Making a short film for the first time with NO budget

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed this video and found it helpful maybe if you're a beginner filmmaker and interested in making a short film. I'll be documenting the entire process of making a short film for the first time, so make sure you sub if you're curious :)
Things mentioned in this video:
Story circle video: • Using the Story Circle...
Lights Out (short film turned into feature): • Lights Out - Who's The...
Film It Yourself (budget worksheet): • How To Budget A Film P...
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If you read this comment your fav movie

[@AudreyEmber]

Heyyy! Super excited to document my process of making my first short film! What do you want to see?

[@JChenTech]

Obstacles! How you manage to fix and overcome them!

[@ThanhLe-os2mi]

How you communicate your idea to the cinematographer, do you strictly want the scene to go exactly like how you imagine it or do you let the cinematographer play around with ideas?

[@zellesev1240]

Writing!! Casting !! Pré-production stuff like sets/location scouting/ castings / bts before the actual filming days like are there any hair and makeup stuff haha excited for u audrey

[@liz8129]

As a novice filmmaker I can attest to this so badly. Planning and pre-production is KEY. if you don't have the work and research put in, production goes really wonky. I directed and wrote my first short film as part of a 1 year course. I definitely had to change my script due to budget. For scriptwriting, there's a software that literally makes things easier, I forgot the name. Directing is a real JOB, filmmaking in general. Exhausting but so worth it when you see the end product and why you're doing it. Get out there I would say. Collaborate with friends, make do with what you have. It's an amazing process.

[@tiktokcompilations7027]

I’m writing a whole tv show for fun 😭🤚

[@EVonShay]

Nothing wrong with that

[@el_tacos8752]

Bruh same

[@nykrev]

When is it coming out and where can I find it

[@claire.823]

sounds cool! what's it about?

[@Real69406]

@@claire.823 I’m making a horror movie is called” monster planet”

[@livinlavidaloki2158]

When you don’t even want to learn how to make a short film but you’re the best so here we are watching lol

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

I personally find that the budgeting issue is the easiest to deal with...assume you don't have one. Make films using stuff you already have, can borrow, or are just really cheap or might be locatable in a thrift store. Learning how to do everything yourself is invaluable, even if you have help in that area. If someone flakes out on you, you can just step in and do it yourself.

[@joeroberto8707]

I can’t wait to see what you come up with!! I’ll be really excited to see your progress and the journey you’re going on. Can’t wait to see what’s next

[@alysonhalbreich296]

Thank you for making. This is going to help countless amount of people.

[@austingrubbs1992]

Audrey, I hope you have a blast making your first short. In college, I wrote and directed several short films and worked on dozens of others. They were the most fun projects even when they turned out awful! Short films are a lot of fun and you learn something new every time so fret too much when you see tiny mistakes throughout your final edit. P.S. Use Celtx to write your script. It’s free.

[@AudreyEmber]

Couple people have recommended that, I’ll check it out! Thanks!!

[@T3GMedia]

Great breakdown! I'm excited to see what you make. Shorts have been my favorite things to make this year.

[@Diaz55]

Writing a script at first is a bit confusing but as soon as you get used to you will know it isnt that bad. Good video by the way the intro was good I liked that one.

[@AllanFoxSongs]

Enjoyed this video very much. Authentic and honest...and informative!

[@Don_armando]

Wow, I mean I barely know the process of filmmaking, and looking forward to being one, every single video I watched was like the same stuff but this, I think someone finally understands me and how frustrating can be the process of filmmaking, great video and I know it isn´t big stuff but thank you so dang much, new sub over here ;D

[@yuranimations]

Thank you audrey for this a bighelp for me on the cinematography ❤️✨😍and filming my vlogs

[@Derbyshire_bird_tours]

I've been waiting for ages for you to take on a short film, really excited to see what you come up with. Stay safe.

[@AudreyEmber]

U too!!

[@KatyaPaden]

My fav movie is Pitch Perfect 2. I did my first ever horror short last Halloween. Lucky I have a real actor for a coach who helped me a ton. First ever story boarding. So much to learn. Story arcs. Thanks for your insight!

[@drez.23]

Love this format. Keep it up!

[@TheRosso]

Nicee! I like the idea of documenting the making of your short film

[@RyanClaytonFilms]

Great breakdown. I’m in the same spot right now trying to figure it all out! Thanks!

[@sebastiantt]

Yay loved this one! These are great.

[@Far_Alfield]

Hey, Audrey. This was great. I'm a little older than you, and I've always wanted to make movies but I've been a little too afraid, so it's nice to hear you asking the same questions as me. I do have a writing background, and the transition into screenplaty from ficiton and journalism was challenging but also really rewarding. If you have any questions for me, I'll be happy to share what I know. Anyway, this is the first of your videos that I've watched, so I'm def going to check out the rest of what you're offering. I'm curious to find out how things have gone for you over the last year. Anyway, looking forward to seeing what you're up to, now.

[@OwenEDell]

This was great and refreshing. Thanks.

[@RiteshRajbhandari-lp]

We've really missed you, y'know? Edit(after actually watching the video😂): Personally, I'd love to see more snippets of your cinematography. You could use older unused clips to make some sort of "scrapbook"/"video collage" if that makes sense

[@AudreyEmber]

I missed posting so much!! So excited to be back :) and thanks for the idea!!

[@alishasinflorant5758]

Great video, clear to understand!

[@raheem_4689]

Very helpful video😍👌🏻 Thanks Audrey👍🏻

[@AmericanActionReport]

My first two steps in making a no-budget film was 1.) take stock of my resources (a 10-year-old pocket camera, Microsoft Office tools such as PowerPoint 2014, a hiking trail, the rooms in my house, a few usable sites within two miles of my home (guerrilla filmmaking), supplementary footage from movies in the public domain, and one actor who was I) and 2.) ask myself, "What story can I tell with the limited resources I have?" I ended up making a 118-minute movie for the princely sum of $13.47. Most of the budget was spent on print-outs for the ersatz "script."

[@blairmorgan9700]

Been watching ur vids sense you where in one of Peter Makinnon's videos and I have to say I love the videos you post.

[@Tzippi]

Very helpful! I took notes! Thank you!

[@twoofcrows]

This made me laugh. I really enjoyed your experience with Super 8 and how you went about DIYing your entire process

[@rissamayrox]

Ooo, I like the title cards. The lizard one was my fave lol. Also, "Lights Out" such a good short film. You should watch "Stutterer" as well, by far one of the best short films I've ever seen. I think you're going to do great, but if you have any specific questions you can always hit me up 😎

[@watchvidz7162]

I think characters are right there with story & then scenery. U can have a generic plot but great characters will keep me engaged

[@VicLeuterioMyTube]

Hi Audrey, I am happy to find your channel. I am also first time to make film. and I am trying it learn how to do it. I will gladly would love to learn more

[@funvideos992]

This helped a lot thanks 🤩

[@owaisyousuf333]

You are one of the best KZbinrs. Love from Pakistan.

[@Crime823]

This was helpful. I have done 2 features but I want to start making shorts as well.

[@moontasir]

Love you. Love your content ❤

[@lander1898]

Thanks for the tips.

[@a.p.productioninstitutepal5604]

Nice explain film making details

[@nothingnobodynever]

Just discovered your channel through this video and some really solid work here. Really dig your style of information delivery. I was a little bummed to discover there weren't any more videos on making a short though. If the project idea is still of interest but temporarily in the artistic limbo we all fall into from time to time, I'd like to offer some pointers as a fellow independent filmmaker. First, I noticed you looked to a lot of bigger budget/larger scale productions for reference which did provide useful info, but I think also can make it seem like your first film has to be this behemoth of a project. It can be really easy to settle into the idea that there's a "right" way to go about making a movie as you dive into the technical side, but the truth is you can make one however you want/can. That can also be overwhelming, so I'd say start small and simple. Acting faster than the doubt can catch up with you is helpful. Tackling a 1 - 5 minute short with minimal locations, actors, and dialogue I feel would be a great step to recalibrating expectations. It's a low stakes way to try out the process, see if you like it, and move on if you don't. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be the best you can do at the time within your constraints. Like many others when first diving in, if your caught up in the daunting questions of "I want to be a filmmaker but what is a filmmaker? How can I even be a filmmaker? What's my voice?" etc. then I have some straightforward answers. You have the production equipment and experience (the same that you use for your videos) to easily make some great short and/or feature films. You've got a huge backlog of content on this channel. You already are a filmmaker. Your artistic voice will shine through just by being you. It's like breathing. If you're still looking for technical info on the process and some inspiration, I'd like to recommend the Australian filmmaker Holly Hargreaves. Her channel has some great, transparent breakdowns of how she makes her short films and her creative process. Her channel can be found here: kzbin.info Sorry for the long winded message from a stranger, but I liked your stuff and wanted to contribute back in a way. Hope you're doing well and keep the great work.

[@AudreyEmber]

Wow thanks for taking the time to write this! I’m still planning on doing a lower scale short whenever I have the time, I’ll keep these tips in mind :) and I’ll check out that channel! Thanks!

[@nothingnobodynever]

@@AudreyEmber yay! Really glad to hear that. Based on your previous work, I'm confident it will very strong and uniquely you.

[@GarrettPH]

dude great video

[@dramaticallysane]

love this! thanks for inspiring me to start up my own channel

[@AudreyEmber]

That’s so awesome dude, good luck with your channel!

[@KyleCWong]

That's amazing! Congratulations with getting started!

[@patrickkelly4070]

I await your film with joy

[@phenomenaltacos3180]

Hi I'm starting as a film director and writing scripts for short films. This helo alot thanks you 🙏 Great Advice.

[@thoughtsofcinema4817]

Awesome video Audrey! Btw, you can use celtx for scriptwriting. I've been using it for a year and it's great!

[@AudreyEmber]

I’ll check it out, thanks!

[@AimaOj.]

Yes, please! I'd love to see your process making your first short film.

[@AudreyEmber]

Coming soon! :D

[@ThomasSMcNamara]

Hi Audrey, great video. I highly recommend Final Draft for writing screenplays. It is pretty much the industry standard. Also, check out other screenplays. There is a post on No Film School from Oct. 31 2019 called Download the 2020 Academy Awards Screenplay Now and More. They link to about 40 screenplay PDFs of 2019 films hoping to get nominated. There’s things like Joker, Knives Out, Ford vs Ferrari, 1917 and many others. One or two links might be dead, but most should still work. Also, everything Anton Wong said in his comment. All good stuff.

[@mikemikemikemikemike169]

Awesome!!

[@ZezFilmsGH]

Thanks KZbin, for recommending yet other helpful filmmaking channel to me. Love the video, l picked up quite a few new things. I don't really script, but l love to storyboard my story!!!

[@AudreyEmber]

Welcome! Hopefully will actually be making a short this summer so stay tuned :)

[@ZezFilmsGH]

@@AudreyEmber I'll definitely love to see it, Good luck on your project

[@gaspersitar2497]

200+ videos made...26k subs...you are massively underrated

[@AudreyEmber]

haha thanks? :)

[@Brodauyot12]

Thanks for sharing

[@flavialacerda6160]

Hey! I really liked this video, it was interesting and informative. It's cool to see someone learn something that sometimes seems out of reach for me. Seeing you go through this process makes it seem possible, attainable and that I believe makes it really fun to watch. Even if I don't intend to do the same for a moment it feels like we're in the project together

[@AudreyEmber]

We're in the same boat, I don't know what I'm getting myself into haha. Hope maybe this series will inspire u to do it yourself too! :D

[@cutie_army7718]

Thank you so much 😭

[@Amndnns]

I love your videossssss thats why im still hereee until the end of it haahahahaha

[@JuanEscalona10]

Amazing 🤩

[@BairAyushov]

Hey Audrey! Thanks for the video, great tips as always! I wanna shot short-film as well, but every time put off this with no reason. Also, about your Step 5, I do have (as I think) a lot of experience in sort of special effects, I worked as compositing artists, did some keying and compositing stuff, also was making the sort of effects in After Effects and know well this software. As for now, I work as a motion-designer on a TV-channel, and doing like 2D animation, some VFX, cleaning-up, tracking, some VFX, transitions, explanation videos and all these things So if you need help pls, lemme know, I'll help for sure!! Wanna share my knowledge with other creators. Or help with some projects instead

[@omarseifeldin4829]

its so comfort listening to you, I'm wondering why 5 months u haven't shown up

[@AudreyEmber]

soon soon

[@vincelobulu4681]

Hi Audrey...it's been a while since I commented on a video you posted, despite watching all of them. I'm mostly a latecomer to the vlogs, but that's because of time difference between the *US* and over here in Kenya. I like watching how you're progressing in terms of creativity. I've been here since The Peter Mckinnon Broll video...when you had approximately 500subs, and imma be here for however long the channel exists. I appreciate you, Just like you do Us. Looking forward to more new content. Be Safe!

[@AudreyEmber]

Appreciate you for sticking around! Thanks so much Vince :))

[@Tchcnx]

Video 180 😊 No budget shorts that brings back memories

[@johnmichael_]

Great video! Just earned a subscriber lol

[@8lec_R]

David Sandberg is the director of Shazam. And he's a great friend of the guys over at Film Riot 😀

[@laurachase]

Youvaew awesome can you do a video how to to b roll or what kind of b roll you should do when and why but also explained for an absolute beginner /newby

[@RainyGrinch]

Hey! I'm in a similar situation as the one described here - I have the script written (that may be edited later) and an idea of cast, and it's definitely low/no budget and uses the things I already have available. But we're locked down in the UK too, which makes the process significantly harder... thanks for posting this vid #helpful

[@AudreyEmber]

Ugh that’s tough - good thing u have a lot of time to refine the script 😅😅😅😅😅

[@RainyGrinch]

@@AudreyEmber absolutely, though the risk is there of obsessing over it for too long instead of just going and filming it! I guess I'll just have to try to avoid that mistake! I'm subbed now btw, thanks for your content, super helpful!

[@kellsliving3220]

something i am thinking of doing

[@AudreyEmber]

Do ittttt

[@jasons.9624]

❤

[@zanzoun1321]

💙

[@thomaswharton6053]

Yes. Do it. ... and take us along.

[@doommachinectv2238]

cool video

[@Bobadillaadventurs]

Hey friend what's up are you doing good to see you again I'm actually already started to film my short film wish I'd been planning it for a whole year and I already started it I am excited

[@AudreyEmber]

Woo excited for ya!

[@Bobadillaadventurs]

Thank friend

[@khtv14]

1000th like

[@skullsai6915]

How do u make ur thumbnail??

[@sungabriel6803]

The camera gear link doesn't work.

[@barksy4362]

Love you’re videos!!!!

[@AudreyEmber]

So happy u like emmm

[@Wtm_ty]

👍🏁

[@johnnyray5515]

Hi. I notice you're in Atlanta. I'm a fellow student filmmaker, and I'm from north Georgia. If you ever want to collaborate, I am always looking to network with fellow filmmakers and work on projects. Let me know if you're interested. I loved the video and you gave some great advice. Keep up the great work.

[@DavidZhou]

Idk but you have such an interesting bedroom lol

[@MinecraftProfessors1]

your channel is fucking awesome

[@AudreyEmber]

aw thanks :)

[@vashtipadrones2255]

may I ask what editor you use?

[@AudreyEmber]

Premiere pro!

[@proshooters1]

I remember my first short film it was so bad 😂 and then gradually I got better and better and 2 years ago I won best cinematographer in a film festival

[@AudreyEmber]

Goals!!

[@marcelmgm8313]

Commentary for the algorithm

[@jaylarey1796]

Hi can anyone help me out? me and my friends want to make a short film for fun. is it still okay to say who directed and wrote the script in the “movie” ? i don’t want people to think it’s real or professional.(even though i doubt it would look that good) it’s just a couple of friends messing around :)

[@jrmillerfilms]

Yes! The credits are literally giving credit where it's due. People worked on the short film, it's okay to put their name on it.

[@ShyShyTv]

Did you ever make the short film ?

[@AudreyEmber]

👀

[@ShyShyTv]

@@AudreyEmber 😂😂

[@ShyShyTv]

Follow my insta! Shyproductions

[@lexramsay3369]

Good luck with the film! lex.ramsay

[@BADCATMEDIA]

Can we have a conversation over the phone? I have a few questions for you.

[@nhuyghe]

I can be cheap labor.. :)

[@bloomvideophotography7662]

Blade Runner 2049.

[@MitchJewers]

LOLOLOLOL FREEDOM!!!!!!!

[@AudreyEmber]

🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

[@hvntd]

My favorite movie is, i dont have one

[@AudreyEmber]

lol same

[@doommachinectv2238]

to bad you do not live in new york

[@weehoo]

I know this is "off script". but you are strikingly beautiful, and extremely photogenic ...

[@WatsThis]

i made one with $0 .... @

[@zeyadtarek4638]

Bruh you're just adorable like come on