Making a Hollywood-level film SOLO

How I made a Hollywood-level sci-fi as a solo filmmaker with my girlfriend.
Try out Artlist: (GET 2 EXTRA MONTHS FREE) Artlist -
bit.ly/3XVnCs2
Learn how to make movies like I do:
www.cinematicacademy.ca/
Speical thanks to
Matt Azzarello for his BTS wizardary
‪@MattAzzarello‬
My Partner in crime and life, Jacquline Dos Santos, for writing and starring in this epic!
Also, thank you, Genis Revas, for being J's stunt double!
Finally thank you Small Rigs for the powerful light we used:
www.smallrig.com/SmallRig-RC-...
Jump to my favourite bits!
0:00 Making a sci fi for under $500
01:10 Shooting a film Hybrid
2:10 The biggest mistake
2:44 1 year later
3:05 shooting it like Christopher Nolan
6:06 How we made our film BIGGER
8:35 The film we made
10:43 I wish I knew this before
11:23 what I learned making a Hollywood-level film
12:44 the biggest gatekeeper to your success
13:35 how to make a film like this
13:59 This will change how you make movies

[@cgustaff4807]

1. Find locations that you can afford. 2. Write script that has a fresh story. 3. Gather actors. 4. Shoot. 5. Post. 6. Stick to 1 to 5 no matter what.

[@ZachRamelan]

Great advice

[@nuanyibai]

I am currently trying to create a short film all by myself. I have already made one short film, but it feels like no one is watching. I can only silently persist。Keep up the great work, and don't lose hope!

[@edinem1996]

I recently found your channel and I admire your motivation of doing all the hard work just to give a life of something so unique you can proudly say "I did it!". I can totally relate cus I am filming all of my short films with my girlfriend and I know all the ups and downs :D keep up the good work!

[@Filmlove453]

I love your channel. I'm about to film a short film, solo in two weeks your videos are a big help.

[@ZachRamelan]

Good luck on the shoot!

[@Filmlove453]

@@ZachRamelan thanks that means a lot…

[@BryceDocherty]

Thank you so much Zach for being genuine and just enjoying creating films. Im in The Art Of Documentary and mainly do docs, but I am starting to get into narrative a bit, more hybrid stuff. Following your curiosity as an artist is the best thing you can do. Im also so glad you and Jackie have each other to be creative with. Keep being you man!

[@ZachRamelan]

Bro this comment means a lot. Funny enough AOD taught me so much about narrative filmmaking and storytelling across the board. Congrats on investing in your career. Thank you so much for the kind words, it fuels J and I to keep making stuff ❤️

[@instrumentalcentral6028]

Your videos inspire me and are always very helpful. I love the tips you include!

[@LukeMackie]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, the final result was great man

[@masterswell6678]

Trailer was sick

[@karmatraining]

Absolutely love the message here. Start with the best possible script. Have every character WANT something. And ideally, there should be a conflict where two or more parties want things that are in direct opposition (see: Game of Thrones). When things get worse, the script gets better. Just classic Hero's Journey stuff. You can make a video with your iPhone, it doesn't matter if the script isn't compelling enough to begin with. If you don't understand, read GoT or the script for Pulp Fiction.

[@DaveSy]

Awesome reflection of this solo filmmaking journey! I recall watching the BTS last year and it's cool to see the continuation and resolution of that work here.

[@ZachRamelan]

Thanks for being apart of the journey Dave

[@GabrielJThomas]

Nice work on the trailer!

[@RedHead-cq6mj]

I loved episode one its so great to finally get part two

[@atmospheer3812]

Yo another banger I think the editing side would be cool to see too, maybe like one video on it to see how it goes... Definitely more interested in the cinematography and shooting side of things, but the edit which brings it all together would be cool to see; the process.

[@UnderdogMotorsports]

Awesome work as always,, keep it up.

[@ZachRamelan]

Thank you so much

[@AtakhanAliyev]

You are amazing brother ! Keep doing it ! Good Luck !

[@theresemarkham9387]

Another great video!

[@MoondustProductionFilms]

Great insights Zach, it's very inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us. Please tell us which gimbal did you use during the shoot?

[@ZachRamelan]

Thank you! Ronin S2

[@sankeerthreddy295]

Bro I learnt a lot from you man. I hope you make it big one day. Love from India….

[@ZachRamelan]

Love from Canada

[@olamoen315]

Looks good, but remember to make a cut on the snow for each new shot.

[@LouisFindlay]

Really enjoyed this. Always appreciate a BTS video. FYI, next time you need a BRIT to do V.O, give me a shout. I'll do it for free just to avoid someone using A.I. All the best Zach

[@ZachRamelan]

Ya! Will keep that in mind man!

[@VLADKING24]

Like what you’re doing bro..great work

[@vraalten]

Great creative work! Keep going and certainly do not use Hollywood as a prime example of aesthetics. As an artist you must carve out your own path!

[@gollestaniart]

This is great! Thanks for the inspiration

[@ZachRamelan]

You are so welcome!

[@ZachRamelan]

Should we make it a feature?

[@mottavisuals]

YES!

[@DronkenDrenthen]

Yes!!!! broaden it. Bring in an antagonist and a goal.

[@evilpigskin]

I think it would work better as a series, the moods, scenarios, characters...etc

[@MrShanePhoto]

Step 1 write a script with a story worth telling. 😂

[@patelmustakim8386]

Millions on the way❤

[@Victor-Rojas]

Great job! Did you have to do ADR for the exterior shots?

[@ZachRamelan]

Great question! Canadian Winters are usually dead quiet, so the sound was great out of the shotgun mic on my camera

[@Victor-Rojas]

@@ZachRamelan wow - sounds very clean.

[@enb00025]

Well done bro! Excellent work.

[@ZachRamelan]

Thanks man

[@beleenramirezz77]

Deserves an award!!

[@ZachRamelan]

Thank you so much

[@ColinHuijser]

Wow that looks exactly like a youtube film shot on a Sony A7C!

[@ZachRamelan]

So close it was the FX3

[@StanleyGurvich]

go ARTLIST! your grades are stellar btw!

[@SaintProductions1]

where can I find the movie, I think you are saying "rogue wave"?

[@ZachRamelan]

It’s not out yet! But I’ll be releasing stuff on it soon!

[@CristiRoman]

😎🔥🔥

[@benjamingentile1660]

you guys rule!

[@filmalgarve3512]

nice!

[@leonagraves3450]

When you say “under $500” I don’t understand… how much did one of those jumpsuits cost? The camera? The mics? Post production computers and software? The time off from work? Staying in that location? Even the board you were riding costs money… it’s still very cool don’t get me wrong I just don’t get the budget being “under $500”!

[@Filmsource]

Good points, tho keep in mind a lot of this things can be borrowed or sponsored, already owned. You don't add you socks and jocks to the budget because you're wearing them on the day. The budget may refer to things specifically bought for the shoot. An excellent way to save is to borrow or contra what you need that will keep what you perceive on screen as a cost, to not actually be a cost. Hope it helps.

[@leonagraves3450]

@@Filmsource I greatly appreciate your vote of confidence and advisement in helping others to achieve their cinematic dreams. Though, I will say, I find “socks and jocks” to be a false equivalent of prosumer cameras, audio, and computer equipment.

[@Filmsource]

@@leonagraves3450 The message I intended to convey is that "contra" deals and borrowing help keep the budget down, ensuring that items on screen are not necessarily a direct cost. I am not involved in that particular video, just another viewer like yourself. However, I have been part of projects where the on-screen items did not reflect their actual costs. Cameras, microphones, jumpsuits, and other equipment might have been borrowed, donated, or acquired through other means, allowing these people to avoid paying for them. For instance, in one film, we had access to an army tank and a helicopter at no cost. We were even allowed to shoot at the location for free. I did however do a cost comparison after to see how much $ I had saved! - It's great when kind people come on board to help your projects look like a million bucks! :)

[@ZachRamelan]

Hey chiming in here! The budget was minus my own gear. With my brand new FX3, MacBook Pro, and gimbal added the budget would be closer to $8500. I highly recommend all filmmakers to NOT buy anything, rather rent or borrow until you can get these things.

[@nuanyibai]

I am currently trying to create a short film all by myself. I have already made one short film, but it feels like no one is watching. I can only silently persist. My production costs were very low, spending less than $5

[@shahedkhan195]

how many camera film maker use in professional film making to take a scene ?

[@ZachRamelan]

One for this film!

[@Cinema_guy]

I always love your videos

[@ZachRamelan]

I always love you Cinema_guy

[@Cinema_guy]

@@ZachRamelan lol?

[@jackiehale3730]

let's gooooo!!!!

[@Cinema_guy]

?

[@jackiehale3730]

@@Cinema_guy "let's go" excited for video drop.. haha

[@Cinema_guy]

@@jackiehale3730 oh I get it 🥲

[@I_am_a_real_Eric]

I really enjoyed this! I would watch a video editing if you made it!

[@ZachRamelan]

Yes!!!🙌

[@shaunbless]

Add interrogation story make your footage throw backs

[@michaeloswald3776]

very cool! what was that desert location?

[@ZachRamelan]

Egypt 🇪🇬

[@DreamsToRealityLLC]

Thank you bro for making this. You are letting current and new film maker know they you can still get your film done you just have to shoot and be willing to be creative.

[@tormenta91303]

Holllly shyyyyyyyt this is seriously soooo GOOD!

[@ZachRamelan]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Bandkstudios]

Does she like hunger games or do you like the hunger games

[@ZachRamelan]

We both like hunger games, but Jacquie loves it.

[@Bandkstudios]

@@ZachRamelan i have read all the books and i love it it is an amazing story

[@DawgHouseVideo]

Looks amazing. Bad dialogue.

[@hzubovi1]

doesn't look like a Hollywood level movie

[@RichardsShortHorrorFilms]

Your justification for using AI actors is absurd. Replace "As an independent filmmaker with... "As a cheap filmmaker..." It would take almost no effort or money to hire a voice actor with their own studio off Backstage. I like some of your shots but cutting corners by not hiring an actor is wrong.

[@ZachRamelan]

I agree that we should hire actors and real talent for our projects. That said, for weekend passion projects that don’t have a budget, I’ll continue using tools that are available so I can advertise my work and book gigs that do have money.

[@RichHackney_Editor_VFX]

this is neither "hollywood level" not SOLO... so, bye

[@ZachRamelan]

Thanks for the comment

[@mayastatic]

Hollywood Quality.. next Video NETFLIX quality... maybe just try: Make a movie with NO Crew? Social Media is just Clickbait and nothing more....

[@ZachRamelan]

Really appreciate you watching the video

[@InTheStreetsWithQuis]

I think the quality video he’s trying to make is important. Cause if its just a cheesy home movie anybody can do that no video needed. IMO

[@mayastatic]

@@ZachRamelan I didn´t.. at least not all... Don´t get me wrong! You do good stuff! But it is not Hollywood nor Netflix.. If it would.. so.. why wouldn´t Hollywood do it your way instead and save millions? Just saying... doing honest quality content without the need of boulevard Headlines, is the true way of success... So it separates KZbinr from Filmmakers.. Look at Filmmakers Academy.. He is a true Hollywood DoP and does not say that as often I read it in Video Titles... I could say I met Roger Deakins bla bla.. and?? Now I am Hollywood or what? It is just stupid... in my humble opinion.. Besides that.. again, you make good stuff!

[@mayastatic]

@@InTheStreetsWithQuis True! Just needed to make my point.. wrote it above.

[@greyesgabriel]

@@ZachRamelan You'll never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You'll always be criticized by someone doing less. Keep up the good work man!

[@artmicca]

Sorry, you need to think out of the Netflix money box. Sky-fi is not about FX, you need to build a World of conflict and feed witnesses with adrenaline. You try to promote and make money with no budget. I'm sorry, that doesn't work.

[@ZachRamelan]

Thanks for saying this, I agree! That’s why we had trouble finishing the film

[@artmicca]

@@ZachRamelan You are making amazing steps to produce a quality movie! Do not give up! 💪

[@andynonimuss6298]

But... shooting your girlfriend in the woods or your girlfriend on the beach is what every male videographer does. Good effort man, but don't kid yourself... the look, feel, setting, and acting are still far from Hollywood level.

[@ZachRamelan]

Appreciate your comment, that said we both put a lot of effort into the writing, production, and post production of these videos - baking a bit of our soul into all our work. In exchange comments like these hurt. While as artists we can’t avid criticism we can continue to make art for those who want to watch it. Thanks for checking out the channel, sorry it didn’t reach your standard.

[@andynonimuss6298]

@@ZachRamelan Sorry what I said stung you, but you put this on yourself by publicly proclaiming what you are doing is Hollywood level. It is clearly not. How many people get on American Idol thinking they can sing, when they really just sound bad and will never have a successful career in music. I'm not knocking your hard-fought efforts, just trying to bring you down to reality so you can get stronger, and produce better creative work in the future. If you really want to produce Hollywood level work, you are going to have to dig in, start again with a fresh perspective, and then come back stronger than before. Learn how to take a critique and grow from it.

[@TheStoriesWeTell]

Like the channel, but the clickbait titles with Hollywood level quality is not needed, it's not. It's nicely done, impressive to do on your own, but nowhere near the quality of a big Hollywood production, not even a arthouse production. Its in the details, and while you can really make interesting stuff on your own with such a small crew, in the end there is limitations regarding number of actors, sound, art direction, ligthing. Film is to use a nice German word a gesamtkunstwerk.

[@ZachRamelan]

I agree man. Sorry if the title came across as clickbaity, I’m trying to make this a career too, and unfortunately YT prioritizes CTR as a way to succeed. That said I don’t want it to detract from the content so I appreciate your words.

[@Zraihan98]

WHATS HER ONLYFANS bro ????????