Being a Film student, you're typically operating with a shoestring budget in trying to convert your dreams into reality. Most kids watch films that inspire them to be the next Steven Spielberg or Christopher Nolan, expecting to perform miracles in a short space of time. After a few years of film school, they will have a much stronger grasp on the craft and language of film, but what's theory without practice. Everyone's got to start somewhere and even the greatest filmmakers of our time haven't always got it right. Getting your first film made is an accomplishment of note, no matter how small or bad it is. Thankfully, these films often become a stepping stone to much bigger and better projects.

Having adjudicated at student film festivals for almost 10 years now, Spling has managed to see some of the highs and lows of what it means to get graded on your film project. From amazing high-end Student Films to one person animation that was always going to be a tall order, he's seen just about everything you could throw at a silver screen. In judging and serving on critic's panels, there are a few trends that he's noticed. Coming in from an external examiner point-of-view also presents a unique opportunity since it's often difficult to get a grounded view when you're in the thick of things.

It obviously depends on what resources are available, where your film school's strengths lie and if they allow you to use their technology, but given a good starting point, here's what many student films seem to be getting right these days.

Cinematography

Generally-speaking, there seems to be a plethora of cinematographers rising up through the ranks. This may simply be due to the proliferation of smartphones and the impact this has had on photography along with the advent of image-heavy social and video platforms. Cines and directors are realising that one needs to keep one foot on the ground and bowing to the needs of the overarching story.

World-building

Based on the power that image has in today's society, it's not surprising that visuals and their esteemed importance has been elevated. With animated features and superhero blockbusters reigning supreme, the spectacle of cinema has been prioritised. Costume, makeup, hair, production design... young filmmakers are eager to help audiences escape into new worlds and dimensions. From dreamscapes to gritty realities, there's a comprehension of how to paint audiences into another time and place.

Casting

Being relegated to a micro budget forces filmmakers to call on favours if there isn't anyone suitable for the job. This is particularly true when it comes to casting, an obvious overreach when done poorly. Instead of having a student dressed like an octogenarian, why not get someone more suitable or avoid crossing that bridge altogether in the script development. These days students seem to have a better grasp of these limits and just how distracting a miscast character can be to the overall production.

Genre

Filmmaking is a funny business, which has come to shape rules within rules. One of the best example of this is the use of genre. A romantic comedy operates differently to a crime caper and there are many guidelines that keep these film genres in their place. It's fun when filmmakers toy with genre, creating hybrids or defying expectations altogether, but not realising what's come before or foolishly falling headlong into tired tropes can be detrimental. In some ways easier and in others harder, picking to make a genre film does give you a blueprint or formula for success but can also be very limiting. Students are often eager to prove their abilities by recreating, which makes the prospect of an inspired genre movie more comfortable than going for something fresh and original. It's all about having a clear comprehension and an appreciation for form and purpose.

Tone

Tone is sometimes one of the most difficult things to master. While it's easier to keep in check with shorter films, it's still about pulling all the pieces together in such a way that tonal consistency is established. While there are obvious exceptions when the desire to be the next Quentin Tarantino sometimes threatens to take over completely with wild flights of fancy, this momentum is often maintained with a levelheaded approach.