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Making a short film in 24 hours sounds a bit of a stretch, but it’s not only possible—it’s a challenge blowing up with filmmakers, TikTok creators, and indy storytellers. Whether you’re a film student, a weekend shooter, or just looking for a new challenge, follow this framework for how to make a short film in 24 hours.
Why 24-hour filmmaking?
24-hour filmmaking has become a global movement, inspiring inventive storytelling and pushing creative boundaries. If you’ve been scrolling through YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok lately, you’ve likely seen someone who’s turned a day-long shoot into a viral sensation. These platforms thrive on quick, authentic content, and that’s precisely what learning how to make a short film in 24 hours delivers!
This fast-paced approach to filmmaking offers a unique set of benefits:
- Skill development: It’s a fantastic way to hone your filmmaking skills under pressure and learn how to make a short film efficiently.
- Creative constraints: Limited time forces you to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.
- Authenticity: The quick turnaround encourages a raw and spontaneous style, capturing a sense of immediacy.
- Collaboration: 24-hour filmmaking often involves teamwork, fostering cooperation and camaraderie.
Note: Make things slightly easier for yourself and consider a 48-hour film challenge instead—just as many filmmakers are signing up for that challenge, too!
Where to find inspiration
Interested in making your own film but hitting a creative block? No problem—try these prompts and trends to kickstart your imagination.
- One-room wonder: A drama or comedy set in one space.
- Found footage: Blair Witch meets vlogger… cheap, creepy, and easy to shoot.
- Montage storytelling: Stitch together footage and snapshots for something more abstract.
Nailing the aesthetic on a budget
How your film looks can make it stand out. Just because you’re doing this on a shoestring doesn’t mean it can’t look great.
Lighting tricks
- Practical lights, such as desk lamps, fairy lights, or even car headlights, can create easy but dramatic effects.
- Use reflectors to bounce off natural light. Make one yourself with a sheet of white card or foil.
Framing
- Use the rule of thirds as a solid way to get balanced compositions.
- Experiment with close-ups and wide shots for shot framing variety.
Color
- Pick a color palette that fits the tone of your story.
- Try some color-grading LUTs for speed and continuity.
What do you mean we haven’t talked about sound?
Sound design is so important. People are less likely to tolerate a film if the sound is terrible than the visuals!
- Record clean audio, ideally with an external mic, in a place that isn’t too noisy.
- Use royalty-free music and sound effects.
- Record your own sounds, like atmosphere or SFX, to layer in.
The ultimate 24-hour film plan
When you only have 24 hours, there’s no time for perfectionism or second-guessing—you just have to go for it! So, let’s help you get started. Time is a friend and enemy here, so how do you pull off a decent-looking film in just a day? Aghhhh, no time for screaming.
1. Pre-plan
Figure out your story, and no, this doesn’t have to be part of the 24-hour deadline. Do it the day before—or better still, the week before!
- Pick a simple concept. You can’t go too big, so keep it simple: one location, a handful of people/characters, and a straightforward plot or idea.
- Draft a quick script. A few pages will do—think micro-drama. Outline how you think it will flow if it’s a non-fiction piece.
- Call in some favors. If you need actors, crew, or people to interview, ring your friends and start bribing them.
2. Gear up
You don’t need Hollywood levels of equipment. Use what you have:
- If you don’t have a movie camera, use a phone.
- A tripod or gimbal for steady shots.
- Some basic lighting, but at a push, you can film outdoors using environmental light.
- Free editing software (we love you, DaVinci Resolve).
3. The shoot
This is probably the most stressful part, where the magic happens, or everything goes wrong. Stay calm and stick to your plan… you’ve got this!
- Prioritize your shots. Start with the things you can’t live without—you don’t want to run out of time and realize you’ve missed essential stuff.
- Film constantly. Did you make a mistake? It doesn’t matter—keep rolling. You can fix it in post.
- Try whip-panning or other physical movements with the camera to save you time with transitions later, or use objects to cut between scenes.
4. Edit your fingers down to nubs
Load your footage into your editing software and GO GO GO!
- Trim the fat. Every second counts, and we’re talking short videos here, so the runtime is a maximum of 3-5 minutes.
- Add music and SFX. Try Envato’s sound effects library.
- Export and upload. Remember, you’ll need a thumbnail and a snappy title.
Tips for staying on schedule
It’s a big ask, but time management is everything in a 24-hour film challenge. Here’s how to keep things moving.
1. Break down your day
Divide your day up into chunks, and allow, say:
- 8–10 hours for shooting
- 6–8 hours for editing
- Some time for sleeping/eating! It’s essential to look after yourself.
Try setting alarms or timers to keep you from running over.
2. Stick to your script
Once the clock starts, don’t be tempted to rewrite or improvise too much. Trust the plan!
3. Stay hydrated and sensible
During your rest time, ensure you have water and snacks to keep you and your crew energized and happy.
Promote like a pro
You’ve made a film, but how does anyone get to see it? Here are some ways to get people interested.
- Share behind-the-scenes content. Post bloopers, time lapses, gear setups, that kind of thing!
- An obvious one is to use social media. Upload to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc., and remember to use hashtags and tag in any relevant accounts.
- Enter film challenges. Many groups and festivals have all sorts of niche categories for short films, so see if you can get yours into some of them.
This is your time to shine!
The world is fast-moving and impatient, so why not make the most of that with your perspective and voice? The 24-hour film challenge is more than just a fun video trend—it’s a gateway to unlocking your creativity under pressure and maybe even a chance to connect with a community of like-minded creators.
Give your short film a head start with our DaVinci Resolve templates, and look at what else is trending on TikTok right now!
