Filmmaker resources
Expert tips for filmmakers.
In this collection of articles you will find advice and tips on some of the more common hurdles that are part of the short film making process. Whether you are just starting out or looking to hone a particular part of your craft, we can give you some useful ideas and tools.
You can also find a list of international short film festivals here if you’re looking for more places to submit your film.
Top 10 Festival Submission Mistakes
We count down our top 10 mistakes to avoid when submitting your film to festivals.
The Importance of Sound Effects for Filmmakers
Sound effects are incredibly important to bring your film to life - read these tips to add another dimension to your filmmaking. in this article, Carlos Carrión von Reckow discusses how canny use of sound effects will make your film even better.
Funding Your Shortage: A Guide To Financing Your Short Film
In this article, Gina discusses how to to create a budget and ways to find funding for your short film in New Zealand. From NZFC funds to crowdfunding and budgeting catering to film festival submission fees, this guide can give you an idea of what to expect when planning your project .
Ten Tips For Short Film Makers
Show Me Shorts is always looking for ways to support the talented short film makers that make our festival possible every year. So we’re going to be sharing some resources over the next few months to (we hope!) encourage developing filmmakers. We’re kicking off with a set of rapid-fire top ten tips to help aspiring short film makers avoid the more common pitfalls and improve both their film and filmmaking experience.
Recipe For A Great Short Film Idea
Original ideas for short films do not grow on trees. Gina Dellabarca continues her series of resources for short film makers with her guide to developing a great short film idea.
Connect With Your Short Film Community
Developing a network of mentors, colleagues and organisations is a great way to get your short film off the ground, improve your skills, and find the resources you need to make your idea a reality. In this article, we provide links to many great organisations and resources that are active in the New Zealand short film community.
Nail Your Short Film Script
Writing a great short film script can be daunting challenge for new and established filmmakers alike. In this article, Gina discusses how to go from idea to the first page of your screenplay, how to format it, some practical writing techniques, and where/how to get more feedback.
Live Or Die By Your Shooting Schedule
Making a successful filming schedule can be an art all its own. In this Filmmaker Resources article, Gina outlines how to turn your script into effective marching orders for your cast, crew and equipment
Making Magic In Production
Lights, camera, action! In this article, Gina gives some insight on how to organise your crew to get the most out of your time in production. Knowing what to expect from each department and having everything you need on the day helps to ensure your shoot is both successful and enjoyable.
Post-Production Begins On Set
Post-production is a long but satisfying process – it’s when your film really comes together. And as Gina Dellabarca explains, post-production actually begins while you’re in the middle of shooting.
Want Great Sound Effects? Listen Up
They’re one part of a short film you’ll never see – but realistic, high-quality sound effects can really set your film apart. Sound designer Alan McKinney explains what you need to know.
Building Buzz For Your Short Film: Marketing And Communication For Beginners
You’ve finished your awesome short film – the next step is to spread the word about it! Gina Dellabarca explains how a smart marketing/communications strategy will give your film its time in the spotlight.
How Film Festivals Select Your Film
Feel like you’re in film-festival limbo? There are many reasons why it might take a while to hear back from a festival once you’ve submitted your short film. Festival organiser Gina Dellabarca explains.
Selling Short Films: Sales And Distribution For Beginners
So what’s a distributor? What’s a sales agent? And how can they help you make money out of your short film? Gina Dellabarca and Mary de Ruyter outline how this part of the biz works.
5 Tips For Casting On A Budget
There’s an art to casting well, and on a budget. If you’re not quite at the stage where you can afford to pay a Casting Director to work their magic for you, the following casting tips will point you in the right direction towards creating the film you imagined.
Filmmaking Competitions Forge Teams
How do you forge a filmmaking dream team? Short film making competitions are a great place to test out your crew under pressure. This month we look at the work of some teams who have successfully used filmmaking competitions and made great short films in the process.
Read All About It: Short Film Scripts For Aspiring Screenwriters
Writing a solid short film script is easier said than done, especially if you don’t know what a good one looks like yet. In this article, we include five scripts from successful shorts that have made it into the festival and whose creators have been generous enough to share them.
How To Self-Distribute A Short Film Online
What’s your digital distribution strategy? Here’s how to get your short film online, and in front of an audience.
Uploading Your Short Film Online
Is it time to set your short film free, out in the big wide world? This handy guide contains tips and advice to ensure you have the best chance of success with releasing your short film online.
Licensing Music For Short Films
Many a filmmaker has found themselves in hot water after not correctly gaining the required licenses and permissions for the music in their film. Here we have collected some advice on sourcing music for short films and obtaining the rights.