How to Make a Short
Film About Your Hero
by Wendy Milette

The three stages of making a movie are:

  • Pre-Production
  • Production
  • Post-Production

PRE-PRODUCTION

Casting - choose a hero to make a movie about. Consider the following in choosing your hero:

  • Do you have access to this person for interviewing?
  • Are there interesting visuals about your hero's story?
  • What do other people have to say about your hero?
  • Is this person interesting to look at and listen to?

  • How does your hero inspire you?
  • What locations will be part of this movie?

Film style - What style of film do you want to make?

Writing a script - keep it simple.

  • Use the MY HERO Story Board Template (PDF) to visually plot out your ideas.
  • Outline the main points you are interested in.
  • Make a list of questions.
  • Structure the beginning, middle, and end.
  • Write, re-write, and re-write some more.
  • Get feedback.

Get a crew - keep it basic (one person can do many positions).

  • Director
  • Producer
  • Camera Person
  • Sound Person (Production and Post-Production
  • Editor

Make a schedule - plan ahead!

  • Set shooting dates.
  • Work with a deadline and stick to it.
  • Plan plenty of time for editing.

Location scouting

  • Choose an interesting Location - You hear it all the time: Location Location Location! It is true. An interesting background for your scenes and interviews can really make your movie stand apart. Take your time to visit many locations. Be determined to find something unusual and interesting.
  • Listen to the Sound - When location scouting, ALWAYS listen to the ambient noise in the location. Sometimes great locations don't get picked because they are next to a train track, airport, or freeway. Seriously, it won't work. LISTEN at different times of the day to know what to expect.
  • Watch the Light - Visit the location during the time of day you plan to shoot. Be sure to notice the position of the sun and where there are shadows. Spend some time at the location watching and listening.
  • Location is a Character - The best movies find ways to introduce the locations as if they were characters themselves with changing moods that reflect the moods of the characters in the story
  • Beware - Beaches are beautiful, but VERY difficult for any dialogue because of the sound of the ocean. Generally, use beaches for scenes and shots that don't require dialogue.

PRODUCTION

Production gear - choosing the right equipment. What you will need:

  • Script
  • Video camera
  • Lights (optional)
  • Sound equipment

Production days

  • Have a shot list and a plan.
  • Make call sheets.
  • Be on time.
  • Plan for setup and take down of equipment.
  • Prepare to feed the cast and crew.
  • Have backup plans for outside locations.

POST-PRODUCTION

Equipment

  • Computer with Non Linear Editing Software
  • Two recommended programs are Avid XpressDV and Final Cut Pro.
  • Tutorials to learn how to use the software.

Make a Post-Production schedule for picture and sound editing.

Picture Editing

  • First assembly edit
  • First cut
  • Final cut
  • Picture lock

Sound Editing

  • Recommended software - Pro-tools.
  • Can be done in video other sound editing software.
  • MUST have rights to all music.
  • Create original music with Soundtrack software
  • Mix all the sound elements.

Links - Here's a useful list of links to help you with your media project.

  • Final Cut Pro
    •

    SUBMIT YOUR SHORT FILM

    Before you submit your film, you need to create a MY HERO Web page about your hero. Follow the guidelines on the MY HERO Web site by clicking on CREATE. Once your Web page has been posted, you are ready to submit your film.

    Follow these six easy steps to submit your short film:

    • Open your finished film in your editing program.
    • Export a frame from your movie (File/Export/Frame).
      • Images must be saved as jpg or gif files at 72 dpi (maximum resolution) ( 200k maximum file size ).
      • Copy the image file to a CD or floppy disk and label it clearly.
    • Export the movie to a DV tape, DVD or CD and label clearly with TITLE, Director's name, age, grade, e-mail address, date, type of project (narrative, animation, documentary or experimental film), and total running time (TRT). Films must be 5 minutes or under.
      Acceptable files are:
      • DV (Digital Video) mini DV or DV Cam
      • DVD or CD
      • QuickTime or MPEG files only
    • Download and fill out the Film Festival Entry Form on the MY HERO Web site.
    • Download and fill out any applicable Release Forms and/or Parental Consent Forms.
    • Send your film, completed entry form, and entry fee (if applicable) to:
      The MY HERO Project
      Short Film Festival and Competition
      1278 Glenneyre #286
      Laguna Beach, CA 92651
      U.S.A.

    For additional support and information about production training workshops for teachers and students contact: media@myheroproject.org


    Technical errors or questions?
    contact: support@myheroproject.org