Creating Saturday Night Live: Film Unit

Learn how SNL's film unit makes, directs, produces and edits pre-taped comedy sketches.
Wes Anderson Horror Trailer - bit.ly/2VUMJuv
Lazy Sunday - bit.ly/2GulbFA
D**k In a Box - bit.ly/2QpFfkn
Star Wars Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base - bit.ly/1PA5yYL
Farewell Mr Bunting - bit.ly/1VfwyUs
Sad Mouse - bit.ly/2UK6UyP
(Do It On My) Twin Bed - bit.ly/2e5wBT9
Wells for Boys - bit.ly/2hJc7Cp
Dancing - bit.ly/2W3Fpwo
Political Musical - bit.ly/2XwuHPD
The Raunchiest Miss Rita - bit.ly/2DnXqyY
My Girl - bit.ly/2Uw2qqB
Totinos with Kristen Stewart - bit.ly/2kR9Vdj
Testicules Cologne - bit.ly/2VhTEk6
Walking Dead Chappelle's Show - bit.ly/2L5dVpx
The Librarian - bit.ly/2dtXUcs
The Impossible Hulk - bit.ly/2TEPPEZ
Monster Pals - bit.ly/2DpvFWb
Produced by Lorne Michaels, Oz Rodriguez, Matt Yonks, Chris Voss, Erin Doyle
Edited by Danny Garcia
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[@LemonToGo]

Working at SNL sounds like the best and worst job imaginable at the same time

[@alvinanil6996]

I mean people still wanna work there, cause it's like college before doing something bigger. The training works.

[@cheesehat6420]

why do you say worst?

[@justanotheryoutubefan8070]

@@cheesehat6420 probably because it sounds incredibly stressful with all their time constraints and deadlines

[@keirabeck5679]

I’m 14 years old and my dream is to work at SNL one day

[@101shadeira]

Right 😂 when do they sleep eat

[@bobbyverrieriii6324]

please never stop making the Creating SNL Series, it makes me appreciate SNL 10 times as much.

[@sha11235]

Of course, considering the shit they put out half the time, you wonder if maybe the problem is doing it this way.

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

Indeed. It's sad that there is so much whining and complaining from viewers about this show, when there such a shocking about of time, work, effort and energy from literally HUNDREDS of people that gets boiled down in social media to "the show sucks" by neanderthals who don't know shit about how this is done and how incredibly hard it is to do.

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

@@sha11235 : Of course, unappreciative assholes like YOU are part of problem. It makes one wonder why you bother to watch.

[@TB-rt1hm]

yess

[@GalinDray]

Me: "why were the original SNL cast doing coke the entire time?" *watches this series* Me: Oh okay.

[@That-guy-here]

Makes sense!

[@priyachoudhary9896]

They didn't even have digital shorts or anything that might give them break so it's more understanding

[@Research0digo]

Poor Bill Hader - for 8 years - severe, massive panic attacks, throwing up, feeling like he's about to faint, crying in a bathroom stall, migraines while he's on stage(!) ... it took Paul McCartney standing a couple feet away from Bill, (it's readily apparent that Bill - clutching his black coffee - is freaking out) to tell Bill: "You're nervous" ... you should just drink water." Bill says in interviews it actually never dawned on him that living on coffee while mentally coming apart at the seams wasn't so hot an idea. God bless Bill - and Paul McCartney! :)

[@CatyBee]

​@@priyachoudhary9896 Nah, they've always had pre taped commercials and spots like Toonces and Mr Bill.

[@dk9664]

How do people work under this stress level...these people are so talented and their dedication amaze me

[@squidcaps4308]

I love the stress of doing live and having that pressure on me but this is in whole another level..

[@channiingx]

Cocaine

[@sha11235]

It's not easy. You have to I guess have no ego to deal with this shit. Look at what happens when stuff gets cut. You can't go crying like a baby to Lorne and complain. You have to accept it and move on. It's always been this way.

[@mloftin6472]

If I took over SNL. The first change i would make is that the week starts at at 7 am on sunday with picking the sketches. I could not take the crammed schedule.

[@MM-dq2pi]

how does this show turn a profit!

[@plaidpanda]

I will _never_ watch a digital short the same way again!!

[@mloftin6472]

I could not deal with the tight schedule. I would spend the summer shooting shorts as soon as each host signs.

[@darcybhaiwala7057]

I feel like you'd learn more from working one week at SNL than any film/writing school

[@Research0digo]

Like when you're 8 and your semi drunk Dad decides to throw you off the dock, into the lake. 'Sink or swim.' is right! 'o'

[@taylorhall2018]

damn i used to be real sad over not having SNL for a month but after watching this, thANK GOD these amazing hardworking people get breaks

[@BIGXavier96]

thank god for weeks where they air reruns instead of a live show too, quick mini break

[@Leonaza7]

This video makes me appreciate SNL even more. You can tell all the hard work they always put into it so that we can have a great film and a good laugh.

[@kimsssss]

Leonaza7 I see you everywhere

[@MM-dq2pi]

how does this show turn a profit!

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

@@MM-dq2pi NBC makes their real money from advertisers on garbage like The Voice, America's Got Talent, American Ninja Warrior, The Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Manifest, and 67 spin-offs of Law & Order.

[@Research0digo]

Basically Lorne kept NYC, or Manhattan's shit together during covid. He was back at it as soon as it was reasonably safe, and NY needed the show to still be on - SNL to New Yorkers - was Linus' blue security blanket for a year and a half. God bless Loren and his insane dedication - he deserves every Award they hand him!

[@juzoli]

I never understood how they can pull all these things off in a single week. But know after they explained ... I still think they are magicians, not mortal human beings.

[@chrissiek8706]

PAPYRUS! ok i lost it there 😭😂😂🤣

[@dominiczerafa8990]

Chrissie K one of the best

[@chrissiek8706]

This is total madness! I have newfound massive respect for the entire SNL crew 👏👏👏💯👍

[@sha11235]

It has been like this since the beginning. Only now there is better technology to get this stuff done faster.

[@willhahnproductions6092]

From a film student: Thank you for inspiring me to pursue my dreams! This is what I live for!

[@chessogangsta1650]

I remember something bill hader said in an interview. It was something along the lines of 'On snl, you basically don't sleep all week!'.Seriously crazy working environment man!

[@winfield1775]

No one can say snl has gone downhill especially in production

[@gimmemoremusic]

I think people mean the writing.

[@winfield1775]

gimmemoremusic yeah I know but I disagree with that tbh

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

I always think SNL can’t get better cast members than they get even funnier.

[@Vondruke]

I think Lorne Michaels said something along the lines of "People have been saying SNL isn't as good as it use to be since Episode 2"

[@mysabrinamusiccom]

It’s gone downhill. Even Tina Fay says it sucks now.

[@KingKhanAbz]

As an actor and freelance videographer, I got anxiety just hearing that editing deadline. Jeez! 😲

[@makatron]

Plus imaging editing with 5 people sitting behind you messing up your flow.

[@josahell]

@@makatron Freaking nightmare, I just had goosebumps reading that.

[@makatron]

@@josahell that's a big nope from me

[@1BrknHrtdRomeo]

That note about the exploding heads freaked me out haha in like 3hrs...holy frick

[@judithharley9236]

These “Making of SNL” videos really make me appreciate the complexities of putting the show together each week. These people are amazing.

[@kinsmed]

SNL doesn't have to provide this background for us. But I'm glad they do.

[@soth1sol]

they felt they had to tho

[@MagicSkittlesHurray]

Can we just appreciate how influential the Lonely Island was on life as we know it?

[@kneect0m]

I love to see the variety of ladies working on SNL!

[@pollypocket2282]

Holy cow when do these people get to sleep?!? MY NEW HEROS!!!

[@sha11235]

They probably have breaks.

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

They don't.

[@juliahorsfall]

I guess if they enjoy it enough it's fine

[@ricarleite]

The guys editing work pretty much from 4 PM Friday to 1 AM Sunday, and then they sleep for the week. I'd take that job.

[@selinkeles]

Watching this literally gave me that anxiety feeling when turning in homework last minute

[@rhettmenchaca3186]

I’d watch a “7 Days to Air” type of documentary about SNL. Like what South Park did.

[@tehpunkrockmom]

There is one called Saturday Night Live 2010. It's really good

[@jaimank5458]

Ik this comment is old but here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6aWfayvnM6GgK8

[@lisa_vxng]

i'm torn between being incredibly stressed out just watching this and immediately wanting to start working at snl

[@AlexRN]

And people wonder why they only make like 20 episodes a year and rarely airing more than 3 new shows in a row before needing a hiatus. This looks incredibly taxing and stressful!

[@paulina7116]

Mad respect for all the work they do

[@moviegal6000]

After watching these videos, honestly all I can think is it is a miracle they get a show out every week. It's amazing. I need to start watching SNL. These people deserve to have their work seen every week. What these people do is insane. Amazing, but insane.

[@JMAfilm]

Props to the editor who edits while wearing a full suit 8:28

[@MidnightCerulean]

it's hard to grasp the fact that Lorne requested the guys' heads explode lmao genius

[@isshealright]

This is the most stressful job I've ever seen

[@Frickstar66]

I always assumed they spent more than a week on these films cause they were so good, its incredible they can hit this amount of quality in just a week.

[@crinbob]

Thank you for getting stressed to entertain us. You are very much appreciated.

[@tombuck]

I really love all of these videos. I teach a high school digital media program and we also do a live daily broadcast. I use these videos in class ALL the time as examples of how to pull off crazy things in a short amount of time with a great team.

[@katiepurry18]

So much work to pull off a 1 hr show. Mad respect to all the people who worked under stress to achieve this SNL quality. I'm never gonna watch it the same way again, I'm gonna appreciate it 100x more!!! These people are the unsung hero

[@Leonaza7]

It’s amazing how far SNL has become throughout the years. Although technologies makes things better these days you kind of appreciate the old days too.

[@beeleg]

Leonaza7 that’s why I love when they post the vintage series!!! Like I’ll watch them back to back and just see how far they’re come and how much more confident the writers are on commenting on certain social issues, it’s so cool.

[@forphax416]

These people look so tired, I'm exhausted after watching this. The amount of respect for this team is cooked.

[@hummersd]

Love the behind-the-scenes videos. Huge respect and admiration for the amount of work done to get these shorts out into the world for our enjoyment - who knew pre-prod was Thursday, film Friday, edit Saturday? And possible edits in between dress rehearsal and final? Insane! What an incredible team! Keep up the fantastic work! The Adele Thanksgiving sketch is probably my fav in recent years.

[@Manaliiiii]

I am in awe. thanks for making this video. i truly bow down and have so much respect for all the people involved in making pre-tapes a reality now. I hope more people see this because it deserves way more views.

[@royalcupgame]

They’re the most amazing, hardworking and one of the funniest productions in American comedy. SNL is part of American culture now. It’s an inseparable and unshakeable part of every single one of us!

[@sumared]

I am in awe of the time, money and energy goes in to each component of every single sketch.

[@edwinjohnson2130]

If I ever have a stressful day I am gonna come back to these videos to say to myself "For them this is everyday....If they can still smile at the end of the day ......you can too"......Mad Respect guys....Luv SNL

[@kendrawallace2488]

I truly appreciate the “Creating SNL Series” and I always get excited when a new episode airs! Behind the scenes/pre-production, production-to-air of SNL, now that I’ve watched this series (so far) seems like a well loved and well rehearsed tango. 💃🏻 A tango of (guesstimate) 1000 people every week. Not including the citizens of New York or the guests to the audience. Despite any hiccups here or there, & regardless of any feuding between public figures and members of SNL, this production is easily one of the greatest and most difficult shows pulled off weekly. And to top it all off, there’s a new person hosting or singing every week. 👏👏👏 kudos. Mad props.

[@jhbonarius]

You guys deserve so much appreciation

[@theoriginal1971]

I can't ever ever imagine having to do all these things in less than a week. The absolute scale of the productions is sometimes better than films or shows that takes months to make.

[@gratefulb8916]

This is the most stressful thing I've ever watched it's like if your entire life were submitting an essay that's due at midnight at 11:59

This is sooooo cool, to get an inside look of those pre-taped scketches! Those sketches give SNL even more awesome feeling and mostly those pre-taped are usually the best ones! Love the Timberlake and BonJovi pre-tape sketches! Each year the SNL pre-taped sketches are getting better and better, more CGI, more effects and more quality each season! We also try to do some pre-taped segments for our shows as well, not this big, but still, we get inspired by SNL!

[@bettihorvath2165]

Loved your Endgame trailer! Nice job!

[@AK907guy]

It's great to see the people who are behind the scenes who make this show possible. Thank you for all the laughs over the years.

[@christina0927]

Still can’t comprehend how this all gets done in a few days!! Props to everyone involved this is seriously incredible

[@crescendo614]

The stuff these guys do to get this stuff on air is incredible. They have a work ethic I can’t even dream of...

[@AG-vk5or]

So dang cool to see everything plays out. The pre-taped sketches keep getting better and better. One of my favorites is the Ryan Gosling sketch where he meets Santa Claus at the holiday party.

[@stackeym]

I just adore this. So nice to see the people behind the scenes and give them credit for all they do.

[@jemma4012]

I love SNL, and now I appreciate it so much more. The amount of hard work from every single person is admirable, and everyone clearly loves what they do which reflects in the amazing pre-taped videos. Thank you for being such brilliant, talented humans!

[@sethbender2863]

This is amazing because the amount of stress they go thru every day is insane. And those builders are amazing to build full sets in less that one day. I’m wowed

[@ajus009]

This so crazy and the crew is extremely talented to absorb all this stress and still deliver top notch content

[@jhfdb3]

I love these videos from SNL. I've been a big fan of SNL since the original cast. Yes, I'm old. I'm retired from teaching. I taught TV production for 28 years. A lot of things have changed over the years from A-B roll editors to NLE's. These videos from SNL would (and are) have been an awesome resource for communications teachers. Thanks for showing all of the other aspects of the show (music, set design, makeup, cue cards). One thing: 11:19 separated is misspelled. But teachers nit pick. Keep up the great work showing behind the scenes. I have so much respect for what you guys do.

[@mial7542]

The word separate at 11:19? Isn't it spelled correctly?

[@controlZchannel]

Great to see when they give us the behind the scenes. Helpful for those such as myself into film production.

[@spicybrown75]

Omg, I am winded just watching this. So much work under pressure!!

[@edsonlnoe]

The amount of stress this gives and keeps on giving. Uhm. Beautiful.

[@seanlee8220]

It’s kinda funny to think that this very film unit were probably the ones that put this video together

[@m1sh99]

Wow...thank you for this. Fan since '75

[@jelanicole3161]

Wow! You have the best behind the scenes videos! Adobe Premiere & macOS are utilized here. Sketches are created with extreme detail and there is truly no idle time. Every moment is filled with work creating the best possible production. These videos also inspire because the barrier to entry for video production is constantly declining!

[@junayedalam6383]

Lot of hard work & team affort. Keep good works 👏👏

[@ZoraTheberge]

It’s great to hear how they roll with the punches. If it’s not right at dress, editors are standing by to fix it.

[@nntbm]

4:15 bowen yang being just credited as “writer,” i always forget that’s how he started

[@ricaperante8398]

Just... *standing ovation*. You make SNL the best. Great appreciation for all of you ❤️❤️

[@jbbj0041]

this video made me anxious from beginning to end

[@stephpavone]

Wow, this really blew my mind. I had no idea about the depth of the creative forces that go into an episode. Bravo 👏🏻

[@NickTeran17]

This is insane. Props to them for delivering quality content in like a week!

[@lixxeth-]

wow, that’s insane the amount of work that they do! keep it up guys, it’s really wonderful

[@solansh27]

What an insane and incredible job these people do every week. You are on fire!

[@ipsilonia]

IM STRESSEDDDDDDD. just wow. this “creating snl” series NEVER fails to completely floor me.

[@mirandap.l.8424]

So cool to see the editors, as a young editor that seems like a tense but rewarding environment!

[@ilovemelikeyouall]

a dream job for reals this sounds so fun and stressful but also fun and creative!

[@sd5912]

Awesome job guys!!!👏👏👏

[@autumnwind1216]

Lonely Island really made this into a thing.

[@thefemalemantis]

I about had a panic attack like the pressure was on me. These people are some kind of superheroes. This is just absolutely insane

[@sanoban]

This is so freaking amazing. I always wondered how they do all this. So insightful, so much hard work. Congrats!

[@themoxiereviews]

Such a stressful job! This was so interesting to watch how it all comes together. Super talented people!!

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

WOWSA! These folks work magic every week. 👏👏👏👏😎😎😎

[@jl7998]

I love these behind the scenes vids. It's amazing what you guys accomplish each week!

[@franciscoaguilera6935]

Thank you for your job guys, really appreciated, you make my life happier.

[@malionthemoon]

thank you for making this video i love hearing the behind the scenes about everything

[@marara2262]

These videos make me feel productive just by watching them.

[@ChiefAWES0ME]

Wow.... just wow!!! Thank you for working so hard! The real MVPs

[@dkrom]

Amazing all the work that go into the filmed pieces that end up getting cut from the live show.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

This series of Creating SNL is amazing

[@oluuuka]

Thanks for the best show ever 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@ianogema8272]

You guys are amazing!!!!

[@atavanhalen50]

mad respect for everyone behind the scenes!

[@karab8955]

This was incredibly fascinating!

[@EmmaMarieThomas]

I LOVE these behind the scenes videos. It’s amazing.

[@namegirl12]

love these

[@javiskii]

I'm getting anxious just Watching this

[@susanadiasjohnson457]

This amazing video exudes excitement, crazy genius creativity at breakneck speed. I absolutely love this. Wow.

[@thatonecakeguy7555]

You guys are AMAZING!!!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This was SO cool to watch. So much work. Wow

[@whocares2087.1]

I have a newfound respect for Steve Higgins, I thought he was just Fallon's backup. Sheesh.

[@rachelrachel9152]

Yeah he's been working at snl for a pretty long time maybe since the 90s

[@klarastern5597]

same...

[@ankyanku425]

SO MUCH STRESS!!! Hats off!

[@sumared]

I am in awe of the time, money and energy goes in to each component of every single set.

[@djchino774]

You guys work hard and it shows. Thank you.

[@seaph2022]

Amazing work, keep it up and hoping for more seasons.