Take the quick film path to success

The success of Balaji Mohan’s Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi (KSY), which had its origin as a brief film, may need come as a shot within the arm for aspiring filmmakers. Making short films to prove their credentials has become the case ever since video sharing became a phenomenon on the net. But there's no doubt that Balaji’s unexpected success has created an explosion of such content online.From assistant directors, to film students and movie lovers, people are making short films today. These films, whose running time ranges from 10 minutes to even 45 minutes, are seen as a calling card by youngsters, who need to enter the film industry. Ram J Saravanan, who's already an assistant director and whose short film ‘Brian’s Gandhi’ has made an impact in film fests, says they offer him an identity and makes it easier for producers to identify his talent.

Romance, humour and social awareness appear to be the key subjects for these youngsters, who spend anything between 3,000 to even 3 lakh for his or her films. Says Deepak, a Pondicherry-based engineering graduate whose short ‘Anbendra Mazhayile’, has garnered over 7,000 views online, “With a fair camera and help from friends and acquaintances, you'll shoot your film in a price effective manner. I spent just 800 shooting the film while the post production costs came as much as 2,000. ”

On the opposite end of this spectrum is a contract editor-turned-director Krishna Ganth, who has spent 3.5 lakh shooting a 45-minute film, ‘Hi Pooja I'M Krishnan’, which he hopes can help him get recognized within the industry. “I wrote a feature film script but since I WISHED real stars for my film and an excellent budget to back my script. So, I DETERMINED to make a demo film with TV stars and co-workers of top technicians within the industry that allows you to help me get noticed. I’m planning to sell this to a number one TV channel and get my investment back,” he says and adds that he's going to even be making almost like a feature film once he finds a producer.

While feature films are without equal goal for many of those youngsters, short films also are a hobby for film enthusiasts like Yes Kay aka Senthil Kumar, who works as a software engineer in Bangalore, and has made the quick film Claravin Pravin, a rom-com. “I don’t think I NEED to make a living making films. But I’m films and if you start making them, you get hooked on them,” he says.

But Balaji cautions that making short films isn't a shortcut to becoming a feature film director. “Short films let you get a hands-on feel of the job and learn the craft. Before my short film became a hit, I spent six years putting myself throughout the entire grind – watching as many films as possible and learning from them, reading scripts, writing and rewriting scripts, and so on,” he says, adding, “Today, technology may need made making short films easier, but one shouldn’t lose perspective and fail to understand the language of filmmaking.”

How To Make A BRIEF Film

The firstly is naturally a capability to inform a narrative (even supposing this is a typical one), in an enchanting manner visually.

While you'll decide to straightway film your script simply by visualizing the scenes, it's better to write down a correct script. You can see the scripts of assorted films and screenwriting tools online to help you get a greater grasp for your subject. You can too take references from other films to plot your shots.

Fix your budget first because the number of your cast, crew and kit depend heavily in this.

With digital becoming the norm these days, all you want is a great camera to shoot the film. Chances are you'll borrow from friends, or rent them from film production outlets, a few of which charge a nominal fee for independent projects. Always remember, it's the look of your film so that it will be the hook to catch a viewer.

Casting is usually a challenge as you can not afford real actors. Choose your cast from among your mates and acquaintances and provides them roles which are with regards to their real nature.

Many aspiring actors have woken as much as the truth that these films can add to their portfolio and at the moment are willing to behave in such films totally free.

If you'll shoot so much outdoors, be prepared to have a crowd at the scene. Outdoor shoots require you to shoot fast and that's where a well-prepared script may also help probably the most.

Post production will take a larger chunk of the budget so plan accordingly. Additionally it is where where you'll be able to right the wrongs you may have done during filming. So, never rush things here.

Create catchy promotional materials – posters, teasers and trailers, to snatch the eye of your prospective audience.

Upload an excellent quality copy of your movie on video sharing sites. Subtitling the film could be an added plus, but please ensure to not make literal translations of your lines. Film festivals have a rule that prohibits short filmmakers to upload their content online before the screening. So, if you're aspiring to send the film to such fests, never, never, never upload the film online.

Use the net media to the hilt to advertise the film. Target everything from social networking and micro-blogging sites to even entertainment websites. Don’t hesitate to succeed in out to celebrities and industry folks online and request retweets. They're certain to pass at the word.