How is a short film different from a feature film?

A short film is basically any film that is too short to be considered a feature film. There are no set boundaries on this, although the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as “an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits”.

How much does it cost to make an independent feature film?

As of 2014, Sundance reported that the average independent film budget was $750,000, and that was a conservative estimate. It is possible to produce a film production on a budget lower than that, but it’s important to be realistic.

What benefit do short films have for movie makers?

According to Ruppert, the biggest advantage of making a short film is that “they help the filmmaker find and hone his or her voice. A short is an inexpensive way for filmmakers to experiment and learn what works; that knowledge can then be used when the filmmaker moves on to a feature film.”

How long should a script for a short film be?

When writing any screenplay, keep in mind that one page equals roughly one minute of screentime. If short films are typically under 50 minutes long, you’ll want a script that’s 50 pages or less. A good rule of thumb: aim to write a 15-page short film and see where that takes you.

How long is a full length feature film?

The term feature film originally referred to the main, full-length film in a cinema program that also included a short film and often a newsreel. Most feature films are between 75 and 210 minutes long.

How much does it cost to produce a low budget film?

The general consensus is that a feature made with less than a $2 million budget is considered a low budget movie. However, with the average cost of a film running between $70-$90 million, that number may be somewhat flexible. Take a look at some low budget films that were a commercial success.

How do independent films make money?

To get you started, here’s a list of 35 different ways you can make money as a filmmaker.

1. Get a distribution deal for your film.
2. Self-distribute your films.
3. Shoot corporate training videos.
4. Make commercials.
5. Shoot weddings and/or events.
6. Teach filmmaking.
7. Edit someone else’s film.
8. Become a content creator on YouTube.

Are short films profitable?

Short films, whether they are being shared online or through film festivals, are most profitable as a calling card that will get you more work. Look at it as a resume, but for your film career. Every short film you write, direct, produce, and -most importantly – share will lead to more work.

What is the difference between short films and feature-length films?

With feature films, you can take as long as you need to tell the complete story, so there’s not as much pressure. The most obvious difference between short films and feature-length films is the budget. A 10-30 minute film will not require a budget anywhere near what a 90-120 minute feature will need.

What are the chances of an independent film being profitable?

If we were to randomly select an independent film made in the US over the past twenty years, there is a 3.4\% chance it was a profitable investment for its backers. Just slightly better than one in thirty. However, this is an artificial situation as that assumes true random selection.

How much does it cost to produce a short film?

However, many short films are not created to produce revenue, such as these 16 short films that launched the careers of famous directors, some of which were produced for as little as $500. Others were adapted to become full-length feature films, and went on to become large successes.

What is independent filmmaking and why should you care?

Independent filmmaking is a useful avenue for first-time filmmakers or those shooting with a low-budget, but there are other reasons some choose to produce films outside of the studio system. Independent films—or “indie films”—are controlled more by the creator in terms of content, voice, and style.