How we made a high quality STAR WARS short film with nothing (and how YOU can too)

We talk about some of the choices we made on the short film, how we were able to make it look like it cost more than it did, and how anyone can make something like this, even if you don't have a lot of money.
Make sure to check out the Vader short film here:
• Vader: Pull to the Lig...
0:00 - Intro
0:10 - Thesis for the Video
1:11 - Why Star Wars Fan Films are the PERFECT place to start as a low budget filmmaker
1:44 - How much did you short film cost?
3:35 - Be aware of audience expectations
4:14 - So you want to make a Star Wars short film...
6:42 - Use what you have already
9:41 - What if I don’t know how to do VFX?
13:14 - Some criticisms about our short film
13:40 - Growing your idea slowly and manageably
14:16 - Understand that some people wont like ANYTHING you do
16:04 - Finish it
17:12 - Behind the Scenes Info
19:14 - Some advice for your short film
19:56 - Working with the VFX artists
20:51 - Advice on Directing and Collaboration
22:30 - VFX artist gives advice
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Intro created by Devin Mombourquette (DMFX)
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#StarWars
#Vader
#PullToTheLight
#Howtomakeashortfilm
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#DarthVader

[@PraxisVisuals]

I had such a blast working with you guys! Thank you for the huge opportunity and I hope to work with you guys again! -Ben

[@MountainBain]

The light speed jump kill that vader got is one of the most legendary and creative things I've ever seen in a star wars project. Gold star for putting that in

[@DMFX1]

Hey guys! Devin here (from the video). I should’ve mentioned that the entire reason I started learning VFX 11 years ago was because I knew it would be too expensive to have VFX for my own stuff. Literally a situation like “I can’t afford a plumber, so I’m going to learn how to fix the sink myself.” I’m entirely self taught, and I wasn’t actively using blender for a long time in those 11 years. My biggest tip is this: Have a goal. Don’t just learn general things. A foundation is good, but don’t aimlessly wade around in general knowledge. Have something specific you want to create, and then systematically find your weaknesses and figure out what you need to make it happen. If you try to “create” or “practice” without a goal, you will only ever do what you already know and are comfortable with. Close your eyes, picture what you want to see, and then figure out how to get it done. You’ll get better.

[@TheSeeking2know]

EXCELLENT advice!

[@DarthTingleBinks]

I'm gonna have to take this advice to heart, honestly. At the age of 15 I put out a casting call for a show I wanted to make based on the Rooster Teeth series RWBY. Specifically, a prequel series, about an obscure group of characters known as team STRQ. That had absolutely no thought put into it. I didn't think about the story at all, I didn't think about money (so it was entirely voluntary), and I didn't think about the fact that I probably wouldn't get much traction if I kept the project voluntary. Not much has really happened since then. This September will mark six years since that initial casting call. I am now 21. However, I was lucky enough to get a handful of VAs for some roles that have been incredibly understanding and patient of the uncontrollable whims of a once 15 year old boy, and understand that it will be a bit longer before anything actually happens or I can actually pay them. I also had a writer for a short time who planned out a fantastic first season that I then forced myself to take and make my own when they had to leave the project for personal reasons. And over the past few years, I have slowly learned that not only will I have to pay a LOT of people, but I will have to learn how to model, animate, rig models, do VFX, and do SOME music, and do the compositing as well. And likely the editing. Right now, I have all of the first season, as well character short for the trailers scripted, and have an artist who is working on concept art and designs for characters that I can use to create models. Other than that, nothing is really happening. And I'll have to deal with managing my private life, and ensuring everyone gets paid. Unfortunately I also have a tendency to multitask. By which I mean my mind never stops thinking about new stories. I have upwards of 20 other projects I want to do, and not even one of them anywhere close to done (most of them not started). So I'm dealing with that right now, too. Of course I can't do much right now without any concept art (or at least not much that I'm confident I can do), but... The idea of setting myself a goal and working to achieve that goal is definitely something I need to start doing. I could probably get a lot of the simpler stuff that I don't really need concept art and designs for done and start creating sets. But I'd have to actually sit my ass down and do shit when I'm not working. Perhaps I'm just more of a writer and I'm taking on WAY too much. But at this point I'm way too invested in getting this done. And it's not even a thing of me just wanting to get it over with. I have planned out (vaguely) six seasons of this non-existent show. I very much want to do work on the show until I feel the story I want to tell is done. But to do that, I'll have to do a lot more than just write. For now, anyway. I think this comment has gone on a bit too long, though. So I'm gonna end it here.

[@DMFX1]

@@DarthTingleBinks Honestly, if you have THAT many projects you want to do, realistically they won’t all get done. You CAN work on them though, if you think of them as practice. We tend to get married to ideas, and then become too afraid to touch them. Write, put in the effort, and don’t be afraid to leave it dead on the floor. If you come back to it after doing this multiple times, you’ll laugh at everything you SHOULD have done. You’ll have a stronger foundation, and you’ll make something better in the end!

[@DarthTingleBinks]

@@DMFX1 I've accepted the possibility that some of them ( and probably most of them, to be honest) will remain untouched, but my brain just doesn't stop. Luckily, I haven't developed many of the ideas beyond the initial ideas themselves. Which helps me know which ones I want to get done. It's just a matter of prioritizing the few I have developed and working one thing at a time. It's a thing I've always struggled with. Wanting to do everything at once, but not doing anything at all. Still trying to get out of that habit, but being a lifelong one, it's been harder than I'd like.

[@chrisjenkins9978]

What’s your channel?

[@tristanortiz9275]

This film and BTS video is a perfect example of "stop making excuses and just DO IT". Always enjoy your reaction content but as a filmmaker myself who's a bit farther in my journey I'm always excited and humbled to see people picking up the craft in such DIY ways. Limitation breeds creativity! From one Floridian filmmaker to another, good job Holden!

[@shadowfauxe6468]

I go to school LA Film School. I showed your fan film on class, as an appreciation to fan films we were doing. Your Vader film shows why people love Star Wars. Visually it was pretty great, story telling was better than episode 8-9😂. Y’all did amazing, and it encourages me as a younger filmmaker/director to do my best, not worry about my budget as hard, have fun, and make sure my projects are worth it for not just me, but my audience. Nice job!!

[@HoldenHardman]

That's awesome! I wish I could have gone to film school. Remember me when you're a big shot!

[@shadowfauxe6468]

@@HoldenHardman Not only will I remember you, Ill be definitely asking you to be apart of my bigger projects! Keep up the great film work Holden!

[@PatrickStewart316]

“I’m pretty scrappy.” Yessir, that you are. Appreciate your passion and love of the art.

[@animatorFan74]

Awesome stuff...... love all the VFX talk on this - good fuin :) I really enjoyed the Star Wars short and loved all the Vader on the beach stuff. There's some nice choice shots in there :)

[@robrules91]

That x-wing blowing up, just before it goes to lightspeed, is a really nice shot.

[@NelsonReyesJr]

WOW! THIS IS AMAZING STUFF!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!!!

[@brianscott3541]

You guys did a terrific job!!!! As some others have said, the x wing explosion was fantastic. I didn't see it coming that the guy getting away was going to get blown away!!!! The effects were awesome and the use of funds was very good. I don't even think about that stuff or look for it to critique if I am enjoying what I am watching. I am now friends with guys like Dave Cartwright and Johnathan McIntosh. Great job!!!!

[@bigtim8617]

I am not ever going to make any fan film; but as a lifelong SW fan and consumer of all things SW, I loved your passion project and thought it was on par with the best SW fan films I’ve seen. More than that, I’m always impressed with the integrity and transparency you have with your YT community; you are truly the most genuine content creator I’ve come across.

[@HoldenHardman]

Wow, thank you for the kind words!

[@torreyhogan6250]

Holden, thanks so much for posting this! Was really hoping to see some of the BTS and learn about your process of making this project. I do not have any advanced skills, but I've been really into learning VFX and blender since the pandemic, so it was really cool to see that clip from Devin and hear his perspective on the technical side. Props to your whole team!

[@joesanctuary101]

Never clicked so fast can't wait to find out more about your processes and how this was made on a budget. Could you and Jen react to the new Logan the wolf wolverine fan film. Love the channel keep up the great work as always.

[@NickyByloo]

Love it. Thanks Holden and team.

[@vitalivardanidze503]

Great Film, VFX were great, voices also sounded good. Great job everyone )

[@yankeegrey2810]

Amazing!! You guys knocked it out of the park.

[@tyleradams3490]

Be as kind, humble, and open as Holden is and people will want to work with you - whether it's well paying or not :)

[@jollyrayda]

Really nice work, on all levels. Appreciate the BTS breakdown, it's not something I've seen done before, and it was really interesting 🙂

[@HoldenHardman]

Thanks for watching!

[@ajarmand5762]

I thought you might be interested in checking out David Kaylor's KZbin channel. He recently released a fan edit of the original Star Wars Trilogy which he called his "Final Cut". It's basically combining the best of the theatrical and the special edition versions of the films. Like reducing or completely taking out or changing some of the special edition visual effects that are too jarring or maybe out of place in each film. There are videos for both a trailer and a video giving details and reasons for deciding either to use a theatrical or the special edition version of a particular scene. You don't really need to do a reaction video for it but maybe just to experience another edit of the original trilogy (at this point, probably the 6th version 😁)

[@ristdownau6627]

I live in Andalusia right up the road and my brother lives in Pensacola. If you ever need extras I am more than down!

[@NelsonReyesJr]

Amazing!! Thanks!!

[@HoldenHardman]

Oh wow, thank you so much! That's incredible! Glad you liked it!

[@SnowbordrWRX]

Wow that's impressive, only $3k? I was thinking at least 10-15k and even then it seems not enough, great job!

[@Bennerwoo]

Personally I absolutely loved the little alien so awesome that it was pretty much someone you didn’t really know on Reddit, props to that guy

[@michaelcopple1736]

The CG felt really crisp. I wouldn't say ILM quality, but lighting factors were great and camera rotation was synced nice. It wasn't Blender, was it? Cuz that is perfectly capable, and free and open source. (Budget costs for future reference)

[@alexbrunner1900]

I’m definitely gonna make Star Wars fan film one day

[@tyleradams3490]

everyone should try! Even I've made ones with my kids for fun.

[@cliffsofmoherfilmreviews]

Good job

[@DarthTingleBinks]

When it came to the VFX stuff, I didn't mind if some of it didn't look great. It was the same with the Batman film you did, and you're not like a massive channel or anything with a lot of money to spend. And green screens are very hard to get looking good, which is why even if some professional stuff, you can notice it at times. The second Vader was weird, and I would have preferred an Anakin cosplayer, but that's mainly just because the second Vader seemed like he had a dad bod that just came out of nowhere. Like the maun Vader was pretty fit, and then you have dad bod beer belly Vader coming out and fighting him. My personal biggest issue was with the story and writing. I don't want to be a snob and say it was bad, I just know that it didn't click with me. But it is clear that at from a filmmaking standpoint, you have improved a lot since your Batman film, so I'm very much eager to see you continue to improve. And I will patiently wait for one of your movies that I do enjoy the writing of. Because I don't enjoy disliking things.

[@Real_Backwoodz_Logan]

It was amazing you and Jen should check out Logan The Wolf (Wolverine fan film)

[@danilocamus7126]

Hey! Good job friends!!! Congratulations and I will look forward to more Star Wars visuals from you. Your tribute to SW Universe is very cool. I'm a filmmaker and I'm working on my own Star Wars movie. My team is now in post-production. Can I ask you about some legal aspects to avoid problems caused by LucasFilm and Disney? Please. Greetings from Chile

[@Dman425]

Spiderman fan film next?

[@glorax.]

amazing well done y'all should watch Pacific rim itsnlike the monsterverse but with robots that fight kaiju

[@TheNamesGambit]

It was awesome! As soon as Vader mentioned Padme I was like “OH SHIT”. Really well done Holden and team. Mad respects

[@HoldenHardman]

Thank you!

[@wiggletones]

@@HoldenHardman hey were just gonna watch veggietales for something

[@gjchawks17]

Love the video and love this BTS. My friend does vfx work and I will say his number one problem with random people finding him and asking him to do work for them is that they all expect it to be done for free or just a shoutout. I will say for anyone planning on using someone to make a budget for it.

[@HoldenHardman]

When I talked money with a few, there were some that were completely out of my range. Some were open to it but had too much on their plate. And some who were willing to work with me. It's why it doesn't hurt to ask so long as you're respectful and aren't taking advantage. It's why I suggested if you can't pay something, you've got to offer something.

[@gjchawks17]

@@HoldenHardman of course and I wasn’t directing the comment at you since you did mention you made deals with people (which they agreed to). I was speaking in generalities that if someone wants to do a project, they shouldn’t have it in their mind that people will do it for free

[@CutThroatComics]

I think the fan film was fine. I am not very critical like other Star Wars fans. I loved the fan film.

[@tommyguns_]

You did an amazing job, i would love to see you guys react to the new Wolverine short film that just dropped a couple days ago, its called Logan the Wolf and its incredible

[@everythingconsideredfilms2020]

Such a great film. We are making a fan film as well. We are also based in Pensacola. Hope to make our film as good as yours!

[@HoldenHardman]

How cool! Best of luck guys!

[@chrismcbrayer4018]

New short film idea. The two little Vaders! Lol

[@johnlollar6595]

You should watch twilight movies

[@josephlarkin4579]

Yea so easy...

[@HoldenHardman]

I never said easy, I said doable.

[@christiantalksaboutbasketb6660]

If you guys haven’t watched Big Bang Theory or Young Sheldon yet, you guys should totally watch it! Or even How I Met Your Mother is a fun one too!

[@philippealain6172]

Too bad this second costume wasted your fan film. You did such a good job and the story is interesting. I've just seen in this interesting making of that you thought this second costume was a great costume. If so many people have noticed that there was a problem, it's because it seems to be the horrible hasbro black series helmet, which is a complete failure. And obviously the chest plate is very badly made. But nothing's lost. You can still fix it. I know it's a lot of work, but you should ask the man who played such a good Vader, with such a magnificent and accurate costume (obviously from Empire Strikes Back) to replay the part of the second Vader to replace him. A kind of "special edition". Anyway, congratulations for your movie. You're among those who are able to offer better quality content than Disney does.

[@DonkeyPunchPrime]

badass Holden when is the next one coming out???????