Short films need all the help they can get.

Working on short films can give you a way to break into the film industry. Having little to no budget, film makers need as much help as possible in every area possible. If you are the sound guy, don't be afraid to pick up the gear for lighting, or camera tripods.

The key is to make the shoot go smoothly. Even actors can get into the spirit of pitching in. Most short films are between 15 to 40 minutes long which may not sound like a lot of time, but if the film maker's idea of several different point of views for one scene is normal, a 40 minute shoot can take two to three days. That's when you have to put your pride aside (and put the mixing bag down) and show everyone you're a team player.

This can also be a way to make friends with up-and-coming cast and crew. Most film crews have worked together on several different shoots because they know each other and how they fit in with everyone. Reliability is key. With more YouTube sensations being born every day, it's best to put a team of like-minded thinkers together and pump out as many shorts as possible, one of them is bound to get noticed.

If you're the cameraman and you live near the bagel place everyone loves, stop in and pick up a few for the cast and crew, the budget will cover it (if you made a budget list). Get family members together and use someone's kitchen and make sandwiches for lunch rather than buying them. Make a "to do list" for everyone to share in the duties to help the shoot move along during the day. Actors love to help out, well, some of them do. Don't be surprised if they have an idea about what they could do to make this work.

Short films are the way to prove to the Nay Sayers that you didn't waste your parents money going to film school. They also get the point across in less time. The more productive you can be on the set, the faster the shoot can wrap, then you can move on the next film.