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From Zero to Short Film

From Zero to Short Film

Written by: Betty P. Rogers
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About this listen

A podcast about making your first short film and getting started as a filmmaker, even if you’re an absolute beginner with no idea what you’re doing!


Host Betty P. Rogers is a screenwriter, actor, and now filmmaker. She’s going to walk you through how she made her first short film and how you can make yours as well.

© 2026 From Zero to Short Film
Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Episode 4: The Pre-Production Process Part 3
    Mar 25 2026

    On today’s episode, I finally get to the end of the pre-production process! Holy shit, we’ve done it! Location scouting, logistics, scheduling shoot days, the pre-production binder, crafty, production design, and rehearsal.

    Also some whingeing about my current creative struggles. Then extended whingeing about Dominique slapping me in the face with a fish.

    Stay tuned for episode 5 where we start discussing production of your short film.

    Giant Compendium of Filmmaker Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing

    Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! @theroguerogers

    or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977

    Or email me at pod@bigcovenenergyfilms.com

    Support us at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership

    Complete banger of a theme song created and performed by me, Betty P. Rogers.

    Make art. Save lives.

    Cheers!

    Betty



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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Episode 3 - Pre-Production Part 2 + Berserker Lotus Talks Acting
    Feb 28 2026

    On this episode, I discuss how I sourced my props and costumes and the process for hiring cast and crew. I also speak with actor Berserker Lotus who played Shawna in Insanity in 5 Acts about what it’s like being on an indie film set from the actor’s POV, sequel potential, and being haunted by sexist ghosts. Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram!

    Check out Lotus’s Instagram: @berserkerlotus

    And her book of poetry, Cryptic Dreams in Verses: http://bit.ly/4tGt9Cv

    Resources:

    No Film School article about pre-production https://nofilmschool.com/pre-production-in-film

    StudioBinder Script Breakdown article + template
    https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/

    Insanity in 5 Acts Script Breakdown https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qb0OJZmomFjhk1BI3beqpIWIZX91zcmpZQTfIYOfX3g/edit?usp=sharing

    Hiring Crew

    Bill’s redacted contract https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EhlnI5dSAW1KwWEKTgxtpzNksUkW9D2J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115664374527519287546&rtpof=true&sd=true

    StudioBinder article with crew contract template https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mastering-the-crew-deal-memo-with-free-template/

    StudioBinder article about hiring crew https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-find-film-crew/

    Hiring Cast

    Document with links to the casting resources because I’ve gone completely over on my character allowance for the show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IpPmrTHAFCeKHFwaD3PJZzZWOcdqmVDX7ougqPRVeH4/edit?usp=sharing

    Find me on Instagram @theroguerogers

    or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977

    Or email me at pod@bigcovenenergyfilms.com

    Support us at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership

    Complete banger of a theme song created and performed by me, Betty P. Rogers.

    Make art. Save lives.

    Cheers!

    Betty



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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Episode 2: Pre-Production Part 1
    Jan 30 2026

    On Episode 2 of From Zero to Short Film, we discuss the first steps of the pre-production process - forming an LLC, locking your script, breaking down your script, creating a budget, and hiring your department heads. I also speak to my producer and sound mixer Bill Daniilidis about what a producer can do for you on your film, how our film had the best cast and crew of all time, and what specific types of arseholes we can and cannot tolerate. Make Art. Save Lives!

    Support the film and this podcast on our new Patreon! https://patreon.com/FZTSF?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

    Pre-Production Resources

    StudioBinder article “What is Pre-Production in Film - A Blueprint for Success”https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-pre-production-definition/

    StudioBinder YouTube Playlist “The Shot List” https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEzQZpmbzckV0_a2QCO2qF9Yfe-LKSDha

    Directing Actors by Judith Weston

    https://www.amazon.com/Directing-Actors-Anniversary-Performances-Television-dp-1615933212/dp/1615933212/

    More books:
    https://bookauthority.org/books/best-movie-directing-books

    Shooting Script Resources

    StudioBinder Shooting Script Example https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/shooting-script-example/

    Insanity in 5 Acts Shooting Script

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gvxi-YpOq7QMlb1_3RUGaRWtTEmT_kA8/view?usp=sharing

    Script Breakdown Resources

    StudioBinder Script Breakdown article + template
    https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/

    Insanity in 5 Acts Script Breakdown

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qb0OJZmomFjhk1BI3beqpIWIZX91zcmpZQTfIYOfX3g/edit?usp=sharing

    Budgeting Resources

    StudioBinder Film Budget Template https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/downloads/film-budget-template/

    Insanity in 5 Acts Budget https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nBntEIYJPetbGX9AHfAJxGU-QsIc-fxUvgQY545bGuM/edit?usp=sharing

    Hiring Department Heads Resources

    StudioBinder Article “Department Head Hunting”https://www.studiobinder.com/making-it-s1e2/

    Show Bill some love:

    Bill’s Instagram: @bill_da

    Find me on Instagram @theroguerogers

    or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977

    Or email me at pod@bigcovenenergyfilms.com

    Support us at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership

    Complete banger of a theme song created and performed by me, Betty P. Rogers.

    Make art. Save lives.

    Cheers!

    Betty



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
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