Short film vs. Feature?

[Belief Pictures]

Hey,

So I've started this new company. Should I do a short film first or a feature?

Chris

[RyanT]

Short film. Figure everything out first with your shorts. Then when you really have it down you can think about a feature. Maybe try a music video or two so you don't always have to pay for absolutely everything.

[headofmush]

How much faith do you have on the feature and what is your experience as a filmmaker? If you're asking this question, perhaps you have some uncertainty with the feature. Then I would recommend you make sure everything is tight as can be and that you have all the right people for the job. Otherwise, a couple shorts and commercials first wouldn't hurt to bump up your skills.

[Ewan L]

Definitely do a few shorts first of all to get the hang of things and get comfortable before making a feature film.

[Egg Born Son]

Do you already have a feature in mind? You could identify the element that will be the most difficult to execute (maybe a special effect, a theme, a camera or post production technique) and make a short film that showcases it. That way instead of a test you get a finished product for your money and discover the unexpected hurdles along the way. If it works you can go into the feature with confidence (and demonstrate your prowess to any backers), if it doesn't you can decide whether it can be made to work or should be abandoned. Nice logo.

[gonzo_entertainment]

The other question being "How much money you got?"
You can shoot a short for anywhere from a few hundred bucks to $40K.
For a feature $40K is considered "No Budget".

[jghenderson]

Depends completely on experience and available resources.

If you are an inexperienced filmmaker, definitely do a few short films first. This will be like a film school to you and will teach you what you need to know.

If you are experienced, and have no real resources, then probably still go for a short film and submit it to festivals.

If you are experienced AND have resources, go for it and do a feature.

[PopcornFlix]

If you have to ask the question, you should start with shorts. In fact, you should start with short-shorts, from a :30 spot to a 2:00 narrative. The reason to go super short is to get them done quickly. Most of the lessons come after you've finished the film and look back on it. The shorter the film, the faster you can get it done and look back on it for the lesson. Also, with shorts, you can experiment with different genres, looks and flavors. If you make bigger projects, you're locked in for a longer production period.

[Amr Rahmy]

what's your role in the production? financing, producing, directing, DP?

[john threat]

yeah. how much $$ you got sonny!