How to Produce a Short Film That Elevates Your Reel (and Books You More Work)
Captured by: Eve Gagne
Hey friend, welcome back to The Glow Up Year! I’m Meg—actress, model, and your behind-the-scenes bestie for chasing dreams, surviving plot twists, and building something big. Around here we keep it real: the auditions, the photo shoots, the wins, and yes—even the messy in-betweens.
Today, I’m taking you inside the process of creating my first written-and-starring short film, Ride the Wave. It started as a small idea—a way to refresh my reel and show range—but it turned into something so much deeper. A story about grief, healing, and resilience that taught me how creating your own work can transform not only your career… but also your confidence.
From Spark to Script
The film began with two simple questions: What story do I want to tell? What characters do I want to play? I wanted to explore grief—both as a therapist (in character) and as a person learning to let go. I used the ocean as a metaphor: unpredictable, powerful, sometimes overwhelming—just like loss.
What started as a lighthearted scene about a girl and her dog evolved into something raw and honest. After six drafts (yes, six!), feedback rounds, and many late-night rewrites, I finally had a script that felt true.
If you’re an actor thinking about producing your own short film, here’s my advice:
First, don’t rush the script. Your story doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to say something real.
Second, your reel should sell where you’re going or want to go, not where you’ve been. Make sure you write a good character arc.
Pre-pro on a Micro Budget
Once the script was locked, it was time to build the crew. I called up friends in the industry, held a production meeting, and mapped out logistics: budget, schedule, locations, props, and wardrobe.
We didn’t have a studio budget—we had resourcefulness. My house became our main set, and one of my neighbors graciously let us use his property for the exterior scenes. The rest was creativity, teamwork, and late nights fueled by coffee and excitement.
This project reminded me that filmmaking isn’t a solo act—it’s a team sport. Every crew member brought something magical, from our DP, Anthony, who fearlessly filmed in the ocean, to my director, Robbie, who helped me navigate emotional scenes with care and clarity.
Shoot Day: Bedroom to Ocean
We shot the entire five-page script in one day—a whirlwind of emotion, wetsuits, and camera setups.
We shot downstairs first: Darcy reading a letter from her mom—our emotional core. I used a music playlist + tear stick to hit the tears once and covered angles after, so we didn’t burn out the emotion. Then we moved upstairs for the avoidance beats, wrapped the house, and headed to the beach.
The most challenging (and exhilarating) part? Filming in the ocean.
I wanted it to look real but… not die trying. Between waves, water rigs, and the weight of wet clothes, I learned how much trust it takes to surrender to the moment—both as an actor and as a creator.
And yes, my dog absolutely crushed his scenes. Total pro.
Lesson: stretch your craft on camera, but set yourself up to succeed. Prep creates freedom.
The Story + The System (Your Step-by-Step Blueprint)
1) Mindset for Success
Growth happens when you take risks. Stepping behind the camera stretched my creative muscles in ways I didn’t expect.
2) Write the role you want to book
Start with a character type your reel is missing. Draft fast, then revise with feedback (3–6 drafts is normal). Lock it when it tells the truth you want to be hired for.
3) Build a tiny but mighty team
Producer (or organized friend), DP, sound, gaffer/swing, script sup, and a director you trust. Ask your network. Trade days. Keep the crew lean and kind.
4) Tech scout like a pro
Walk locations, list shots, grab reference photos, confirm power, sound, parking, bathrooms, and permits. Choose a shot order that protects your performance (save the heavy emotion for last coverage).
5) Budget the boring (it’s what makes it work)
Gear rentals, crafty/meals, props, wardrobe, gas, hard drives. Micro budgets are fine—clarity and prep are priceless.
6) Design performance safeguards
Playlists, breathwork, scene partners, tear stick, towel/robe/warmth between takes. The goal: deliver once, cover smart, protect your nervous system.
7) Be unforgettable
Show up early, over-prepared, and appreciative.
8) Edit for the reel
Cut 20–40 second scenes that showcase type, range, and emotional arc. Lead with your face, your voice, your choices. Title cards minimal, performance maximum.
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What this did for me (and can do for you)
It put my casting on screen—no guessing for CDs and reps.
It grew my referral web—people book people they loved working with.
It rebuilt my momentum and confidence—because I wasn’t waiting anymore.
Your next bold move
Pick one to do this week:
Write a 1–2 page scene for the role you want.
DM one DP or director to “coffee-scout” a collab.
Scout a location and plan five shots with reference photos.
Order cards and stamp them now—future you will hand them out on wrap.
Your glow-up doesn’t need permission. It needs a plan, a crew, and your voice at the center.
Key takeaways to book more meaningful work
Create your lane. Don’t wait for “perfect”—produce the role you want to book.
Prep = professionalism. Tech scout, schedule smart, protect the performance.
Relationships are currency. Be collaborative, clear, and kind. People remember it.
Edit for impact. Short, specific, castable scenes beat long, vague clips every time.
What if the key to booking more meaningful work isn’t doing more—but thinking differently? Learn how to shift your mindset, rewire old patterns, and keep your career momentum rolling.
The Big Picture
Ride the Wave started as a way to update my reel, but it became so much more. It reignited my love for storytelling, reminded me how powerful collaboration can be, and showed me that meaningful work often begins with one brave idea.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the “right role” to come along—maybe it’s time to create it.
🎬 Your challenge: What’s one story you could write, film, or produce this month that would show casting directors who you really are?
Because your glow-up isn’t about waiting for someone to pick you—it’s about showing up, one bold move at a time.
Want the full behind-the-scenes scoop on my short film “Ride the Wave”? Tune into the complete podcast episode below.
Until next time, keep dreaming bigger, keep putting yourself out there, and remember—your next role might be closer than you think.
See you in the next post, homie.
