The Power of the One-Day Short Film: Why Less Can Be More

Trey Riley, Daniel Hamby, and Kyle Riggs winning at the Carolina Film Community "Made In Carolina's" Competition in September 2022 for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography

During my filmmaking journey, I got a piece of advice that completely changed how I approach making short films: Instead of pouring all your time and resources into one long, ambitious short, focus on making multiple small films—five minutes or less—with a one-day shoot.

Looking back, this might be some of the best advice I’ve ever received.

Why One-Day Shorts Work So Well

Gettting better at filmmaking is all about putting in reps—the more you create, the better you understand your voice, your strengths, and your process. A single-day short film allows you to:

• Make more films, more often – Each project becomes a learning experience, helping you refine your craft without the pressure of a massive production.

• Save time and money – Long shoots require bigger budgets, more logistical planning, and more commitment from your cast and crew. A one-day short keeps everything lean and efficient.

• Make it easier for collaborators to say yes – It’s much simpler to get people on board for a single day rather than asking them to commit to multiple days of shooting.

• Keep morale high – Long shoots can be exhausting, and burnout is real. A one-day shoot keeps energy levels up and ensures a strong finish.

• Actually finish projects – The biggest killer of momentum in filmmaking is unfinished work. A smaller, manageable short means you’re far more likely to see it through to completion.

Behind The Scenes of IN THE DEAD OF LIGHT

Short Films vs. Feature Films

At a certain point, if a story is big enough to require multiple shoot days, it might be worth asking: Should this be a feature instead? Short films often function best when they’re tight, focused, and self-contained. If a story demands more than that, maybe it’s not a short—it’s something bigger.

That’s why I keep coming back to the one-day short. A 3 to 5-page script, shot in a single day, is a perfect formula—simple, efficient, and creatively rewarding. It allows me to stay productive, experiment with new ideas, and consistently grow as a filmmaker.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an indie filmmaker struggling with time, budget, or just getting projects done, I can’t recommend this approach enough. Small, manageable films lead to consistent output, and consistent output leads to growth.

So instead of waiting for that one big short to happen, why not make something this weekend? One day, one short film. You’ll be surprised by how much it changes your filmmaking journey.

To learn more, see the original TIKTOK video about HOW MICRO-SHORTS ARE BETTER!

Also you can check out my micro shorts below:

Here is an article on how to create a Micro-Short From No Film School