Filming my first Horror Short • What I learned (plus some good tips!)

Hey guys, I've decided to do this little vid about my experiences making my first short horror film. This movie was done on a zero budget (about €150 to be precise) and with little fx or other fancy stuff. I filmed the movie over 2 days and spent a day or two doing the sound and edit. I learned so much from making this short film that I said I'd share it through this vid. This vid is suited to people starting out making movies etc if you're an expert maybe you know this stuff already. Please feel free to leave comments! I'll have more vids soon so please subscribe!
Watch the movie here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHqrfGiGm82diK8

[@destineemccaster]

I just finished directing, filming, and shooting my first horror short/short film ever, and SO many tips you suggested and mistakes you pointed out I could relate with as I look back on my own experience and as I edit. This video was so helpful and enhanced my understanding of camera handling, audio, directing and communication with the actors; thank you so much!

[@smallzebra19]

How did it go? I'm currently filming my second horror film

[@madnessbydesign1415]

Nice breakdown of your process! I would add to the Audio part: When capturing audio, get about 30 seconds of "Room Tone" for each room you shoot in - just the room noise, with nothing else (no talking, etc). This can be a life saver later when you need to mask a sound, but you don't want just silence. You can cross-fade your room tone for as long as you need, and it will feel seamless... :)

[@brwhyon]

Thanks for the video ! I'm doing a short horror film for my final in Digital Video class at my college. Great tips and advice, I think I learned more in the last 14 minutes than I have all semester. All day long I walk around thinking of how to get the right shot and how to light it and angle and sound and . . . again, thanks for all the tips.

[@HuFilms]

Thought I replied already, sorry for the delay. What you said means a lot and inspires me to make more videos.

[@cl8759]

Great tutorial! I'm just starting out trying to make horror shorts and this was very helpful!! Off to look into your other videos now (:

[@OfficialAlphaFX]

Brilliant job! Looking forward to seeing your next project!

[@oshaughs83]

Brilliant video Hugh. Very informative.

[@EvilWoodenBoy]

This was an Brilliant, video great insight. Definitely Helpful Tips

[@TheDarkPirateStories]

I also do some shorts, your video is so great. thank you, I am always open to any tips and yours are very helpful :)

[@polishettyravi]

Hello Hugh, Thank you for sharing all your findings, This is very useful for first time film makers.

[@ahmedvlogs3216]

u deserve millions of subs!! thanks

[@LordArioh]

nowadays people are more concerned on getting sharpest best 4K ever, while your footage from 60D looks amazing. I myself had written to the last detail a script and preparing to shoot on approximately zero budget horror/comedy movie. We'll see how it goes ))

[@KatyaPaden]

I JUST watched the video yesterday! Love to see thus today even though it’s years old. I just made my first horror short and put it up last week. So much to learn. My lighting is bright but it’s meant for a younger audience so it needed to be creepy, not terrifying. Thanks for the wonderful tips!

[@sarahborowik-frank4990]

Wow... thank you so much for putting your effort in making this very helpful video. Defintely very interesting tips. Have a nice day

[@thecostarules631]

Ambiance sounds from videogames like P.T and Five Nights And Freddy's REALLY work if u want to create an horror atmosphere

[@HuFilms]

+TheCostaRules good idea!

[@user-yv7hk7tg2f]

ɷɷɷ I Haveeee Watchedddd This Movie Leakedddd Version Hereee : - t.co/RlKbv1hghK

[@sagalight]

Hugh Sweeney how would you do that with a phone

[@chubbysurprise4429]

@@haleigh3950 a game p.t the silent hills or well the demo the full game never game out because of companie bullshit but the demo was loved by many horror fans

[@Very_Creative_Television]

TheCostaRules thank you I will keep that in mind

[@-allwrittenfulfilled-]

you are still a great cinematographer Hugh, nobody's perfect, what matters is to be creative and you are, keep it up!

[@michaeltula8313]

Thanks for the video, Hugh. I liked "Hello" & you gave some good tips here. Look forward to more stuff--lol you got a fan all the way from Texas, my man.

[@HuFilms]

Home of one of the best ever Horror Movies!! Thanks! :)

[@marcoarsenault2376]

Super cool video man

[@emendymedia]

Great stuff Hugh!

[@tripyramidfilms7187]

Thank you for sharing this video! I plan on shooting a horror flick the summer.

[@TheMathPipe]

cheers man, brilliant video and i appreciate the knowledge. keep up the great work.

[@HuFilms]

Cheers for the comment. Appreciate it!

[@HackMyControlSystem]

Great video. Wish more filmmakers made a making of to share their experiences. Friends and I are compiling ours on another channel. Well done.

[@JoshHanes]

Awesome tips! I’m about to shoot a horror film and a lot of the tips really helps! You definitely got a subscription from me!

[@devildogkilo]

Awesome Video!!!

[@MohamadOmarALBosaty]

luv it man...keep tha awesome stuff comin'...

[@HuFilms]

Cheers man, appreciate the nice words.

[@revvanmev2885]

The basic details are that it would be a montage of certain movie clips or stylised dramatic reference to those movie clips followed by various other imagery from my life as a little kid that freaked the hell out of me and still cause severe pyschological problems for me today, all the while some creepy music would be playing. I know with the right tools this could be done in less than a day, but i'm not really good at that.

[@jonathancortizo9098]

Excellent tips!

[@gregjones7196]

I've just written a horror film so this advice comes at a great time! Thank you!

[@videohorrorsystem5812]

What's it about?

[@davidnoffsinger5214]

@@videohorrorsystem5812 It's about 15 minutes.

[@_cindi_reads_]

I’m making a horror movie for my senior project and the gels are a really good idea!

[@iBrudz]

Thx you ^^ nice tips and tricks

[@Kreepcamp]

nice! keep up the tips! :)

[@Kenslyfresh]

Good work, very helpful.

[@camphorror5395]

Camp Horror LOVES this! Will share it with the Campers :)

[@HuFilms]

+Camp Horror Please do, and thanks so much!

[@offthagrid]

Great video man. Very informative....

[@connaldoyle]

Hey Hugh, great stuff really enjoyed watching your movie and then the tutorial great idea, not sure if I'll get an answer as your post was 8 months ago, just wondering what type of dolly do you use just caught a glimpse of it in the tutorial. Cheers Connal

[@sweezosupreme6275]

Great detail man

[@smugknowledge664]

Great Advice! Cool Video!!

[@HuFilms]

thanks!

[@universalindierec]

Great tips as I'm about to shoot my first film

[@QuaidleVision]

Awesome! Just what I was looking for.

[@HuFilms]

Awesome, thanks for the comment@

[@villaruelmariechresesa.3058]

Hey! thanks for your tips ;) I know now how to create a horror film :)

[@mathanmohanm]

Great tips Hugh. Appreciate all of it. Did you use a steady cam or would you advice using it for a moving shot which can make it more cinematic?

[@fanniemtz]

awesome!! thanks for the tips =)

[@HuFilms]

glad u liked! :)

[@pasco1337]

very interesting. I would love to do such things myself. So cool 👍 For synching the clips you could use PLURALEYES 4.1 from Red Giant. It should automatically sync your audio and video. I haven't tested it myself but it might spares some time

[@alpacaobsessed9862]

I'm producing a zero budget horror movie on a camera from my AV tech class and I really appreciate these tips!

[@eblgraphics]

Hi Hugh I just wanted to say thank you. This is the firth time I see and in depth eloquent description of this process. Needless to say keep it up you have earn a dedicated subscriber :) What DSLR Do you recomend I buy...

[@HuFilms]

+eblgraphics depends on budget. any of the newer dslr's will do a great job. mirrorless might be better. the pocket cam by black magic is amazing value and will look 'nicer' than a lot of cameras 3 times more expensive.

[@lalnallath]

Thanks Hugh..its great video..

[@richardwilliam7030]

you're great man.i'll need your help to produce my new horror movie

[@mattdehavensorensen]

Really in depth tutorial. I'm shooting a thriller short in a week, and this was very helpful! I'll be using a very similar Canon setup, so it was encouraging to see what can be done with that camera after watching your footage. Thanks!

[@mattdehavensorensen]

+panicman10 he used a shotgun mic attached to a boom pole, both of which he purchased, however, if you don't have the money for a setup like that, you can buy a Rode video mic that attaches to the top of your camera and plugs in. Or if you can just afford a decent shotgun mic (cheapest would be maybe $120 or so), you can use a broom pole as a boom, but you'll also need a portable audio recorder such as a zoom or tascam.

[@mattdehavensorensen]

+panicman10 as for the camera, I think he used a DSLR. I feel as though the camera should be purchased after audio actually, because you likely already have a camera that is good enough for short films. Even an iPhone 6 could be quality enough for a short film, if you had separate quality audio. There really is no way around spending a little money on audio, you just have to do it or else the whole film is lacking, but you can get away with using whatever camcorder or DSLR you have lying around, just get creative with it. Movies have screened at Cannes that were shot on home video cameras. The camera is just a tool! Create your story around what resources are available to you. If you don't have sound equipment, write a silent film :)

[@mattdehavensorensen]

+panicman10 Any camera will do, you just have to be creative. With your powershot it will be difficult to achieve the type of cinematography that a DSLR has, so maybe make a film with a script that utilizes the style of your camera, such as a script that is filmed from the perspective of a character, home movie style. The film "Festen" was made on minidv handycams which was pretty unheard of at the time. And if you have an iPhone there are plenty of tutorials on KZbin for filmmaking with iPhone. But, like I said audio is everything. But you could probably set up an audio rig for less than 150 if you buy used products, etc. It's quite difficult to get started with filmmaking when you feel as though you have no equipment, but luckily we live in an era where there are resources are technology to make films happen. I wouldn't jump into making a huge film on your powershot, it just won't keep up, but it is a good tool to start with a short film, maybe 1-5 minutes. The important thing is to just make films with what you have, worry about equipment later. They don't have to be good to learn from them.

[@mattdehavensorensen]

+panicman10 Don't get discouraged by the gear, a good camera doesn't make a good movie. It helps, but there's so much more needed. The less you have to work with, the more creative you need to be.

[@tablefortwo120]

You had a go so hats off to you.

[@TWIMAGING]

grate short film sir

[@nobelgomezvideo]

Nice, i thought the audio was specially good when watching the short. Nice work.

[@HuFilms]

Basic enough stuff I hadn't much time for processing audio.

[@KAGARAKIS]

Awesome!As we say in greece, you have soul!

[@QwEr-bx5ey]

κλαίω ;D

[@sigdavtilmig]

Good video! Where did you get your sound effects from?

[@KenParrish61]

Watched the movie and I really enjoyed it. Question about the audio. How did you mount your mic? If you were filming, I can''t see how you used a boom. Thanks.

[@TheFilmmakingChannel]

Did you get someone to operate the boompole? How did you capture sound as a one man crew? Nice video once again

[@juleskatanyag5098]

Helpful. :)

[@TERRAMOUNT]

cool stuff

[@PinePeakEntertainment]

love this tutorial...watched it several times for info. tnx!

[@HuFilms]

Cheers, means a lot.

[@TheRraj1992]

thanks a lot... loved this vdo more than the video...

[@nguyenkhuong1082]

good tips + good mistakes (believe it or not) thx - LIKE

[@agafilmscine4354]

Great vídeo! Congratulations!!

[@HuFilms]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@agafilmscine4354]

@@HuFilms it was very useful!

[@harolddeleon9533]

sir what is you videoeditor?? BTW the toutorial is so great and helpful,keep it up

[@WeAreRonin]

Did you denoise the footage? Looks clean!

[@vivek181]

can you tell more?

[@tripyramidfilms7187]

Hello!I shot my first short this year, and it was submitted and chosen to play at a local film festival. I want to make two more films this year, but after watching a few short horror films on KZbin, primarily yours, I now want to film a horror short. Any pointers, other than the ones you mentioned? I also have no budget, but I’m very creative, and believe ANYONE, with talent and creativeness can shoot a good film the same way as you and I.

[@siddharthbajpai1]

Thank you Hugh :)

[@rockstarrgs4280]

What camera would have the best battery or are they all the same ? Because the one that i have only has like five minutes on it and i just got it for Christmas

[@willgetcarriedfornudes1417]

Do you have any experience with 3D animation? I'm wanting to explore filmmaking through it, since I wouldn't need to get cameras, actors(Minus voice), etc.

[@janed.6085]

Hi thanks I never created Horror before, but I wrote a thriller. Kind of close. Like your style.

[@azizhammad896]

Nice tips , but i dont have a camera that only focus close or far, or doesn't have the feel , because its an old camera pocket . so i want shoot film alone , no other people just myself , so how do you cinematograph that ? (sorry Bad english)

[@RJ_ABHI_]

sir hugh i wanted to shoot a horror short film but i dont have an ideal camera or microphone which software would u suggest to edit the shots

[@scopeouthorrorreviews2682]

I want to make a fan made trailer of the black christmas movie Any advice for making scenes less shaky without a tripod Right now im just placing it on a picture as im poor Also for nighttime shots whr all im using is lamp light Any advice for iso settings its only about a 2 minute trailer video all within 2 rooms but still hard to get tht cinematic feel

[@gothochblandat8031]

I just finished shooting my first short film - now i've entered the "second guessing myself"-stage and depression. I hate it. :P Super happy about how it all turned out on set, but more like "I should've done this or that" now afterwards.. since it's all done. it can't be changed (or it can, but not easily.). Anyway, hopefully up on youtube by october. #atrophyshortfilm

[@harrow177]

Interesting stuff.

[@HuFilms]

Cheers Wayne!

[@BlekanDekaGhettostressado]

Great Job

[@HuFilms]

Thanks Blekan!

[@mbplwiley]

Wonderful advice? If you don't mind me asking, what is the rig and follow focus that you used here? I have been looking for a minor rig and follow focus that doesn't break the budget.

[@HuFilms]

no problem, my advice would be to only buy rigs and follow focus after you spend money on things like lenses, mics and lights. I never use a rig or follow focus. Perhaps if I'm doing a film I will but for work projects, no.

[@z9francisco]

make more horror films!!!! and great job! Hugh Sweeney

[@HuFilms]

Thanks Francisco, have a look on my channel.

[@ricardogondim2346]

Hello, I just saw your short movie, right now, i i completly agree in every word you say. I think it was cool if you had worked a litlle better with the Lights and BG´s, but overall i Loved to Watch the Movie. The Software´s that i use to workout are Adobe packs, like AE,Premiere,Audition. Sometimes also, cubase for sound Recording. There are also amazing SFX free websites , to use on movies. You know, it was a pleasure to meet you, i hope you keep doing more Videos and of course, horror movies, i love them. A Question, Do you think you should Working with a Green Screen? Do you think it would have worked if you had used it in your movie? (HELLO) Thanks man, have a nice day ;)

[@syedh.asghar4118]

thanks!

[@vediyer454]

Thnx this helped me alot

[@AdvaitThakur]

Please tell the details of the lenses you have used in this film.

[@katrinadizon5055]

Thanks for your tips and tricks! But our problem is.. We don't have DSLR or any good camera to make videos.. 😖😖😔

[@HuFilms]

+Katrina Dizon use your phone then!

[@MrTylerloomis]

+Hugh Sweeney Yea! We're filming a horror film right now and we needed one extra camera and we just used an iphone6!

[@miguelvidal2335]

2 years later: Park Chan Wook, the guy who directed Oldboy, made a film with an iphone

[@axel6582]

Elena Sos Also Sean Baker and Soderbergh!

[@lukenash3772]

Thanks

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Nice

[@rdoetjes]

Actually when you shoot you should have a bit of plan to get enough coverage. One way to force you is start with a wide shot (master), then a mid shots (both sides) and the a close up (both sides or people). But some great techniques you discuss here the acting continuity for example. Having been an actor this was something that was instilled on us when working out the scene. Plan your moves on certain words and time those movements. Like taking a sip from a glass, you sort of count a one and a two and a three and bring it down (or however long). This also in case of drinking or eating means you basically consume the same amount in each shot. Most directors who have no background in either film or acting don't direct this to their actors.

[@HuFilms]

You shouldn't have to direct every single piece so it's good to have the actor do as much continuity as possible. I liked what you said there, thanks for the comment!

[@horrorproductions7994]

I’m a new horror director and I’ve just done my first short Horror on my channel could you give me some advice on my channel and sub if you enjoyed!

[@PrettyLady7282]

u havent do any horror shott lately do u? we would love to see more shortfilm from u and then the Tips how to make it. Lighting, audio, gears . . . . thx

[@ruffida]

Where do you get your short film ideas from Hugh? I really enjoy watching and learning from you. ~Mark from Mississippi.

[@HuFilms]

Hi Mark, I wouldn't call myself a writer but I do get some crazy ideas! i.e. in my short 'HELLO' the whole film pivoted around 'the hand' scene. Thats my bed and I always imagined how scary it'd be if a hand came out so I fleshed out the rest of the story based on that. you get ideas from things you see in everyday life and just by filming stuff you'll see ideas that you can add into a script. Thanks for comment, appreciate it.

[@PrettyLady7282]

thankyou very much for sharing your tips + your mistakes Sir. Like - thumb up - Subscribed

[@lucijatudor4267]

Can someone tell me where can I buy the camera and what is the editing program?It'll help me a lot!Plz someone answer....

[@TheRraj1992]

Can you plz tell me how to fluctuate my lights while filming a horror scene?

[@deepakmachal]

thanks for good tips ....

[@horrorproductions7994]

Deepak Machal PRANJAL FILMS I’m a new horror director and I’ve just done my first short Horror on my channel could you give me some advice on my channel and sub if you enjoyed!

[@GustavoArceMusic]

Im trying to do y first horror movie project

[@DuncanOutdoors05]

Do u think u could film a movie like this with a canon t6i?

[@jimking46]

Pls make a List with Links of the things you habe use in the production of the Video thx ^^

[@horriblemovie5213]

Darren Stevens Bewitch’s husbands *scarey sound effect*

[@thegeoffbomb]

what editor do you use

[@JackWildMovies]

Do you have any tips for beginners coz all I have is a camcorder and a tripod 😔

[@HuFilms]

+JackPW yes, all the tips in this video are for beginners.

[@canne3540]

Wow thx alot,...

[@GustavoArceMusic]

where can I get sound effects to use in my horror movie also I need to learn camera technics how to make my movie succeful

[@horrorproductions7994]

GustavoArceMusic I’m a new horror director and I’ve just done my first short Horror on my channel could you give me some advice on my channel and sub if you enjoyed!

[@mistashaft21]

nice....

[@jameshickey100]

Where can but these camera I am from UK Do you know how to make a good horror short film

[@SunnyDuttaRoy-ou6ue]

thnk u sir