Short Film Challenge
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Welcome! Please read this entire page before submitting to this program.
Please send your questions to H.Cherdon at me@austinfilmmeet.com.
Challenge yourself to be better…
Since the fall of 2023, indie filmmakers of varying levels and skills have come together to increase skills, strengthen connections and become better filmmakers and humans! So far, our teams have produced seven narrative short films using available talent, willing crew, in-kind donations and minimal resources. We’re doing it again! Our goal is not only to make great films but also to help each other improve skills and knowledge in a safe, hands-on learning opportunity. We gain useful info, insight and inspiration on each phase of the process, from screenwriting and story development, pre-production, production and post-production. We learn teams are ultimately at the mercy of their own tenacity, attention and ability to persevere without anyone losing an eye. We do more than survive – we thrive!
Will you rise to the challenge?
GUIDELINES
STEP 1 — Get Connected
Sign up for Austin Film Meet emails.
We send out important information via email, but we won’t bombard you, so don’t miss them!
STEP 2 — Read these Guidelines Carefully
The first thing to know is that you must be thorough and pay close attention to details. Important information may not be repeated. It’s up to you to stay informed and on the right track. We will NOT bombard you. Your tenacity and attention will pay off. Promise! If you participated last year, you’ll notice some changes. So let’s get started…
What is the Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge program?
This project challenges a collection of individuals who are committed to improving as filmmakers to work together as a team to create a short film from screenplay to screening with no budget and only available resources. Our crews and cast consist of only volunteers and those who submit to our program.
This program focuses on accountability, completion and learning the process of filmmaking. Practice resourcefulness, creativity, technique and teamwork skills. Get better at the difficult art of filmmaking with each film you help make.
All positions needed! All skill levels welcome – there’s a place for everyone!
The Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge is a collective of individuals who come together to make films under the following conditions:
- Everyone has something useful to contribute.
- Learning is key to success.
- The journey is the destination.
- Pay-it-forward pays back in the long run.
What is the timeline for this program?
Timelines are flexible. Projects start any time. Screenplays may be submitted anytime. Projects not finished by the screening deadlines simply roll to the next screening date. Rather than setting hard deadlines that might exclude hardworking filmmakers, we encourage you to maintain consistent momentum and just make the best film you can!
What is the time commitment?
Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge hosts events for this program, online and in person, on various days and times, typically on weeknights but sometimes weekends. Individual Short Film Challenge teams also meet at various other times needed to complete the film productions. On-set production typically involves 2 to 4 shoot days ideally limited to 10 hours each day. Exact time commitments are dependent on the specific project and your position on that team. We highly recommend that you attend as many AFM events as you can, as these events are specifically tailored to supercharge your experience and help you learn as much as possible. However attendance at these events is not required to participate, except some events are mandatory for Directors and Producers of SFC projects. You may attend AFM events as often or as little as you’d like, but if you take an assignment on a Short Film Challenge team and make a commitment to helping with the production in a specific way, please follow through or allow us to reassign the job ASAP. Fellow filmmakers and the project will be depending on you!
Is this for inexperienced or experienced people?
This program is intended to provide an opportunities for filmmakers of all experience levels. Ideally, teams will consist of a balanced mix of more experienced and less experienced individuals. It’s a great opportunity for beginners to work alongside an experienced person who wants to try wearing a new film hat. Not only does this program assist newcomers, but it also provides a unique opportunity to those who are more experienced. As well as being a chance to serve your community by passing on the knowledge and expertise you have, this program gives more experienced filmmakers an opportunity to make films with in-kind labor. This program relies on filmmakers of all areas and all skill levels. Keep your skills sharp! Mentor others while having a ton of fun and building strong friendships. Strengthen your skills or try a new filmmaking position. We welcome you!
How many projects will be produced?
We have multiple projects running in parallel. The exact number depends on how many people show up & want to be involved.
Can I work my preferred position?
Yes! Submit your info for all the positions that interest you. Your info will go to a shared database from which our teams will choose their crew. We do our best to get everyone in their preferred areas, but we appreciate your patience and willingness to help in other ways, too.
How many people are on each production team?
Production teams are usually small, consisting of 6 to 12 individuals, but may vary based on the project needs. Directors and/or Producers may remove or add additional support members to their team as needed. The recommended minimum positions are Producer, Director, Assistant Director, Cinematographer, Production Designer, Sound Designer, Sound Mixer/Recordist/Boom, Assistant Camera, Gaffer/Grip, Costume/Hair/MUA/SFX, Assistant Camera, Grip/Gaffer, Editor/DIT, Production Assistants (if needed), and definitely Still & Set Photography / BTS / Promotions.
Will there be only one producer of each project?
As a Short Film Challenge producer, you will not be working alone. Instead, you will work in conjunction with H.Cherdon Bedford, Austin Film Meet’s Organizational Director, who will act as a Producer on all projects, and who will be available as a resource at every step of your project to walk you through any area of producing. When the project is complete, H.Cherdon will assist with and, if desired, can assume responsibility of the marketing and distribution for the project, developing media kits, posters and trailers, as well as film festival plan and submissions.
May I direct or produce my own screenplay?
We strongly encourage everyone to direct or produce someone else’s screenplay. Directors and Producers in this program should have at least a little experience Directing or Producing, as well as experience in other areas of filmmaking before they may direct or produce their own screenplay. Experienced Directors and Producers may direct or produce their own screenplays. If you have limited or no film experience, please work other film positions first.
What happens to the films when they’re done?
The producers will prepare marketing materials including press kit, posters, etc. and the films will be submitted to film festivals.
Can I audition to be cast in a project?
Yes! Opportunities for actors are based on the screenplays that are chosen. Not all actors will be chosen. However, first priority is given to those who submit their information to our program. Also, you’re more likely to be cast if you attend events and network as much as possible. Filmmakers usually prefer to work with people they already know. If you just want to be involved and increase your film knowledge, we suggest submitting to work on a crew, even just as a production assistant, or any position!
Can I bring my ego?
Please leave drama at the door. Please come with a positive, can-do attitude. Always be kind, considerate, and remember it’s rarely about you. Sometimes difficult decisions must be made quickly for the sake of the project. You can always learn from others no matter how much you or they know. This is an opportunity to make lifelong friends and build a community that will support you through your filmmaking dreams. We can’t wait to work with you! So please, bring friends, but not your ego!
Is this too good to be true?
Austin Film Meet has existed since 2008, hosted more than 500 events and helped over 10,000 people in film and video. Our staff has decades of combined experience and knowledge in professional film and video production. More importantly, we love filmmakers and all the different people that it takes to make one happen. We believe that any film completed is a bit of a miracle. Filmmaking is the most difficult art form and we love to champion creators as they grow.
Is there a cost to participate?
There’s no fee to participate in this program, but you must be an Austin Film Meet member. Membership is not required to submit, but if selected for a team, you will need to join. Membership dues cover organizational operations, but mostly film festival submission fees for these projects.
JOIN NOW! If you are unable to pay for a membership, you can always volunteer for our organization and receive a complimentary membership.
What now?
Get serious! Make a movie! Commit to making your film dreams happen! From concept to screening, practice the craft of storytelling using film and video. Improve your filmmaking game with hands-on experience!
STEP 3 — Choose Your Challenge
We suggest submitting for all the challenges that interest you and recommend choosing 2-3 challenges each season.
Write a Screenplay!
Screenwriters! Austin Film Meet’s Short Film Challenge focuses on producing high-quality, narrative short films and your screenplay could be next!
What kind of screenplays are you looking for?
We seek short screenplays of any genre designed to be produced by our small crew with small casts of locally-based actors for almost no budget using only in-kind resources, community support and collaborative creativity for production. We want compelling stories with interesting, dynamic characters who have clear objectives and emotional conflict. We want characters that audiences love. We want to show, not tell. We love stories that make people feel a little better about the world, humankind and ourselves. You can do this!
How many pages/actors/locations do you want?
For the Short Film Challenge, we want short narrative screenplays of any genre ideally not exceeding 6 pages, although you may submit longer screenplays. Shorter screenplays have a higher likelihood of being produced. A good guideline is the 10 point rule: Count each page, actor and location as 1 point and do not exceed 10 points. Less is definitely more!
Is there anything you do NOT want?
In an effort to keep our projects safe to produce, easy to promote, and not too complicated, we prefer to avoid a few things:
Political propaganda or campaigning. Excessive or gratuitous on-camera violence. Overtly sexual content or extraneous sexual nudity. Dangerous stunts or complicated fight scenes. Complicated or time-consuming special effects. On-camera real-life explosions or actual fires. Cussing, offensive language or messages of hate – we are spreading love here, people!
Please don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of original stories that need to be told that do not involve any of the above. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Anything else I should consider?
Some things are acceptable but require special attention or extra effort beyond the standard shooting process. We call these “SPECIAL THINGS” and encourage filmmakers to limit their projects to ONLY ONE special thing. If your screenplay has more than one, please submit it anyway. Special things could be:
Child actors. Animals. Realistic weapons. Specialized vehicles. Specialized or hard-to-find locations. Airplane or train or bus – parked bus may be acceptable. Shooting inside a moving vehicle – parked vehicles don’t count. Simple or uncomplicated fight scenes. Huge party scenes or lots of extras – 2 or 3 is fine. Expensive or rare props that can’t be made easily and cheaply. Elaborate costumes or makeup or special effects makeup. Simple special effect like a barfing scene or rain. Complicated or time-consuming visual effects.
How do I know if my screenplay is being considered by a Director or Producer?
If your screenplay is selected, you will be contacted by a Producer and/or Director who may ask you to make changes. You are not required to make any changes, but since filmmaking is a collaborative art form, we encourage you to remain open-minded. After the Writer, Producer and Director, complete changes and agree on a final screenplay, Pre-production can begin.
I submitted a screenplay a while ago. Is it still being considered?
Yes! Screenplay submissions remain in the database indefinite until selected. If you wish to withdraw your screenplay from consideration, please email me@austinfilmmeet.com.
If my screenplay is made, can I sell it or make it myself?
You may produce or sell any version of your script that is significantly different from the version that Austin Film Meet produces.
Anything else?
By submitting your screenplay, you agree to the following:
You are the sole owner and creator of the submitted content.
Austin Film Meet may share that screenplay with our members and Short Film Challenge participants.
You will withdraw your screenplay should it become optioned or scheduled for production not in our program.
Austin Film Meet may perform a table read of your screenplay.
Austin Film Meet may use your screenplay for educational purposes.
What do I need to submit my screenplay?
You will need to include a log line, a list of characters with short descriptions, number of locations and your PDF screenplay. Be sure to include a title page with your contact info. Please submit your screenplays via the button link below or go here.
Screenwriting Events
Austin Film Meet hosts lots of events for screenwriters including monthly writing workshops and monthly screenplay read and review sessions! Many events are ONLINE so you can attend from anywhere!
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – AFM Writing Group – Write with Us! Short Film Challenge Screenplay Writing Workshop with Prompts (ONLINE)
Join Austin Film Meet's bi-weekly online writing group, designed to support and inspire film, video and animation writers and storytellers of all levels working in any format such as short, feature, series, documentary, narrative, episodic and more. Our sessions...
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – AFM Screenplay Read & Review (ONLINE)
Calling All Screenwriters, Filmmakers, and Actors: Looking to sharpen your storytelling skills or practice your acting chops? This is your chance to join a vibrant community of creatives at our upcoming online event. We’re bringing screenwriters, filmmakers, and...
Short Film Challenge Producer & Director Submission
So you wanna be a Producer or Director of a Short Film Challenge short film production? Fantastic!!
Producers and Directors are needed to see short film productions through from choosing a solid screenplay to celebrating with a screening party. Working closely together, Producers & Directors will lead a team through the process of making a film from Pre-production, through Production, and Post-Production to a completed short film and then celebrate at a Screening Party.
Directors may produce their own screenplay through the Short Film Challenge program if they have directed anything before.
Don’t know where to start? New to producing? No worries! All Short Film Challenge Producers and Directors work in conjunction with Producer, H.Cherdon Bedford, with regularly meetings and check points to make sure you’re on track for success. You will be provided with checklists, contracts and guidance along the way. Austin Film Meet also hosts many educational events for filmmakers. Directors, Producer and sometimes key crew will meet with Producer H.Cherdon at several Check Points through out the project. This is to help make sure the project is on track. Also, Austin Film Meet hosts many educational events for filmmakers.
Being a Producer or Director is an important job! While it’s fun to enable the team, it’s a big responsibility. A whole team of people are counting on you. Being a Producer can be pretty time-consuming. Please make sure you have enough time available to give the project the proper attention.
Applicants may have only a little directing or producing experience, but should have a range of experience in other areas of filmmaking. If you are interested in producing or directing a project but have no filmmaking experience, we suggest working crew on a few productions first.
Also, we ask Directors and Producers to pay it forward by working cast or crew on another Short Film Challenge project.
If you think you’re up for the challenge, please submit your info below. Once accepted, you can pair with a Producer or Director and find a screenplay together. We look forward to seeing you on your journey!
Short Film Challenge Crew Submission
Joining a production crew offers an excellent opportunity to gain credits, explore new positions, practice your craft among likeminded creatives while making friends and building lasting connections.
All positions are available. Regardless of your experience level, there’s a place for you!
Here’s a breakdown of the primary film positions and what they do:
Film Positions Explained
Cinematography, Camera & Lighting Department
Wanna DP? Wanna learn about equipment and get some hands on experience with film lighting? We need Cinematographers, Camera Assistants, Gaffers & Grips for this departmant.
Assistant Director
Help your team stay on schedule, stay organized and complete shooting days with suffient coverage. This position is key to success!
Production Design, Makeup, Costume & Art Department
DP much? Wanna learn about equipment & get some hands on experience with film lighting? We need Production Designers, Costumers, Makeup Artists & general Art Department Production Assistants.
Sound Design & Sound Department
Our sound department consists of Sound Designers, Sound Recorders, Boom Operators and Sound Editors. We also need Musicians & Composers for original music.
Editing & Post-Production
The Post-Production department includes Editors, Assistant Editors, Colorists, and sometimes Visual Effects Artists. Opportunties are available.
Behind-the-Scenes Photos, Videos & Promotions
Like taking pictures? The importance of having lots of set photos and videos cannot be underestimated. A good promotions plan is key to building an audience. We need Photographers, Videographers & Promoters for this department.
Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge Actor Submission
Thank you for your interest in acting or performing in an Austin Film Meet Short Film Challenge project. These community-driven projects are a blast to be a part of and a wonderful learning opportunity resulting in a quality project. All positions on these projects, including actors and talent, are unpaid, but you will receive an IMDB credit and a copy of the finished film to use in your reel. Our films are also submitted to film festivals, so you will also gain exposure.
Austin Film Meet Membership is not required to participate as an actor.
If you are interested in acting or performing in an Austin Film Meet Shot Film Challenge project, please submit your resume/headshot/reel via an online form. If you are right for any roles, you will be contacted directly by Short Film Challenge production teams.
Thank you so much! We look forward to working with you!
