5 Tips for Making Comedy Short Films

One of the goals I set for myself as a filmmaker was to write and direct at least one short film a year, so over the last couple of months (yes, the end of 2022 still counts as 2022) I’ve shot and been editing my latest comedy short Are We Doing This?

The film follows a new couple, Jeff and Mia, as they attend her boss’s party hoping she might get a promotion out of it. Arriving late, they’re surprised to be greeted by a bowl of keys. Their relationship will be put to the test as they explore what their boundaries are but next time maybe Mia should read the invitation.

If you’re a filmmaker looking to make your own comedy short here are some lessons I learned along the way!

1) Start with a strong concept.

The most successful comedy short films often have a clear and clever concept at their core. Take some time to brainstorm and come up with an idea that is unique and funny. My last short Life’s a Show, was set entirely over Zoom so I wanted to make something this time that brought people together physically so chose a party as the main location.

2) Cast the right actors.

The actors you choose can make or break your comedy short film. Look for actors who have a knack for comedy and can deliver their lines with perfect timing and delivery. For Are We Doing This? we used Mandy, going through some 100+ showreels & selftapes to find the people that correctly embodied the characters.

3) Keep it short and sweet.

Comedy short films should be just that – short! I’ve always aimed for a runtime of 5-10 minutes for my comedy shorts to make sure none of the jokes outstay their welcome.

4) Experiment with different comedy styles.

There are many different ways to make people laugh, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different styles of comedy. My previous comedy shorts, The Many Faces of Beth Jones, and Life’s a Show, are essentially longer form sketches whereas this latest short is more akin to a situation comedy. Experimenting with style can help you find your own unique voice as a filmmaker.

5) Have fun!

Above all, making a comedy short film should be fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and enjoy the process of creating something that will make people laugh. After all, if you’re not laughing on set when making the film there’s a good chance the audience won’t find it funny either!

We’re currently in post-production for Are We Doing This? and are running a crowdfunder to support editing and festival submission fees. Take a look at how you can donate or share the campaign here or follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Harvey is an award-winning director and writer, known for writing many bios including this one and the one on his Instagram account. In 2022 he shot his latest short film Are We Doing This? which is currently in crowdfunding on Indiegogo. He has directed several other shorts including The Many Faces of Beth Jones, Yes, Virginia, and the award-winning Life’s a Show.

If he’s not busy making films or feeling uncomfortable writing a biography in the third person, you’ll find him at Raindance as the Filmmaker in Residence.