How to shoot a short film ALONE in 3 hours.

Learn how to make a film by yourself as I attempt to shoot a short film in under 3 hours ALONE.
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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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00:00 The haters had a point...
01:05 The first shot
01:23 Monitoring yourself
03:00 Finishing shot 1
03:36 More ways to monitor yourself
05:47 Back to the shoot
06:20 Audio when filming yourself
07:49 The hardest shot of the film
09:17 Lighting & Focus when shooting alone
11:49 Back to the shoot - racing the sun
13:14 Camera movement when filming solo
14:29 The final shot
15:05 Directing yourself
17:15 THE FINISHED SHORT FILM

[@StandardStoryCo]

Want to make your own crowd-pleasing short film in a month? Save your spot in my new filmmaking course, WRAPPED in 30 Days! 🎬 bit.ly/SSC-Course

[@legostown6177]

Hi man can you make a video of how to make a short film completely alone with just a phone? Thanks

[@DanielWithaCamera]

It would be so cool if you had a series where you watched your fans short films and gave a rating/critique on what we could do better, P.S. Love your vids man keep it up

[@Werenotfriends7321]

It would bro :(

[@StandardStoryCo]

If you made it to the end, what did you think of the final film? Thinking about reshooting it in IMAX.

[@ivoiyo]

At the end, Fly is the star! Thanks for inspiring! Great video!😍🥳

[@fortworthclaimsadjusters9585]

Great for a solo job! It’s not easy trying to do it all!

[@StandardStoryCo]

A little special effects magic 🪄🪰

[@X.F.P.]

i liked it

[@cristobalgomezgutierrez8546]

Like it a lot! I remember a 1-minute short Festival in my home city and I used to think it was very hard to come up with short ideas. Yours would certaintly outstand! Also... great job directing the fly 😅 ! You weren't alone. God bless the reader!

[@shortstorytime7852]

OHH MAAAAN!!! I know exactly how hard it is to make a film COMPLETELY SOLO from scratch through the entire pipeline. Especially, when you have a box head which you can't see anything through and you gotta do a 1000 retakes cuz there's no one to monitor you... But no matter how much it sucks it's worth it in the end.

[@RodolfoVanzini]

"Stay calm, stay zen", a pearl of wisdom. Great. Great. Great. Thank you very much.

[@makestuffmike]

So good! Love the storytelling and the practical filmmaking tips too! Thanks so much for the great video!

[@EvanStark1994]

Dude this is GOLD! I entered a 24 hour film festival that my acting studio puts on. I have 24 hours to write, shoot and edit a short film and I'm doing it solo, so this video is literally perfect

[@SevenWuu]

How did it go!!!?? 🔥👀

[@JimMakosCom]

Oh man, I come for the knowledge and stay for the humour! Those film credits were so funny and certainly didn't expect the ending of this video. 🤣🤣🤣

[@peterlovegood3361]

Oh dude, i love your content so much. Every time i watch one of your videos i just get more and more excited about making film. Thank you very very much for this, you are not only the best content creator but also one hell of a filmmaker.

[@StandardStoryCo]

Thanks so much, I'm glad it's getting you pumped to go film!

[@JoshuaSutlive]

Great video! I’ve been struggling to finish one of my own short films that I’ve been working on for over a year now largely due to lack of motivation (and accidentally deleting all of my footage) so this really hit home for me! I guess seeing someone else go through the struggles of solo filmmaking got me excited to go out and keep doing it! Great job of keeping the video fun and entertaining while also teaching some good techniques!

[@RedDwarfNerd]

oh man, the lonely life of a KZbinr! 😂👍👍👍

[@phantomfrost6393]

Only the real creators understand

[@rovethan]

I’ve been watching your videos for quite sometime, and I myself love making short films. No cap your knowledge has helped me; you rock!

[@soggybawsmoto]

You’ve made me feel 100% better about doing multiple takes of the same sequence until I get it right. I always thought it was sheer frustration, but at least I’ve got a justification for it now. Closing tip of keeping it zen is super helpful too. Thanks

[@tamasd8]

11:31 Thanks for the nightmares

[@lpentertainment7995]

I really appreciate this one. Really inspiring. Any time I read an audio book or watch a movie a don't like, I've kept the idea of creating my own story VS hating on what someone else has created. My point... I'd bet 99% of those that had something negative to say about your short film (with actors in it) haven't created anything and would rather spend their time criticizing something someone else has created. Let it roll off your shoulder and keep producing. Thanks for the content bro!

[@pjotrk9651]

Thank you so much for this video!! I’m always struggling with focus and audio and you always help me. Every time I watch one of your videos I can’t wait to make another movie. Because of you I’m starting to take my movies to another level. Thank you so much for all your videos!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Excellent walkthrough of tips and techniques for filming yourself by yourself. And yes, directing yourself is stressful exactly in the way you described it. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.

[@ToTheMaxWorld]

Bro you're my hero, had my Sony a7iv for like 4-5 months been struggling in editing because missing details on this little 2 inch screen; and just figured out how to connect and use my phone as a monitor! Solid fam imma keep supporting this page like always

[@ryonadcock]

Loved it! Wow, I think it is great showing this aspect of filming. Sometimes, you just don't have people to help.

[@lilmilontiktok]

The timing of this upload is incredible. Ty

[@luke_mckay]

After about a year of getting into editing, I'm upgrading to one of those Asus Pro Duo 15's so I can get into more professional editing. I'm seriously considering your Patreon because those sounds like incredible resources! You're growing quickly! I just love your stuff. So bite sized, concise, and clear, for an otherwise convoluted and multi-faceted project like making a short film solo. As always, thanks Ken!

[@juliekrol]

I can’t believe how much work you put into this…wow ❤

[@jhunt5542]

This is beyond helpful! I've had to film by myself for the past year since I've started dabbling in filmmaking and this was super informative! Keep up the great work!

[@makestuffmike]

Totally motivated to film something today!

[@mrsselftaught]

I just finished the pilot episode of my show, it's premiering on Saturday, your videos have helped a lot and this one resonates so much because it took me 200 hours and a lot of sweat and tears to make the two part episode all by myself, I wish it would have only taken me 3 hours, there were moments I just wanted to through my monitor out the window because it's battery life is terrible, it literally just lets me check my exposure and it dies lol. BTW, I laughed so hard with this short film.

[@TailoredTechnique]

As SOON as the flip flops flew off I SMASHED that subscribe button

[@donhendricks3190]

Spot on! Excellent practical advice. AND ... your presentation style sets the standard of excellence. Love this channel - you make learning fun! Cheers and love from Atlanta.

[@pavel1kometa]

Man, your channel is like gift from heaven. Amazing content. I really appreciate all these insights. Thank you!

[@howchal5229]

A really nice way of creating content for new videographers or filmmakers, I really appreciate your help keep it going for the future filmmakers

[@1001Hobbies]

I shot a "My Rode Reel" contest entry by myself, plus a few actors. I also had to shoot BTS, as required by Rode to prove I was using their mics. I did everything myself except act or make the music. Wrote, Directed, DP'd, Camera Op, Sound, Lighting, BTS camera, set dress, Edit, SVFX, etc. I am very proud of how it came out. I have got into doing some acting so it's time to do one entirely alone like this now.

[@Wimana868]

The ending was hilarious lmao! Yow you inspire me so much. I found your page a few weeks ago and learning so much. I'm a total beginner and trying my best to start and self-teach filming. I'm def going to check out your Patreon.

[@centperk]

That short is fucking hilarious.

[@mmm57097]

The final film is AWESOME I really like it !

[@DrRussell]

The *BEST* flex; turning hate in to value. Respect Sir. Subbed.

[@HenrySevere]

This has the energy of a fun educational video that a teacher would play in class I love that

[@TreeHaven]

Great film man I love the way you explain everything so I guy like me can understand. The part where you turn your hat around backwards just to hit the bill on the bench then turned your hat back around was 👊 I have literally done that bench pressing more than once🤣🤣 Love your channel and how you present your videos!

[@Weezeeskids]

This was great. I love all the free advice since I am a broke filmmaker planning on filming my first short with me 'alone' doing all the work once I get a crowdfunding budget and market the heck out of it. Thanks again. I feel like I am learning everything I can't afford to buy in a school training course.

[@artbrutfilm]

I'm soooooo glad I found your channel...always good stuff!!

[@MilesThorne]

Excellent! Just what I needed. Your advice is gold.

[@DaveTheTurd]

Also, with having moving shots, I've used one of those 360 cameras on a tripod in the center of the space, which captures literally everything... and I add the movement and pans/tilts etc in post. I've had great results that way. Granted, the footage doesn't match up perfectly with my primary camera, but for occasional shots, it's been great.

[@MtZionMediaPro]

HAHAHAH that lighting joke with the mask! Love your sense of humor 😂 Everything else is great! Thank you for taking us on this journey with you & being open about your wins & losses! 🙏🏾💜

[@URBONED]

Great video with a lot of great tips. The one I would add is don't be afraid to shoot at f8 or f16. A lot of amateur cinematographers feel that everything needs to be shot with the lens wide open in order to be 'cinematic', but for the sake of getting a little more wiggle room with your focus is worth the small sacrifice. Look at filmmakers like John Ford who was famous for composing shots with deep focus. As long as the background isn't becoming distracting (you should compose with the background in mind regardless), a shot can look just as good if not better around f8 because most lenses are at their sharpest in that mid range.

[@mrdemetric35]

Love your channel bro! 🤜🏿🤛🏻

[@NickBrengle]

Glad your channel was recommended! Love your style! 😎😎😎

[@mackenziezp]

perfect timing, just what I needed

[@darrinlalla9008]

Brilliant. Thanks for the push.

[@sulemanstudios]

Yo how is this guy goated at directing, camera, lighting, editing and acting. Epic film :)

[@samuelbusse]

Really glad I found your channel! Love the content. And those presonus monitors kick ass for the price. I have the 5 inch versions and love them!

[@aztrafilmes6062]

THIS TUTORIAL REALLY WORKS I AM FROM PHILIPPINES! THIS MAN DESERVES A SUBSCRIPTION!

[@REELKILLERS]

Dope!! Loved it. Thanks.

[@thewellvideoproductions8244]

Luvn your channel! Good stuff, very applicable tips and pointers that are actually used in the real world of videography!

[@horrorfiles]

I loved it so much when you flipped the screen panel so you could see yourself 😅😅 that’s how you do it! Haha I’ve never used a monitor, honestly can’t wait till I can but until then its all figuring out how to make it work. Thank you for your tips!

[@ColinAbramsfilms]

I make most of my films by myself so I appreciate the video and tips. Loved the finished film at the end

[@matcarpes]

Great video! Loved the final result

[@haklguru-everythingnotphoto]

levels... nicely done brother!

[@DeLaSoul246]

"This is something you'll NEVER see on youtube!" *flips camera screen* Lol that one got me. I was also a little disappointed the other video of yours on shooting alone featured actors so thanks for this! Will be watching it a few times, I'm sure.

[@GibsonCreativeStudio]

Thanks for the tips. Glad I found your channel. Final cut was fantastic.

[@SITHWAX]

Dude.. great short film... great instruction. Thank you for all you do for everyone.

[@BaxTechYT]

Fantastic video! Solid reminder that flies are terrible spotters

[@kumakick6038]

Good stuff! Im sure this was not easy to create … u killed it 🏆😌👌🏾

[@aliabsolute2060]

I needed this!

[@cetrick_yeanay]

Good for you man. This is hella cool and thanks

[@jbmar2792]

On my lunch break right now working on a film. Thanks for the tips.

[@mysecretdiary5580]

This is the most useful video I have seen on youtube

[@paulineawinja]

Wow this is really nice

[@saunterfilms]

This film is a real fun comedy! Great interaction with objects!

[@ToddDeSilva]

While I didn’t use some of those monitoring stuff I did create a short film by myself using only an iPhone and and dji osmo mobile gimbal. Great tips!!! Gonna use some of those for my next one!

[@HeyGavn]

It was so good!! Loved it.

[@jin_asap]

I'm starting out in video editing and filming. These are some great tips! Subscribed

[@gman7877able]

The flip flops 🩴 flying off did it for me 😂😂😂😂!!! Great 👍🏽 video lesson, thank you 🙏.

[@Unapologedits]

I LITERALLY just finished doing this for my school project. Your tips would’ve been helpful earlier 😂😂 ty!

[@mohossain]

great tips mate. thank you.

[@acehasviews]

omg this was awesome and the final product was hilarious.

[@Garytyronejohnson]

Awesome job!

[@OneWaveFilms]

That was awesome!! Definitely inspired!

[@krookedtease]

That was brilliant man, really enjoyed Flyweight

[@camilofx]

I also have a lumix!! that turning little screen is pretty rad

[@ananthkrishv]

Loved it 🙌

[@Animayta]

About 90% of my short films are me filming myself, and yes it can get frustrating very quickly lol. For monitoring I use the Inkee Benbox wireless transmitter, solid transmitter for around $100. Love the video man🫡

[@fueljunkiemedia]

Love the video and all tips

[@tuperhero]

Brilliant film, loved the foreshadowing with the fly and the jump cut at the end was timed to perfection. Only thing I didn't love was the cut at 18:04 to a very similar shot, maybe an extra close up could have helped ? Also, great advice all around. The one thing I always struggle the most with is focus, no matter how hard I try I'm also a few inches off and slightly soft... And it's the one thing that's hard to fix in post (speaking of which, post production, especially compositing, is another huge asset when filming alone). Great work, late to this but following all your stuff.

[@RafaelGarcia-jk4bz]

Awsome material!!!!

[@matro7655]

This video is so lit. Good shit

[@sonnygproductions2027]

Bravo ! Thanks Dude

[@popcorngoregothicgrindhous5820]

Awesome Short Film Bro, it's a Masterpiece and You Definitely Inspired Me to Start on My Adventure Filming Thanks Bro for Sharing💯🎬

[@chriswonderart]

You're so good man. I learnt & laughed at the same time 🙌🏽😂

[@JayFingers]

🤣🤣🤣 Great job! The film was hilarious - perfect title, too! Thanks for the tips, as always. Very informative. Cheers, Kent! 🙌🏾

[@hybridjunky584]

5:40 "thats me inthe little square right there "👌🏾👌🏾😂you made my whole day 🇿🇦 🤍

[@vehmiofficial]

That's very useful video ❤ love it broo

[@Sandor3D]

Nice work man gj

[@depechemoto]

The flip flops flying are genius! Please add flip flops flying off in slo mo from front angle where your feet come up. Or even just hitting the wall in slo mo LOL. Great job on all your vids and films, very inspiring!

[@odiviomariano1335]

That was brilliant what !!!

[@_20nine_]

I love the bulk then the small little Laowa lens. haha

[@niponpensil]

Amazing

[@JohnHarrerHorses]

Man! You covered everything. We’ll, not the writing of the book, I guess. Did you know Ricky before he died? Awesome video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@denischristopher1220]

straight to the point.

[@edisonlopez6086]

Great video. Literally about to sign up for your patreon.

[@photorreia]

Super fun, thank you! Very good film.

[@thecoolroom]

Brilliance!

[@dtaylorkailua2]

Great video. That is really funny. Well Done.