Getting Started

Getting started on a film can be a difficult endeavor. We have provided a loose guideline to help you develop a quality film, and manage your time successfully.

  1. Problem Statement: How do we as media-makers create powerful short films (PSAs, narratives, silent film, or music videos) about young people that have made a difference in the world so that we educate others about the capacity of youth to make a positive impact on the world and encourage youth to start making a difference themselves?

2. Pick a genre:

  • PSA: a film that is loosely formatted like a commercial and has a direct call to action.
  • Music Video: a music video that includes a storyline, original lyrics, and an original melody/composition.
  • Short Film: a film that follows the story or journey of a person or people.
  • Silent Film: Similar to the short film, but with no dialogue or recorded audio.

3. Begin to brainstorm: Begin brainstorming with your group about your possible film ideas and prompt. Take into account the resources that you will need for each idea, including actors, props, locations, lighting/time of day, equipment, sound, scheduling, etc. Then create a storyboard and a script with your group.  Here is an example of a storyboard template.

4. Scheduling: Assign roles and then delegate jobs for each person. Set up a film schedule to make the filming process smooth and confusion-less. Also determine where, when, and how you will get all of the equipment you will need.

5. Film: There are several things that you must take into account when filming. Check out the Tech Tips page, for more information on what goes into making a good film.

6. Post Production: Take all of your raw footage and place it into an editing software to string it together. Make sure you have enough space on your computer and that you leave plenty of time to render and upload your video. Don’t underestimate the editing process! Leave several days to look over and re-edit the video. You might even need to re-film certain scenes of your film, so leave plenty of time to edit.

You can also add special effects through programs like Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro. Make sure that your audio is clear and noiseless as well. It should match your footage and not be a distraction to your video. Check out the Tech Tips page for more information on editing.

7. Screening: Export your first draft and share it with your teacher or friends. Try to get feedback on what is good and what needs to be fixed or added. This step is really important because it will give you several different perspectives on your film and new ideas that your group of eyes might have missed the first time.

8. Re-Filming: Go back and make changes to your film based on the feedback that you got. Make sure that you re-film scenes if you need to.

9. Exporting and Submission: Watch your film completely through with your whole group to make sure that everything looks right and is ready to turn in. Export your video and upload it to YouTube. Make sure you use the highest quality setting that you can. Submit your final link through your teacher here.