MAKE MONEY FROM SHORT FILMS

To many, short films doesn't come with any form of financial benefit. And should so serve basically for exposure. Although true it doesn't however dismiss the fact that one can make money from shorts. Investment gains might not be a par with investment cost but it will serve as motivation. Short films is hobby to some. Others indulge in the art just to improve their craft, experiment and showcase their works. Some say its a wise and effective way of spending money as a filmmaker. It is an investment that will yield returns in future to some. No matter why you are into shorts, a few financial returns won’t hurt.

Make money through You Tube or Vimeo. Your shorts can earn you cash on any of the VOD platforms like Vimeo, Hulu, Netflix, You Tube. All you need to do especially on You Tube is to build an audience before you post your shorts. To make money on You Tube you need the right groundwork.

Before posting on You Tube or any other VOD platforms, build an audience for yourself. Use other social media platforms to interact and build a network/audience. Flaunt your works. Post viral videos regularly on You Tube before attempting or posting your short film. After amassing the needed audience, it is time to post your shorts and make money monetizing it

In the plane one day while shuffling for what to watch. I stumbled on short films. I was amazed. This is a fortune for Short filmmakers I said to myself. Airlines can make use of short films especially for flight with short duration. You can make money by having your shorts featured in flight. You can personalize or tailored it for individual airlines. Also short films about destinations is another way airline can release money to you as a short filmmaker.

You can send your short to film festivals with a token and pray it is screened so you can make few bucks. Before you enter your shorts for screening at any festival make sure it is exceptional. That way you can make money. I personally will not encourage you to see film festival as a way of recouping few bucks off your shorts although it is a means. Its going to give you exposure more than cash.

Another way to make money from shorts is the promotion of services or campaigns. For example, HIV/AIDS campaigns in Africa. Short films is a veritable tool NGOs use to drive home campaign messages. To make money through this medium you will have to either be contacted or contracted. You can approach them with a short that has a message (s) that tallies with their campaign.

Making money from short film might be chancy but with consistency it is assured in the long term. If you want your short to make money, you must shoot for exposure. It must be a digital testament of your abilities as a filmmaker. It must carry a voice that must be heard by producers, directors, production companies, script writers. Make your short a calling card and it will in turn bring in money.

The rule however is - Never shoot shorts for money.