With just a little planning and know-how, you too can create a short film ...

We had a lot of homework to do before we plunged head-long into the adventure that was Short Wars. Now, you can benefit from the lessons we learned. There is as much to learn from our mistakes as from our successes.

Your short film will be divided into three distinct processes. They are as follows:
Pre-production -- This includes everything you do before you start filming, including coming up with a storyline, preparing costumes and props, securing locations, casting actors, recruiting a crew, etc.
Production -- This is the filming stage of the project -- when you are actually filming the footage that you will use to produce your short film.
Post-production -- This includes everything you do after filming wraps -- from buying editing software to editing the film, adding sound and effects, etc.

We recommend you spend a great deal of time in the first stage of your project -- pre-preproduction. The more you plan during this stage, the more successful you will be during the actual filming of your short film.

Steps to preparing for your short film (we call this pre-production):
1. Develop a screenplay, your blueprint for filming.
2. From that screenplay, make a list of characters, locations, props and costumes.
3. Cast your production with actors who best fit the characters they will portray.
4. Create costumes with your actors serving as models.
5. Create and acquire props.
6. Map out your film scene by scene. Identify who is in each scene and what props and costumes they will require for the scene.
7. Use the map you developed in Step 6 to create a "shot list" -- shots you must complete in order to have a complete film when editing is finished.
8. Acquire all of the film equipment - camera, lights, film, batteries you will need.
9. Select and reserve the location(s) you will need for filming. Note that most states require you to obtain a license before filming in public spaces.
10. Recruit people to serve as your production crew. You will at least need someone to operate the camera. We recommend you find as many volunteers as possible.

Production is obviously a very critical step in the process. We learned that no matter how much you plan, you have to be open to thinking on your feet because the unexpected can and will happen. Some of our favorite parts of Short Wars weren't necessarily planned. Remember - you are doing this to have fun.

Steps to filming your short (we call this production):
1. Refer to your shot list often. Don't leave anything out or you'll be sorry later.
2. Give your crew instructions that make for swift prop and costume changes.
3. Don't neglect your cast. Keep their excitement going. Remember to coach them through each scene.
4. Allow for breaks if your schedule permits.
5. Make sure early on that the footage you are getting is good. If you are reliant on sounds collected on this day, do sound tests as well as shot reviews.
6. If working with child actors, try to film everything in sequence so that it makes some kind of sense to them. You'll get better performances from them if you do this.
7. Allow for creativity. Some ad-libs or unscripted moments always manage to become our favorites.
8. Thank everyone for their hard work.

If you have been thorough and attentive to the pre-production and production phases of your project, post-production should be the easiest and most satisfying part of the process. It is during post-production that you put all the pieces together. If you have not succeeded in steps 1 and 2, it may be necessary to go back do re-shoots to correct gaps or goofs. If you encountered sound difficulties, you may also have to loop in new audio during this stage.

Steps to editing and completing your short (we call this post-production):
1. Buy,rent or borrow editing software and capture your footage so that you can edit it.
2. Refer to your shot list. Think about your vision of the film as you edit.
3. Take it scene by scene. Once you are satisfied with everything from audio to effects, move on to the next scene.
4. Remember the importance of music. It can literally make or break your film.
5. Save often! Nothing ruins the mood more than losing two hours worth of work when your PC crashes.
6. Watch the finished product and look for flaws or areas that can be improved.
7. Take time to write out the credits so that you can create the opening and end titles. Don't forget anyone! Ask crew members for help remembering all names. Let someone else proofread your titles before you make them final.
8. Watch the final result with a critical eye but enjoy it, too. You have succeeded in creating your own short film! Well done.

If you have specific questions, we are happy to offer whatever advice we can. The most important thing is to remember why you're doing this -- and who you're doing it for (in our case - the children). Be thankful for all the help you receive, and be excited about the process. Making a short film is an experience you will never forget.