I started making shortfilms in 2011 and screenwriting in 2008.Over the years I have had aspiring filmmakers approaching me and digging for some information on how to make short films. I have decided to combine my blogging skills and filmmaking skills to help budding filmmakers kick start their filmmaking careers. I am still an emerging filmmaker and what I will write is my experience, the art of filmmaking is a life-long learning journey.
Step.1
Write a story [A script] yes, it’s that simple, all of us have stories, personal stories and stories we can re-tell that we have read or heard from others. Your story should be about someone’s journey and the obstacles they encounter along that journey the end is up to you. However, when you start your short film always start with the end.
Step. 2
Buy a camera or look for a friend with a good camera, talk to them nicely and convince them you about to shoot the best short-film in the world. The other option, is to look for an opportunity online or at local arts/film clubs in your city which seeks to help young filmmakers. I am sure one exists in your city an initiative which seeks to help emerging filmmakers will go a long way in you making your short film and your film career. In film clubs, you can also acquire a team which will help you shoot your first film. This the way I did it, the film I made in 2011 was nominated for a national art merit award in Zimbabwe. Filmmaking is about access, if you can access equipment, talent and expertise then you are set.
Step.3
Buy or borrow a good smart phone, decent sound recording gear and Make your short film. If you google today award winning short film shot with a smart phone I am sure you will several short films.
Step.4
Read a lot of fiction and then write again, watch good movies and classic films. My filmmaking has been influenced by several good films like Birds by Alfred Hitchcock, Citizen Kane by Orson Welles, Argo by Ben Affleck, the Gold rush by Charlie Chaplin, The Big Shave by Martin Scorsese the list of the films you can watch is endless.
Step 5
Just do it, stop procrastinating and shoot your film, edit and let the world know about your film when its finished. We live in a digital era which can propel one`s vision into a real-life situation of ultimate success, so yeah go for it.
In all this bear in mind you have to bear in mind that you have to be passionate about filmmaking, writing and reading if you are to become a successful filmmaker.
