You don't need a Hollywood budget or fancy gear to make a film worth watching – just a story only you can tell. Here are four simple steps to help turn your idea into a standout Trop Jr entry.
Have you ever watched a short film that stuck with you long after it ended? The kind that made you laugh, think, or see something in a new way? That’s the magic of great filmmaking.
Trop Jr, produced by the Tropfest Foundation and powered by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), is Australia’s biggest short film competition for filmmakers aged 15 and under. It’s your chance to turn an idea into a film, share it with an audience, and develop skills used by professional filmmakers. Better yet, you don’t need expensive equipment or a huge budget. Some of the most memorable Trop Jr finalists have started with a simple idea, a small team, and a lot of creativity.
Trop Jr films must be an original idea, run for five minutes or less, and incorporate the Trop Jr Signature Item for the year (TSI): ‘MAP’. The TSI can be used in any way the filmmaker chooses, as long as it appears in the film. Entry is free, and filmmakers are encouraged to focus on creativity and storytelling over production value.
If you’re thinking about entering, here are some tips to help bring your idea to the screen.
STEP 1: START WITH A STORY WORTH TELLING
Award-winning films don’t start with special effects or expensive cameras. They start with a great idea.
The best Trop Jr films tell stories that feel real, whether they’re about friendship, family, finding where you belong, or chasing a dream. Audiences connect with stories that feel authentic.
A great way to spark ideas is to ask ‘What if?’ questions:
- What if a school map revealed hidden secrets?
- What if someone got lost in a place they thought they knew?
- What if a map could show the future?
Once you’ve landed on an idea you love, keep it simple. Short films only have a few minutes to make an impact, so focus on one strong story and a character audiences can connect with.
Every great short film needs a main character we care about. Ask yourself:
- What do they want?
- What’s standing in their way?
- What happens if they don’t succeed?
The answers create conflict, and conflict is what keeps an audience watching. Give your main character a clear motivation from the beginning. The sooner viewers understand what they’re striving for, the more invested they’ll be in the outcome.
STEP 2: PLAN BEFORE YOU PICK UP THE CAMERA
It can be tempting to jump straight into filming, but a little planning can make the creative process much smoother.
Start by getting your ideas down on paper. Write a simple script, sketch out a storyboard, and make a shot list of everything you want to capture. Don’t worry if your drawings look more like stick figures than works of art. They’re just a tool to help you bring your vision to life.
As you’re planning, consider how your story will unfold on screen. Film is an audio-visual medium, so think about what your audience can learn from the images you share. A low-angle shot might make a character feel brave or powerful, while a close-up of a clenched fist or tapping foot can hint at emotions without a single word being spoken. The more you can show through your visuals, the more immersive your film will feel.
Taking time to prepare can also help you spot potential challenges before filming begins, whether that’s finding the right location, gathering props, or organising your team.
STEP 3: MAKE EVERY SHOT COUNT
This is where your planning starts taking shape on screen.
Whether you’re making a live-action film, stop-motion animation, or something completely different, focus on bringing your story to life one shot at a time. Filmmaking is a team effort, and some of the best ideas come from collaborating with others, so be open to suggestions and creative problem-solving along the way.
The key is to stay focused on your story and make every shot count. If a creative opportunity presents itself while you’re filming, don’t be afraid to explore it. Some of the best filmmaking moments happen unexpectedly.
STEP 4: EDIT LIKE A STORYTELLER
Editing is where good films become great films. As you piece your footage together, think about the story you’re telling. Does every scene earn its place? Is the pace keeping viewers engaged? Sometimes removing a shot can make a film stronger than adding one.
Don’t forget about sound. Music, sound effects, and even moments of silence can completely change how a scene feels. Strong sound can create suspense, build emotion, and make your film feel more polished.
Before you submit, watch your film all the way through a few times. Then share it with friends, family, or teachers and ask for honest feedback. A fresh perspective can help you spot anything unclear and make those final tweaks that take your film to the next level.
A STORY ONLY YOU CAN TELL
Every year, judges watch films made by young people from across Australia. While styles and genres vary enormously, the films that stand out usually have one thing in common: they feel original.
Don’t worry about making something that looks like a Hollywood blockbuster. Focus on creating a story that matters to you. Take creative risks and trust your own voice. That’s what audiences remember.
So, gather your team, grab a camera, and start creating. Your next idea could become an award-winning Trop Jr film!
KEY TROP JR 2026 DATES
Submissions open Friday 15th August 2026 and close Friday 18 September 2026, with a Grand Final screening event taking place on Friday 4 December 2026 at The Astor Theatre in Melbourne.
LOOKING FOR MORE SUPPORT?
Explore the Trop Jr Resource for filmmaking guides, resources, and masterclasses featuring past finalists and industry professionals: education.actf.com.au/TropJr.
READ NEXT
For inspiration from someone who’s been there, meet a young filmmaker who got her start with Trop Jr: Young filmmaker Charlotte McLaverty on storytelling.
WORDS: Bridget Hanna.
Bridget is the Education Manager at the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), Australia’s leading children’s media organisation. The ACTF invests in and develops distinctive Australian screen content for young audiences and creates educational resources and experiences that help children and young people learn, create, and connect through storytelling.
