How to Make Your First Short Film: A Crash Course

Making your first short film can be scary and overwhelming. This crash course will get you ready to start shooting ASAP.
If you want to start filmmaking, there are no excuses. Perfection is the enemy of progress, and you'll learn more by DOING, so take the advice in this video and start telling your stories.
🎓 Level up your filmmaking in a month with my short film course: wrapped.school
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Editing - iMovie (included on Mac)
Editing - Da Vinci Resolve - www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...
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About me:
I've been making short films for 20 years, starting at age 11. I directed my first feature film, Bad is Bad, in 2010. Made for only $6,000, the film went on to reach over 7 million views and garner critical acclaim. More recently, my short film, Will "The Machine", screened and won awards at film festivals around the world. Released online in 2019, it reached over 1 million views in just a month. I also work as a video editor, cutting ads for clients such as Apple, Netflix, and Beats by Dre.
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[@StandardStoryCo]

Want to make a great short film in a month? Join us at WRAPPED in 30 Days: wrapped.school

[@ZoeSFX]

Would you be willing to read a short? Just for feedback. Not to endorse, promote. I'd even ask for a NDA. I don't have many people in my life that understand the passion of film making.

[@latishamiller2490]

Where are you located I’m interested in turning my books into a movie/Tv series

[@morningstarfilmsnetwork]

nice

[@XanderShiller]

​@@ZoeSFX problem is that there ARE a LOT of passionate people but they often don't follow through or make the 1st step.. others want a ludicrous salary, wait around until it's too late etc. I never thought finding actors (even students) was such an effort and I think it's in part because some people are talkers and some are doers and in this dystopian society, we forgot how to communicate.

[@flightriskclevo8763]

That’s a hell of a story for your short film, deep‼️

[@YungCali]

Hellaaaaaaa!! 💯 👏🏾 👏🏾 🙌🏽

[@SarahNP]

Truly!!! It got me right in the feels, and all he did was read us the summary!

[@furyano1251]

Pore child. So sad but very thoughtful of the father that made those videos

[@martinmeyerbiz]

I was literally crying!! 😭

[@siyabonga6212]

Lol

[@storiesneverforgotten]

As a newcomer to the world making a short story using a smartphone, in two minutes of listening I learned more than listening to 45 minutes on another video on the same topic. Thank you very much for giving me a sense of direction when I shot my first short film.

[@michaelgroves350]

Going to be officially working on my first short film next month thank you so much for this has been a big help on what I needed

[@aitortilla6473]

¿Cómo te ha ido con tu cortometraje?

[@rutvikjundare8564]

@@aitortilla6473 flop

[@m-mori]

How did it go?

[@Volkskomissar]

More like "I want to learn to make better Clickbaits" iy you are interested DM me

[@davidlee50]

At 10 hour days for 30 days, you can make the 5 minute movies for pennys.

[@Chromedbustop]

7:39 "Be prepared to 'kill some darlings'." This is something a lot of filmmakers in Hollywood need to remember. Just love seeing these movies running 3-4 hours now when they could be 2 hours or less and not lose a single important part of the story.

[@Gowtham6pm]

I disagree once upon a time in america is actually a 4 hour movie but when you watch it you won't feel like its long movie i only realised its a 4 hour movie after finishing it it was directed by an criminally underrated director sergio leone and it was his last movie its all about the plot and how you make when the plot and thr making is not good even a 1 hour movie will be boring

[@Chromedbustop]

@@Gowtham6pm Okay, but that's not quite what I was saying.

[@trevscribbles]

I've been writing scripts the last five years and it's been so difficult finding any recognition/footing, but this video has left me feeling kind of enthusiastic about attempting a production of something on my own. Much appreciated, bud.

[@CaptainSwift11]

Hey, I've been wanting to get into making short films, but don't really want to actually write them at the moment. If you've got some scripts, I'd love to try making them!

[@trevscribbles]

@@CaptainSwift11 I'm sure I've got a few 5 minute projects collecting cobwebs that you'd be welcome to! Send me a DM and we'll have a chat ✌

[@israel9294]

Find actors then build a story around them not the other way around

[@theoliotsakis]

hey! im filming a short horror film for a class and would love to see if you're willing to share a script that is around 8-10 minutes long!

[@trevscribbles]

@@theoliotsakis Let's have a chat

[@skeletonfilms3650]

My first short was really badly made I didn’t really understand how to get coverage. But i will always love it because it taught me all I know

[@smallzebra19]

same. My second was much much better and the third will be even better when it comes out

[@skeletonfilms3650]

@@smallzebra19 yea totally bro the more you film the better you get

[@Maliniasredmask]

yyoooo i wanted to go out in the comment section and watch some of a random persons channel... i chose you!!! GET LOADS OF FEEDBACK BACK SIR!!!

[@Met9171]

Where can I watch your shorts guys?

[@JadenHercules]

Where can I watch this short film of yours?

[@coco55able]

I'm coming to this two months before my 70th birthday and before actually attempting to shoot my first short film - Thank you - such helpful advice - you make it sound so possible and fun - hooray!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheRealDarth_Vader]

IDK if you'll reply but never quit keep making films and doing what you want to do.

[@signalzero77]

Damn dude. That short film about the dead dad really hits home! I lost my dad unexpectedly when I was almost 3. Just the concept of having all those tapes brought tears to my eyes. Anyway nice video! I'm thinking of making some short films soon.

[@BryanBarboza]

Bro I was having an anxiety attack just thinking about the whole process of making my short film but this helped me be able to process everything and set up steps for it thank you so much 🙏🏽

[@philipebiaboere1969]

Been there

[@Yessentuki4]

Dang! I just went through every emotion of a movie in 30 seconds due to his short film!! 🤯

[@HOOLIGANSSSSss]

So I’m in the middle of the writing process of my short film. This video helped so much with what I need to do next! I’m so glad I came across this channel, as I feel I was hitting a creators block on what to do. My movie is about my brother lol it’s a scary movie and I’m surrounded by corn so I think I know exactly how I want it to look but as far as getting the scenes to flow to the next, has always been a challenge for me. Ima binge watch your videos on this your absolutely amazing at explaining this!

[@milk3n858]

I've watched several videos, but THIS is the right video for anyone starting with shooting a short film! Wish I knew these tips before.

[@jessicapease9101]

Alright, you are awesome. As a mere photographer stepping up into the short film world you have nailed the information I needed. THANK YOU. That needed to be shouted.

[@happyvibesd976]

pov: your manic right now and this is your new obsession at the moment

[@nightynightshade]

I’m actually freaking out because as a diagnosed bipolar person I am currently hypo-manic and so happened to see this! I’ve been making super short films! If you have I . G check it out! My @ is the same as my Yt name!

[@gameskaric6149]

How

[@DontCome2LA]

I hope you ran wit this and made 40 short films

[@gameskaric6149]

@@DontCome2LA sry. I didn't do it

[@ROWANKUNTZ]

Me

[@The_Darius_King]

Been on the fence about making a short film, but I'm definitely gonna try now. I already have been in short films, commercials, and feature films. Wish me luck. And good luck to all of you as well. 💪🏽

[@bleachedout]

Really great tips! Your positivity is infectious. Thank you!

[@TotalTyTalks]

You just gave me 2 hours worth of info in only 8 minutes 🔥 THANK YOU SO MUCH 👏 about to start production on my first short, thank you for all the info I needed 👏

[@BBBA_]

I am very very bad at this.

[@eatme3212]

Don’t give up

[@kaikai9122]

Nuh uh

[@Ann-op5kj]

I feel this 💗😆

[@SophiaCassandraPangan-dg1lg]

You got this king

[@Jestunes]

I love how you get right to the point. No flashy costumes or girls in bikinis (although I wouldn't have objected to that)) no sales gimmicks or "Here's how to get my t-shirt or mug with discount password" just straight to the point info on how to successfully pull off your 1st short film. I did want to add the best thing is not to rush on the project and feel like you've done your job. Organizing is the best point. I'm not like most and not a perfectionist, but I've been on year 3 of my first film which is actually a music video documentary so I've had to create a stage and buy many props, lighting, instruments and amps and cameras and, well you get the drift.. Of course the best part is my actors are puppets so I don't have to feed them.. I figure year 4 is the year. Wish me luck on my project date of 2023 or is that 2024? Thanks for sharing...

[@lamontg802]

These short film instructions are amazing. Thxs for sharing

[@vfilmation2355]

each seconds you speak each of it are really important to understand, it is really helpful. Thank you for your pieces of ideas

[@shepirate]

Your short film that you never posted before...made me cry. WOW!

[@SuperJoePardo]

As someone who has made some short films and now has a daughter who wants to make movies (she's 6 y/o), this video is so helpful in helping me explain to her why we can't make a 20 minute short film like she wants to. lol

[@romefox]

You are amazing. THANK YOU. You made it feel attainable and now I want to do this more than ever.

[@KevinRomeofilm]

Love it man. Great delivery and excellent nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout!

[@leonardodalongisland]

As someone who went to film school (SVA), worked in Hollywood and made a few low-budget products/industrials of my own , I just want to say, you give great advice.

[@JohnBradydoesstuff]

This is brilliant. You’re absolutely a genius. This is exactly what I needed. Much love and appreciation. Thank you!!!

[@AdrianLoganLive]

I made videos, but have alwyas envisioned myself making a documentary one day and I think you have inspired me to use short films as the transitional step between videos and documentaries. A 5min short film is easy to envision myself completing in a reasonable amout of time, and you've laid it out so well in this video I'm excited to start thinking about this more. Awesome video. I've subscribed!

[@AyanaTaylor]

I really loved this video. Wanting to start making my own stuff and this video is make feel more at ease about it. Thank you!

[@SeeressAspasia]

This breakdown is awesome thank you! All the right details. Chef’s kiss.

[@letbreathbeair]

I really liked the tip of “Film what you yourself would find interesting”. I tend to get lost thinking about what others would find interesting. But taking the perspective of myself is a really good starting point I think 😊thank you!

[@thestarsaligned]

I've had a short film I've been wanting to make for over a decade. I make daily content but next year I finally plan to make and release my first short film. Thank you for this video! Really useful and helpful! ❤

[@gusciousi1626]

It's great to see someone doing a quick instructional with the accolades to prove it. And actually use the techniques mentioned seamlessly in the same video.

[@user-bh5mw3nh4o]

Wow, I just recently started getting into short films and cinematography and this is by far the best and most informative video I’ve watched. You really went into the most detail. Thank you for this.

[@RichardHarlos]

Your video appeared in my feed and out of curiosity I gave it my time. I'm not a filmmaker. I didn't think I might want to be a filmmaker. But, after watching this video, I feel pumped to go make a short movie. Your presentation is brilliant and earned you a new subscriber. Cheers!

[@antoniolazarski9361]

Hey Kent, thanks for sharing your experience!!!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

If I hadn't noticed the 'cuts' I don't think I could have believed that you actually took a breath within those -five- eight minutes. Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[@CINEMINATIFILMS]

I am myself a Short Film maker, but these 8mins made me realise all those places where I was going wrong until today. Thanks for all those explainations ❤️👍🏻

[@qwertycurti]

Thanks a lot, love the simplicity of your speech

[@idiams35]

Awesome information 👏🏼 thank you sir!!

[@darkkrenaissance42]

Wow you pack a lot of information that's valuable into a short time, you've earned my subscription for sure brother

[@keenanmccarthy8767]

Very inspired now. Can’t wait to get started.

[@manuelcantu8572]

Fantastic video. Tons on great advice and information. Cheers!!!

[@filmguy3d]

Crucial stuff. Cut to the chase. Excellent!

[@ScottSalvi]

OMG your short idea...hits right n the feels!

[@suagnviki]

Thank you for this!

[@Cris-Video-7]

Thanks for the upload. That helped a lot.

[@Sidiann]

Man I love when you have an idea and a film or video sort of plays in your head and then YOU make it come to life. It’s such a satisfying experience.

[@centerforpersonalpower4934]

I'm doing an educational course and your video above has been incredibly helpful. Thanks!! Tell a story. Keep it at 5 minutes. Eye-openers!

[@ExitSeraphim125]

Really good advice, found the section on audio really helpful, thanks!

[@davidarukwe2934]

NEEDED THIS VIDEO, love you bro

[@thetenthhouse]

Short and sweet. Thank you for this encouraging video 💜

[@RaceBannonChannel]

This is excellent. Concise. Useful. Informative. Some great resource tips. Thanks!

[@sangramkale3243]

Very practical advice you have given.

[@opelgoni]

this is absolutely what i've been looking for . thanks for this

[@devnarang2378]

This video was of a great help thank you ❤️

[@lazesobie]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@TurtleTimeMedia]

Thank you so much for this this is probably one of the best videos I've ever watched I'm just starting out and this really helped

[@itadaku23]

Thank you thank you. This is just what I needed even though I didn't realise it. Great info, great drip feed of information at the right time. Great everything. Great length. Just... great. I guess. I tend to be overly critical at everything, despite having created very little. This, I _am_ impressed with. Very, very impressed. Thanks again.

[@mosesfara7825]

THANKS so much for the INFORMATION I LEARNED A LOT FROM THIS VIDEO THANKS

[@julientnc]

Great video, well explained. Thanks!

[@xxdeadstockxx]

Thanks for sharing the advice.

[@TSpare21]

I don't have any intention of filming a short film. I am here because I enjoy your content. Keep it up, man!

[@haifashawwa]

Perfect insights. Thank you

[@ritatunning4428]

Thanks for all the help😮

[@freeshipping9643]

Thanks bro I appreciate your time & knowledge.

[@universalmagicman7032]

Bro, your channel and video style is really awesome, thank you for all your work :D

[@DavidArmah.]

Thank you! This was great and really motivating to me to make my short film this week!

[@somethingpurpul]

your energy cracks me up. also amazing video, lots of great info here!

[@AstroLaVista]

This is actually amazing, thank you !

[@OneHeartMission]

Great advice! Really appreciate it

[@ianharper6015]

Thanks for a very helpful video.

[@gianniskyr1312]

Very very helpful, fantastic video

[@richardembree]

Great video and great advice. I'm planning on making a short film soon and this definitely helped me get better prepared.

[@markstrain8989]

AMEN 🙏👍

[@Shahjiglobal]

Very helpful video. Thank you for giving valuable advice and inspiration to make my dream a reality.

[@amberiqbal9837]

mind blowing suggestion... thank you.

[@tioluwanielesho1448]

Very very very practical and simply insightful. Thankssssss!!!!!!

[@davidlanier2290]

Thank you for this.

[@GabrielMarques-rt6xf]

Thank you!

[@edgarschannel8982]

Thank you for these tips! 🎉✊🏼

[@MecTalan_sitqom]

Your example story was heartbreaking.Thank You for the video❤

[@thomassteven6292]

thank you so much . this is so helpful. keep up your splendid work !

[@StandardStoryCo]

Thank you, will do!

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

This is brilliant! Thank you! 👍😄

[@TaraRajendran]

This is so helpful! Thank you!!

[@ianlowden6168]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@richarddeolo5019]

This video was very informative, I've made a short before and the way you've explained is the things I wish I would not only know but put into practice on my very short film. I'd subscribe to this channel right away, keep up the great work brother.

[@palomino9860]

Awesome presentation! wow!

[@fatboicjfilms]

thank you bro really helped me a lot because I didn't know where to start.

[@vleiratfilms2020]

Brilliant .. I’ve been making short documentaries for 3 decades, but I’m going to use lots of what you suggest in the rest of a series I’m making now. Biggest compliment I can pay you is: This is REALLY USEFUL 🎥🎭🌹

[@hurlicane56]

Soooo much valuable information packed in this video. Thank you! A++

[@aloknathsingh4647]

This video was very informative. I hope it blows up as it should!

[@RFVisionary]

👍🏻 " The spice is in the brevity!". Good tips, suggestions and everything "well brought to a common denominator" (summarized). THX.

[@martinmeyerbiz]

Sir, these 8 minutes of my life were totally worth it to spend!! Thank you!!

[@rea9799]

This is so helpful thank you

[@sajjadabouei6721]

Man, nice explanation, easy to follow, good points, I subscribed ✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@evohub887]

Thank you so much!!

[@angelgcastro1]

Hey man, just came across your channel, love all the great info you provide! Subscribed!

[@SwarajPotluri]

Thanks man it was informative !

[@spthatsme]

This really helped me thanks.