The Short Film Challenge Process for Directors and Producers

by | SFC2023

Step 1 – Sign Up for Emails

The first step is to be sure you have signed up for the Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge email list, which is separate from our main email list.

Step 2 – Read FAQ

Read our Short Film Challenge FAQ for answers to common questions.

Step 3 – Attend Events

Review our events calendar for important dates for the season. Each meeting is different and there may be some that you definitely don’t want to miss.

Start attending our events to start meeting people, making friends and learning more about filmmaking. If you want to direct or produce a project, please plan to attend at least half of our Tuesday events. Otherwise, attendance is strongly recommended but not required.

Step 4 – Submit Your Info

Complete the submission form for Directors and Producers. The info you submit here will be available for prospective crew and resource donors to review. You may update your submission at any time.

Step 5 – Choose Screenplay

Review available screenplays in the Screenplay Submissions folder. When you find a script you’re interested in directing or producing, please reach out to the writer of that screenplay and let them know you are interested. At that time, the writer can tell you if another director or producer is already attached.

Step 6 – Find Director or Producer

Next, once you are attached to a screenplay, you must find your partner in crime, either the director or producer, whichever you are not. Please choose someone from our database of Producer/Director Submissions. If you want to work with a director or producer not in the database, they will need to enroll in our program.

Step 7 – Screenplay Revisions

Director and Producer should work together with the Screenwriters to make any changes, edits or revisions that are needed.

Step 8 – Find Crew

Once all changes are complete, please lock your script. Now it’s time to move forward finding crew. Please choose from those who have submitted to the crew database. If you want to work with someone not in the database, please ask them to enroll in the Short Film Challenge program.

Each production team will consist of a minimum of eight individuals. Directors and/or Producers may add additional support members to their team as needed. Those eight positions are:

  • Director
  • Producer / Assistant Director
  • Cinematographer
  • Gaffer / Grip / Assistant Camera
  • Production Designer
  • Sound
  • Editor / DIT
  • Production Assistant

Step 9 – Secure Locations

Scout locations. Secure locations. Sign Location Agreement.

Step 10 – Find On Screen Talent

  1. Right character descriptions for each role that you need filled.
  2. Review our database of Actor submissions. Please give preference to these people.
  3. Contact the actors, you are considering and request a video audition.
  4. If you are unable to find the cast, you need in the database, you will need to post casting notices everywhere possible.
  5. Review the submissions and contact Actors that interest you with a video audition request.
  6. If you use an actor outside of our database, please be sure to have them submit their information to our database. Thank you!
  7. Once you have decided who you want to cast, you will need to notify them.
  8. Don’t forget to get all of your actors to sign an Actor Agreement.

Step 11 – Create Storyboards & Shot List

Director and Cinematographer should work closely together to create storyboards, shot list and a unified look for the film.

Producer should secure the appropriate contracts including:

  • Screenplay Acquisition Agreement
  • Location Agreement
  • Image Release Agreement
  • Director Agreement
  • Producer Agreement
  • Crew Agreements
  • Art Releases

Step 12 – Camera & Lighting Test

Step 13 – Gather Equipment

Step 14 – Art dept – resources

  • Break down the script. Make a list of the following:
    • Cast / Characters
    • Extras
    • Props
    • Set Dressing
    • Costumes
    • Makeup
    • Vehicles
    • Stunts
    • Special Effects or VFX
    • Livestock
    • Sound
    • Music
    • Special Equipment

Step 15 – Rehearsals

Please schedule a rehearsal with your actors. It is important to do this before you shoot.

Step 16 – Shoot

It’s go time! Now it’s time to test out all of your planning and preparing.

Please limit your shoot days to a reasonable length. We recommend breaking your shooting sessions into 6 hour blocks. Not only can you avoid the often sloppy work of a tired cast and crew, but people are working for free and still have other commitments they must tend to.

Step 16 – Edit

The Director will work closely with the Editor to edit the film.

Step 17 – Test Screening

Bring film in for test screening and audience feedback.

Films are due Nov 20th for test screening!

Step 18 – Final edits

Make any final changes or edits that are needed and export the completed film according to the designated Short Film Challenge specifications.

Step 19 – Submit Final Film

Final film submissions for the Fall 2023 season are due November 30, 2023.

Step 20 – Screen Film

Join us for a screening party on December 12, 2023!

This document is a work in progress. More coming soon!

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