The Importance of Short film Acting
What I’ve Learned from Acting in Short Films: A Year of Growth After Acting School
As I reflect on my first year out of acting school (it's already October somehow,) one thing is abundantly clear: diving into short films has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career thus far.
Collaborating with aspiring filmmakers from institutions like AFTRS and Sydney Film School, as well as with friends passionate about storytelling, has taught me invaluable lessons about flexibility, collaboration, and the craft itself.
The Importance of Acting in Short Films
Flexibility is Key: Working with directors who are still honing their skills has been both challenging and enlightening. Each director brings a unique vision, and as an actor, I’ve learned to adapt to different styles and approaches (including working with students that have never directed before in their life.) This flexibility has not only enriched my performances but also expanded my understanding of the storytelling process. It's all well and good to want the glamour of a blockbuster straight out of drama school but doing the messier projects first is very worth your time.
Collaboration Over Perfection: In short films, there’s often very limited time and resources. This environment has emphasised the importance of teamwork and patient problem solving. The discussions that happen on the sidelines—whether it’s brainstorming ideas or rewriting half the script on set—are often more crucial than the actual filming. Everyones input counts, and building strong relationships with crew members and fellow actors can make for a very fulfilling experience.
The Value of Networking: Each short film project is an opportunity to meet new people in the industry. From fellow actors to directors and cinematographers, these connections are absolutely vital. Many of my collaborators have gone on to create their own projects, and being part of this community means I might get the chance to work together again in the future, it's also so refreshing and exciting to be working on your own project and then suddenly be invited onto someone else's, such a great reminder that filmmaking is reliant on the community.
Understanding the Process: Acting in short films has given me a deeper appreciation for the entire filmmaking process. I’ve gained insight into how each role contributes to the final product, from pre-production planning to post-editing. This knowledge helps me as an actor to deliver performances that are not only compelling but also aligned with the director's vision. Especially in short films where you're getting lots of story across in a limited time, it's been a really good way to exercise my camera and blocking awareness.
Experimentation and Risk-Taking: Short films (especially student projects) often allow for more creative freedom compared to features and tv. This year, I’ve had the chance to take on diverse characters and experiment with different styles I probably never would have otherwise. The willingness to try new things has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as an actor and recognise that there is no finish line.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Not every shoot goes according to plan, especially with a small crew and minimal budget and I've faced my share of obstacles—technical issues, shoot date changes, many last-minute script revisions and my personal favourite: getting water accidentally thrown on my costume and standing there while the makeup team used blow dryers to get rid of the water stains, mid shoot. Learning to stay positive and adaptable in these situations has taught me resilience, a skill that extends beyond acting.
Feedback is a Gift: The collaborative nature of short films means that feedback is a constant part of the process. I’ve learned to embrace constructive criticism, using it as a tool for growth rather than viewing it as a setback. Each piece of feedback helps refine my craft and prepare me for future roles. It also helps with creativity, constantly finding new ways to approach a scene, even if it's just a shot of my character sitting on the phone on her couch.
The Joy of Storytelling: At the heart of it all, acting in short films has kept the acting flame alive. It can be tiresome constantly auditioning for random TVC's and one liner roles and as an actor it's important to keep momentum as best you can. So doing short films, paid or unpaid is a great way to keep the fire going. Each project tells a unique story, and being part of that creative journey has been incredibly fulfilling. The experience has reinforced my belief that doing something "small" is better than nothing at all. Why wait around for an agent when you can be part of really exciting, fresh, grass roots projects with like minded people?
Conclusion
As I wrap up my first year of acting in short films, I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the experiences shared. Every project has shaped my understanding of the craft and the industry, I've learnt way more about myself than I ever thought possible, proving that acting is not just about the performance but also about the connections we forge and the stories we bring to life. Here’s to many more short films and the invaluable lessons they’ll bring!
