How to start making shorts
It's never been easier to get involved in making short films. Filmmaking equipment can be cheap and accessible and there are plenty of places you can go for training and advice, throughout the UK and all over the web. Documentaries are a great place to start, too. You don't need any actors or costumes or expensive sets or special effects. Just a good character and story and enough passion to tell it.

We've listed a few places where you may find help if you're interested in making short films. Find out if there's a local filmmaking group or media access centre near you - they're a good place to start and many of them will also organise screenings of films by local filmmakers at a cinema near you!

4Talent
Outstanding resource from Channel 4 for anyone wanting to get ahead in the creative industries, with a dedicated section for film.

Shooting People
Network of filmmakers across the UK. Great place to meet other people interested in independent filmmaking.

UK Film Council
Information and funding schemes - tend to be for slightly more experienced filmmakers, but support does exist for first-timers too.

Regional Film Agencies
Most regions in the UK have their own film bodies who can offer advice and support. They can be a good place to find out if there are any media access centres or local filmmaker's groups near you. Full list of all regions on the UK Film Council site.

Raindance
Training, advice, workshops and screenings, across the UK.

Whether you just want inspiration from short films or you're thinking about making your own, you start the same way... watch as many short films as you can!

WATCHING SHORTS >>