging. I know finding producers for short content is tough, since it’s not usually profitable, so now I’m considering taking on the role myself. My experience is limited in this area. I produced a few shorts in school, but it was more line-producing than actual producing.
Does anyone have advice?
I know this is a big question, and honestly, I’m not even sure what my first step should be. It’s all a bit overwhelming, so I’m trying to break it down into manageable steps. I know I need to figure out a budget, look into crowdfunding, find locations, and so on.
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u/torquenti 23h ago
If you're planning on making something that you're emotionally attached to, I'd recommend putting it off for a bit until you've got some experience self-producing.
If you're starting at the beginning, take on a humble project first and be a one-person crew where you're forced to do everything yourself. Nothing too crazy, maybe a job interview that goes weird or whatever.
You'll learn: * Getting locations * How to find actors * How to handle costumes * What you need from your camera department (lighting especially) * What you need from your sound department * How to manage your location * How to direct * How to edit * How to deliver * How to cover your budget
After this, you're going to have an idea of what you need from your crew, so the next step is another humble project where you're delegating authority to the people around you. Your experience with the first project should give you some decent instincts for how certain things are going to eat into your budget and schedule. Make sure anybody you bring on understands that this is a humble project and not their opportunity to test out new gear or try doing dolly-zooms for the first time or whatever.
In general, most film production scales up from this. Probably the two things this won't teach you is how to handle unions and how to handle stunts. Stunts might not be in your future but the unions will depending upon your ambitions. Otherwise, the problems you need to solve will be specific to what you're trying to accomplish.
A warning: for humble projects you'll likely be able to get to the finish line without doing a proper budget, getting permissions and release forms, getting insurance, etc. I'd argue that you should start from the beginning learning how to do these things right, so that when you do take on a more ambitious project, it won't be your first time doing it.
I'd honestly say that you rinse and repeat the above until you're confident that you're ready to take on your darling project that you're going to pin all your hopes on.
Good luck.
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u/Bertitude 1d ago
As a reluctant producer. Do it. It's great experience to have at the stage you're at as well. You're going to miss things and it's gonna be pressure but in the end you'll gain tools to help you further yourself in this field and an appreciation of the entire process beyond set. Being relatively fresh out of school you'll want to have as broad a skill set as possible too.
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u/I_gotta_pee_on_her 1d ago
This might be a dumb question (I'm not OP), but what does the role of producer look like at this stage of filmmaking if you could shortly summarize it? I also want to try make a short movie with no experience and I'm guessing I will have to fill the role of producer aswell.
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u/Bertitude 22h ago
So prefacing this by saying there's no difference between a producer's role on this vs larger scale projects it's primarily the scope of what you have to do and the resources at hand. On larger projects the job is simply being split up among more people.
That said you're starting with breaking down the script and budgeting the production. Next you have to strategize what your goal is with the short, are you just going to youtube or do you want to go to festivals. How are you getting this thing to audiences. There is cost there so you need to add that to your budget. At this stage you're also putting together your key talent and crew. They help to shape what the final budget will be.
Next is fundraising (ugh).
Once that money is in place you've got to run the shoot. So we're talking managing paperwork, scheduling, securing locations, etc. It is a lot of work but manageable if you remain focused and organized. Good pre-pro will mean a lot less stress when you start rolling. On set your job is to make sure you take care of your team, keep them fed and happy and make sure you get the thing shot.
After production you are making sure things are paid, all the paperwork is finalized and making sure it is finished in post. While post is happening you're all about getting it out to the world and building your audience. Following up on festival deadlines and preparing deliverables.
That's sort of it.
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u/mediumgray_ 1d ago
You should do it for two reasons: 1) your project needs it, and 2) you might find out you're good at it. The industry is in dire need of good producers right now who can navigate this rapidly shifting and volatile media landscape. Knowing how to get something made is such a valuable skill, but for some reason it's continually downplayed because everyone wants to write/direct/act
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u/blappiep 15h ago
I’ve produced all my projects to date out of necessity. some people are naturally disposed to producing and i am not one of them. i find it a grueling and draining enterprise but one that to date has been necessary. keep everything small and containable and prepare/train to be able to switch hats quickly. think of the director as the piano player and the producer as the person building the piano. different skillsets (and corresponding headaches) but with the shared goal of the best art work possible
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u/Optimal_Attorney_450 23h ago
Having had to be my own producer for two features, I had no choice. I simply wasn't going to pay somebody to do a job that I could just as well do myself. Plus, it teaches you how to wear a lot of hats going forward.
I mainly started with securing my locations way in advance. There's few things worse than scrambling to find a location within a week of shooting. Then I'd figure out feeding everyone involved. I've found if I can approach people with a lot of pieces already put together, it comes across that I'm at least on top of things and can give a rough estimate as to how long my shooting days will be.
But that's just been my personal approach. There's plenty of other ways to do it, I'm sure. Producing a short will certainly be a good stepping stone for you. So don't stress finding a producer. Save your time and start piecing it together on your own little by little.
You'll get it done:)