First Advisor
J.J. Vazquez
Date of Award
Spring 6-11-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Film and University Honors
Department
Film
Language
English
Subjects
short film, perfectionism, directing, script, low-budget, college life
Abstract
Sometimes you need to work tirelessly to just come up with an idea of what you can do next. At other points, inspiration just hits. This was the case with my thesis topic: the idea for my short film came to me in the middle of a run two and a half years ago. Filming a low budget student short film involves several key steps. First, an idea that is practically filmable, without overly complex sets or production expenses. The script has to tie an idea together with key concepts in the story and provide a satisfying resolution, at least in some ways. Next, you need to establish your budget and fundraise, ideally before you set out production. Then, you have to cobble together your network of student filmmakers and recent graduates into a filmmaking machine, all with no pay. And finally you need to get it edited with a trusted editor. In this paper, I outline the goals I came in with, steps I undertook, and what the results were of my actions.
Recommended Citation
Rachmuth, Perry, "“Running! No Breaks!” and Resisting Perfection" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1874.