Think you can tell a complete story in just 15 shots? We challenge you to prove it!
At Sparks Film School, we’re celebrating 15 incredible years in film education! As part of our celebrations, we’re launching the 15 Shots Challenge, an exciting filmmaking adventure that will push young storytellers to think creatively, plan carefully, and make every single shot count.
The Rules of the 15 Shots Challenge:
The rules are beautifully simple:
- Create a complete short film using exactly 15 shots (no more, no less)
- Your film can be any length, though we recommend 1-3 minutes
- Any genre, any story, any style… The choice is yours!
- Use whatever equipment you have: smartphone, tablet, or camera
Your Shot List Toolkit
Not sure where to start? Here are some essential shots that work in almost any story:
- Establishing shot: show us where we are with a nice, wide shot of the scenery
- Close-up: capture emotion, dialogue and detail
- Low Angle/High Angle: show some status or give some point of view using a high or low camera angle
- Tracking shot: follow some action with a moving camera as it happens (great for building excitement and pace)
- Over the Shoulder: add context to a conversation or a character’s relationship
- Medium/Mid shot: show the top or bottom half of a character for a balance of acting and movement.
Remember, you don’t need all of these – pick the shots that serve your story best.
Getting Started: Your Pre-Production Checklist
Before you start filming, spend time planning:
- Write your story. What happens in your film?
- Create your shot list. Plan all 15 shots in advance. It can help if you storyboard them too (draw them out)
- Gather your props/costume items. Keep it simple but effective
- Choose your location: find ideal spots to film
- Cast your actors. Include your friends, family, or even your pets!
Pro Tips from Our Sparks Film School Instructors:
- Every single shot matters. Start with something that immediately grabs attention, then use your shot sequence to draw us in and provide detail. Try to finish with a good statement shot too.
- Use the rule of thirds: place important elements along the grid lines so your shots have a professional look and feel.
- Think about your soundtrack. Even simple background music choices can transform your film
- Edit ruthlessly. If a shot doesn’t serve your story, it shouldn’t make the cut
- Have fun with the challenge. Constraints can help to boost creativity, so make the most of the 15 shot rule!
How to Share Your Film
Ready to show the world your creation? Here’s how to share your challenge creation:
- Upload your film to YouTube, Vimeo, or TikTok
- Use the hashtag #Sparks15ShotsChallenge
- Tag us @sparks_filmarts
- Include a brief description of your story and what inspired you
If you’re posting your film online, remember to get the permission of everyone included and to credit your collaborators in your film too.
Need Some Inspiration?
Here are some 15-shot story ideas to kick off some ideas!
- Someone discovers a mysterious object hidden in their home
- Two friends have a big argument and must find a way to make up
- A pet goes on an adventure of their own while their owner is away
- Someone learns a new skill through trial and error
- A character wakes up from a dream and everything has changed
Ready to Start the Challenge?
The beauty of filmmaking is that everyone has a unique story to tell. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience behind the camera, the 15 Shots Challenge will help you grow as a storyteller and filmmaker.
Some of cinema’s greatest moments have come from creative constraints. Alfred Hitchcock created suspense masterpieces with limited locations, and many successful short films tell powerful stories in just a few minutes.
Your 15 shots are waiting. What story will you tell?
Start filming today and show us what you can create! We can’t wait to see your masterpiece.
Ready to take your filmmaking skills to the next level? Discover our hands-on filmmaking courses for ages 5-18 at locations across the UK. Visit sparksarts.co.uk to find your nearest Sparks Film School and book your free trial class today!
