I want to make a film

So you're interested in producing a film, but what is it going to be about? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Existing Interests & Projects
Sometimes a good place to start is by concentrating on what is already going on around you. Are you working on a school topic at the moment? Film is an innovative and interesting way to present your project. Is your local youth group working on any ideas just now? Maybe a film will help get the message across especially if you are looking to fund a new skatepark for example.

Brainstorming
You can always encourage a group of likeminded people together and have a brainstorming session. You'll be surprised just how many brilliant ideas can emerge from a group of friends exploring random themes. Just let your imagination flow.

Research
Find inspiration through research. Newspapers, magazines, photographs and paintings are all bursting with ideas. How about local history or current issues affecting young people in your area. Libraries are a great source of information and can help reveal lots of local interest stories.

What's your theme?
A good film isn't just about what happens throughout its duration, its important to know what the film is actually about ... its theme. What one sentence sums up the spirit of your film rather than its content? For example: What goes around comes around, the importance of friends or even bullying is wrong. Work your plot around your film's theme and keep your audience hooked.

What's your  genre?
A film's genre is its flavour. So you might choose to make a comedy, a thriller or an intrusive fly-on-the-wall. Think of your favourite films and explore their different genres.

Choose a style
After you have decided what your film is going to be about, you will need to choose your production style. Films can be broken down into three very broad categories: live action/drama, documentary and animation.

By now you should be starting to form lots of great ideas ... so what are you waiting for? Head to our "How to make a Film" page and start the ball rolling.