Live-action
We’re just getting started with this resource. Throughout Term 1 and Term 2, we’ll be adding new examples, behind‑the‑scenes insights, and interviews with past finalists. Think of this space as a growing hub - so check back in and for fresh inspiration!
The production stage is where your short film comes to life, as you capture the images, sounds and performances that your audience will see and hear. A film set is the location where production takes place. It might be a classroom, a backyard, a local park or any space dressed to suit your story. On set, filmmakers work together to bring the story to life by:
- Getting ready: Preparing the location, actors, props, costumes, lighting and equipment so everyone knows what is happening in the scene.
- Filming: Recording performances, action and sound and repeating takes as needed to capture the best version of each shot.
- Reviewing: Watching footage to check performances, framing, sound and storytelling, then making changes before moving on to the next shot.
1. Getting ready
Before you start filming, you will need to make sure everyone knows what is happening in the scene, read your script, get your equipment ready and prepare your set.
Reading your script
Gather your team and read through the section of script that you are going to shoot as a group. Choose one person to read the scene description and let the actors read their lines out loud. As you do this, walk through the scene together. This is called blocking. It means deciding where the actors will stand, how they might move and what actions they need to perform. Blocking helps everyone understand how the scene will flow. It shows:
- How actors will move around the space.
- Where cameras, lights and other equipment should go.
- Any problems you might need to solve before filming.
Reviewing your shot list
Once the script read‑through and blocking are done, read your shot list out loud together. This reminds everyone which shots you need to film and helps the whole team stay on the same page for the work ahead.
Setting up your equipment
Once everyone is aware of what is going to be filmed in the scene and how it's going to be filmed, set up your equipment for your first take. Always think about safety first. A film is just a film, no shot is worth putting yourself or anyone else in danger. Look for anything that might be unsafe and make sure you talk it through together or check in with a trusted adult about how to keep things safe.
Trop Tip: While the crew are setting up the equipment, the director/s and actor/s can keep rehearsing the scene. Try out different ways of saying the lines or explore new movements and reactions to see what feels right for the moment.
2. Filming
On‑set calls
In professional film productions, crews use special calls to keep everything running smoothly. You can use these too. They help everyone know what’s happening and when to stay quiet. The calls happen in the following order:
- Assistant director: “Quiet on set!” wait for everyone to be quiet, and then “Roll sound!”
- Sound operator: “Speeding!” (This means sound is recording.)
- Assistant director: “Roll camera!”
- Camera operator presses record: “Rolling!”
- A clapper board is held in front of the camera. (Don't have a clapper board? Don't worry, just clap your hands and hold up a piece of paper with the shot details).
- Camera operator: “Mark it!” The clapper board is clapped.
- Director: “Action!”
After filming the shot, review it if needed, then move on to the next one. Repeat the process for each shot on your list. Keep track of what you have done and what is still to film.
Trop tip: Remember to refer back to the planning you did during pre-production but keep an open mind! Being on set might spark new ideas, don’t be afraid try something different.
3. Reviewing
While you are filming, it is important to stop every now and then to check what you have recorded. This helps to make sure you are getting all the shots you need.
Look for technical problems. Watch your footage back and check for things like blurry shots, shaky camera work, weird lighting or shadows and background noise. Fixing these early saves you a lot of trouble later.
Check the story, not just the tech. Don’t just look at the technical stuff, think about the story you are trying to tell. Ask yourself, does this shot help tell the story? Do the actors’ actions and emotions make sense? Will the audience understand what’s happening?
Trop tip: Film sets are a lot of fun but it can also get busy and fast-paced. Take breaks and hydrate.