Short film directors share their essential top tips for anyone who wants to make a short film.

Key Insights

Don't spend too much money
Be prepared when you walk on set
Saying "I don't know" is OK
Know your story, but be flexible
Understand why you're the unique person to tell the story
Trust your actors
Treat your crew well
Edit, get feedback, and revise
Stay true to your voice

Filmmaker

Mariama Diallo is a Senegalese-American filmmaker based in Brooklyn. Mariama co-wrote EVERYBODY DIES! as part of the feature Collective:Unconscious (SXSW 2016). more...

Adam Khalil

Filmmaker

Adam Khalil and Zack Khalil (Ojibway) are filmmakers and artists from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. more...

Zack Khalil

Filmmaker

Adam Khalil and Zack Khalil (Ojibway) are filmmakers and artists from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. more...

Katrelle Kindred

Filmmaker

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Katrelle Kindred always found inspiration in the eccentricities of her surrounding community. more...

Tags:Shorts

Join the Discussion

Keep Exploring

Video

Inside Look at Programming Shorts for the Sundance Film Festival

Mike Plante

Senior Programmer, Sundance Festival

Video

Taika Waititi on Going From Indies to Hollywood

Taika Waititi

Filmmaker

Video

Directing Actors with Joan Darling

Joan Darling

Director, Writer, Actress

Video

How to Collaborate: from the Team Behind SEARCHING

Sev Ohanian

Producer, Writer