Before a single frame is shot, every filmmaker should ask: What is this film for?
It seems obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked questions in pre-production. Is your short film a proof of concept? A calling card to attract future collaborators? A genuine attempt at a festival run?
The answer changes everything from casting to budget to tone.
During an inhouse discussion about an upcoming short film, the director openly shared his goals: to build a stepping stone toward feature directing by showcasing strong performances and polished visuals.
That’s a valid and focused goal, and it shaped his choices accordingly.
Want to win festivals?
You’ll need to think beyond just making a “good film.” Different festivals cater to different niches.
Genre fests like SXSW or Fantastic Fest, vs. prestige ones like Sundance or TIFF. Your chances improve if your crew includes people with previous success at those festivals.
It’s not just about the film; it’s about the network.
But maybe your goal is internal, proving to yourself that you’ve learned from past mistakes, that you can lead a team and deliver a tight, professional product.
That’s just as valid. Internal goals create external results. When you know what success looks like, you can reverse-engineer your strategy to get there.
Don’t wait until post-production to figure out what your film is meant to do. Define its purpose early, and let that guide every decision you make.
Studiobinder has a great guide to film festivals you can watch below.