TWELVE TROP Tips for Filmmakers
We’re not here to tell you how to make a great film — that’s your job! But after watching thousands (yes, thousands) of shorts over the years, we’ve noticed patterns: films that grab our attention instantly, stories that feel human and relatable, clever or unexpected twists, and endings that linger long after the credits roll. So take or leave the below (which are not in any order!) but have a look.
If even one tip helps elevate your film, we’ll call that a win.
1. Keep It Tight
Just because you can use 7 minutes doesn’t mean you should. Many of the most successful Tropfest films come in under — often well under — the limit. A sharp, economical story hits harder. Never outstay your welcome.
Trust your audience: they’re smart, and less is usually more.
2. Story First, Polish Second
Tropfest gives everyone a level playing field. You don’t need big budgets, fancy gear or famous faces to stand out. You need a good (great? brilliant?) idea, told well. A cracking story will always beat slick production value.
Having said that, if you can do both, go for it!
3. Make the Film You Want to See
Don’t second-guess what you think the judges or audience want. The most memorable Tropfest films come from filmmakers who follow their own instincts.
If the story feels personal or risky or uniquely “you,” chances are it’ll connect with others too.
4. Have Fun With It
Filmmaking is creative play — lean into that. When you enjoy making it, we’ll enjoy watching it. Yes, comedy can bring the house down at Tropfest (hearing tens of thousands of people laugh is magic!), but some of our most powerful films are anything but funny.
Be bold. Tell the story you really want to tell.
5. Be Original
We’ve seen a lot of Tropfest films — surprise us. Bring your voice, your perspective, your lived experience, your odd sense of humour. That’s your superpower.
6. Keep It Human (and Keep It Simple)
Great films connect us to people and emotion. Shared humanity plays beautifully on screen. Resist the urge to over-complicate or over-explain. Simple, clear storytelling with relatable characters always lands. As we often say at Tropfest:
Anyone can complicate things. It takes real brilliance to keep it simple.
7. Show, Don’t Tell
Film is a visual medium. Use actions, images, behaviour and subtext to reveal the story. If it can be shown instead of spoken — show it.
8. Grab Us Early
You’ve got a max of 7 minutes (which you might not need, right?). Your opening matters — often the first 30–60 seconds, sometimes the first five. Hook us with a moment, image, mood, tone or question that makes us lean in.
9. Use the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) Creatively
The Tropfest Signature Item is part of the fun. We don’t mind whether it’s central to your plot or a subtle moment in the background — just use it with intention. Be clever, unexpected, playful or meaningful.
Don’t tack it on at the end — we can tell!
10. Music can be everything.
Film and music have always gone together. Great music can be key to telling your story, and moving your audience. Try and find a composer if you can, someone you can afford but who is on their way up to great things! Or use library music (to keep it affordable) but dig around and find something great. Plenty of great films have been brought to their knees by a so-so score. Don’t let that be you. But also let the movie breathe where it needs to.
Don’t feel like you need wall-to-wall music (unless that’s what your movie needs, of course!)
11. Performances too can be everything.
Don’t be that person that had a great idea, a great cinematographer, even a great composer – but then had your “non-acting” cousin play the role (no offense, Cos). Find the best actors you can get your hands on. Or even write an email to your favourite actor. If you have a compelling script, you might be surprised what’s possible.
12. Finish Strong
A great ending lingers. We’ve seen films that started fine but ended with a punch… and they’re still talked about. Whether emotional, hilarious, surprising or thought-provoking, land your final beat with purpose.