How to Build a Short Film That Gets Made — From Script to Screen

Ideas for films are one thing — but execution is entirely another. There are a lot of obstacles between writing a short screenplay and producing the film itself: finances, locations, equipment, cast, crew, and that’s just production…in post you need the edit, the color grade, the music, special effects, credits. That’s all just the tip of the iceberg. 

There is also, of course, the reality that many people will actually find the resources to make their films only to realize that the final product isn’t…good. Time and money spent on a film that won’t really move the needle for someone’s career. 

So before you even pick up your pen or open your screenwriting software, you can think strategically about the short film you want to invest in so you can not only make a film but one that will serve as a calling card for your craft in your body of work.

Let’s talk about some ways you can set yourself up for success — and maybe even garner some support through programs like the Kinolime Shorts Competition, where if you win, they will produce your film.  

STEP ONE: Write with Production in Mind

The first thing you should do before you get started on your screenplay is determine why you want to write it. If it is just a writing experiment, go wild. Make a Star Wars fan film. The great expanse of space is the limit. 

But if you want to actually make your film, then the next step is to consider what you have available for production. What locations do you have access to (or could you afford to rent)? Who would you want for your cast — and who would do their makeup? Do you have interesting or necessary props or costumes? What special effects are required? What equipment do you have access to?

If you’re an emerging filmmaker, the reality might be that you have your own apartment, your cell phone camera, your charismatic roommate, and some Halloween costumes from last year.

And you know what? That’s okay. Check out this rather simple but whimsical short film starring Brie Larson as a reference. Consider This is John, the Duplass Brothers’ short film that launched their career. 

But if you’ve got a comedy about a thirteen-year-old suburban kid who believes he is the reincarnation of John Gotti and attempts to order a hit on Sammy The Bull Gravano — then you are probably going to need some financial and professional support, which is exactly why the creative team behind the Spring 2025 Kinolime Short Film Winner Mob Mentality sought some assistance.

They had a script with unique characters (a pre-teen protagonist who thinks he’s a mobster? brilliant), a lot of heart, and rather ambitious production needs. Luckily for them, they had an audience intrigued by their concept. 

STEP TWO: The Competition

So what exactly is the Kinolime Short Film Competition? Unlike other programs, where the judging and scoring are done behind the scenes, Kinolime allows audience members to vote for the screenplays they want to see produced. Writers submit a completed screenplay and 5-10 page treatment, Kinolime selects the top 26 strongest screenplays to move on to the next round, and the audience begins to vote, selecting their own top 10. Judges then come in and pick the three finalists and then the audience votes again, deciding which story will be greenlit.

For short films, that means a $7,500 production grant and a $500 festival grant — and for features, it could mean up to $15 million for financing and production.

Not only do the winners receive mentorship and crew support, but they have a built-in audience to help give the film wings once it hits festivals and distribution. 

STEP THREE: Script to Screen — Real Examples

Once it’s time to produce a film, it becomes apparent very quickly that writing a screenplay is a different skill from producing or directing a film. Each one requires their own learning curve and expertise. Emerging creators often think that just because they have a good idea, they can create a good film but it’s important to respect experience. Why do it all yourself when you can invite skilled professionals to be part of your team?

The 2024 Kinolime Feature Film winner The Waif is a great example of how writer Adam Hampton was paired with director Stephen Fingleton to bring the words to life. 

Kinolime prides themselves on giving out the biggest prize in screenwriting competitions. “To anybody who is considering submitting to Kinolime, I would absolutely encourage it. There are a lot of dead-ends, but every once in a while you find the light at the end of the tunnel, and that’s what this competition has been,” shared Hampton in an interview with Kinolime. “For your screenplay to be opened up to a community for people to look at it, you’ve already won.”

Finding a program or a mentor that will help shepherd your project from idea to production can save you time, stress, and money. Whether that means you go through a screenplay lab or hire a producer, the truth is that it is hard to make a good film and it is arrogant to believe that you will nail it right off the bat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Practical Tips for Increasing Your Chance at Success

First and foremost, make sure that you write a story that is emotionally resonant. There is a reason “why you, why now” are questions asked of writers all the time. Why does this story need to be told? Who does it serve? Why will audiences want to watch your film? It must be meaningful — and it should be meaningful in a way we have not seen before.

Next, keep it lean. Keep your page count low. Keep your locations minimal — especially for a short film. Think strategically as a writer not just how your locations will serve your story but how your blueprint will be built. You are part architect here. If you’re writing for a spaceship…well, where are you getting that kind of location (or the money to build it)? And could you tell the same story somewhere more accessible? 

Finally, write for the audience. Don’t write for yourself. Don’t write for judges. Write for the humans who will watch your film. This is an artform because it connects with people, so consider what kind of experience you want them to have for the moments when they are in your world. 

How to Enter Kinolime’s Shorts Competition

The submission window for Kinolime’s inaugural Shorts Competition is from Aug. 18, 2025 through Sep. 18, 2025. There are no entry fees. There are no gatekeepers. Kinolime members will vote to determine which screenplay is the winner of the production grant and festival submission grant as well as hands-on support to help you make your short film a reality. 

Be the voice that defines tomorrow’s cinema. Submit your script, join the Kinolime creative community, and make your vision real.