Can I make a short film and break into the film industry?

 I have decided; in order to adhere to the mark scheme and not overface myself in regards to production, to switch my film to being a modern western set around my hometown by the name of Goldbrook Saint (the town in the film is called Goldbrook) about a lone gunfighter reclaiming his town from the local bully who has taken it over. To create this I have researched and watched various westerns - from classic offerings such as The Good The Bad and The Ugly or True Grit to more modern offerings such as Quigley Down Under and Tombstone. The main films that have inspired and influenced the film the most are: Silverado (1985): The basic plot (man must duel a bad guy to save a town) was based on this then expanded upon, the names Paden and Dennehy were also inspired by this picture Valdez Is Coming (1971): This has influenced the final duel, some other story beats such as the failed execution and the overall characterisation of Dennehy Quigley Down Under (1990): Inspired the optimistic an...

 As I go through the creation of my film I have realized that the script I wrote is simply too long and far too ambitious. As a result I have written up the pros and cons of various ideas I have had and decided that the film should be no more than 30 minutes long. Cutdown Under Pressure Pros: -Plot is already written -Cool fight scenes Cons: -May not make sense due to being cut down -Examiners may not like a fight scene   Dennehey western Pros: -Short -Concise -Has a message -Doesn’t end in violence Cons: -May be difficult to find locations   Woods fight scene Pros: -Visually nice -Simple to make -Does not take much acting Cons: -Minimalistic -Examiners may not like it

In this phase I will write my script and scout out locations to be used in the film (I have already got all of the actors I need so that will not be necessary) To accomplish this task before the six weeks holiday of next year - my filming period, I have pledged to write 20 pages of script each month: this will not only allow for the script to be complete in time for the filming but it will also mean that I will have the time to do any rewrites I wish to do (If I continue doing 20 pages a month then the script will be finished by March, letting me do rewrites in April through to July) after the script is finished I will need to find locations on which to film my movie.

 I would like to do my EPQ project on directing, acting and screenwriting - all of which building up to film production. This is because it is my personal aspiration to become and actor-director-screenwriter in the movie business. To accomplish and train for this dream I will be making my first film as my EPQ, for this I will need to learn: How to write a compelling and full-length screenplay. How to direct a film within a certain period - for me this is the 6 weeks I have available to film within How to act an interesting character in a film How to craft bold and unique shots for my film. How to hire out music to use in my film I will go through 3 phases to produce my film. Phase 1 - Screenwriting and location scouting Phase 2 - Filming Phase 3 - Editing