Creating Saturday Night Live: Film Unit

Learn how SNL's film unit makes, directs, produces and edits pre-taped comedy sketches.
Wes Anderson Horror Trailer - bit.ly/2VUMJuv
Lazy Sunday - bit.ly/2GulbFA
D**k In a Box - bit.ly/2QpFfkn
Star Wars Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base - bit.ly/1PA5yYL
Farewell Mr Bunting - bit.ly/1VfwyUs
Sad Mouse - bit.ly/2UK6UyP
(Do It On My) Twin Bed - bit.ly/2e5wBT9
Wells for Boys - bit.ly/2hJc7Cp
Dancing - bit.ly/2W3Fpwo
Political Musical - bit.ly/2XwuHPD
The Raunchiest Miss Rita - bit.ly/2DnXqyY
My Girl - bit.ly/2Uw2qqB
Totinos with Kristen Stewart - bit.ly/2kR9Vdj
Testicules Cologne - bit.ly/2VhTEk6
Walking Dead Chappelle's Show - bit.ly/2L5dVpx
The Librarian - bit.ly/2dtXUcs
The Impossible Hulk - bit.ly/2TEPPEZ
Monster Pals - bit.ly/2DpvFWb
Produced by Lorne Michaels, Oz Rodriguez, Matt Yonks, Chris Voss, Erin Doyle
Edited by Danny Garcia
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[@LemonToGo]

Working at SNL sounds like the best and worst job imaginable at the same time

[@alvinanil6996]

I mean people still wanna work there, cause it's like college before doing something bigger. The training works.

[@cheesehat6420]

why do you say worst?

[@justanotheryoutubefan8070]

@@cheesehat6420 probably because it sounds incredibly stressful with all their time constraints and deadlines

[@keirabeck5679]

I’m 14 years old and my dream is to work at SNL one day

[@101shadeira]

Right 😂 when do they sleep eat

[@dk9664]

How do people work under this stress level...these people are so talented and their dedication amaze me

[@squidcaps4308]

I love the stress of doing live and having that pressure on me but this is in whole another level..

[@channiingx]

Cocaine

[@sha11235]

It's not easy. You have to I guess have no ego to deal with this shit. Look at what happens when stuff gets cut. You can't go crying like a baby to Lorne and complain. You have to accept it and move on. It's always been this way.

[@mloftin6472]

If I took over SNL. The first change i would make is that the week starts at at 7 am on sunday with picking the sketches. I could not take the crammed schedule.

[@MM-dq2pi]

how does this show turn a profit!

[@bobbyverrieriii6324]

please never stop making the Creating SNL Series, it makes me appreciate SNL 10 times as much.

[@sha11235]

Of course, considering the shit they put out half the time, you wonder if maybe the problem is doing it this way.

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

Indeed. It's sad that there is so much whining and complaining from viewers about this show, when there such a shocking about of time, work, effort and energy from literally HUNDREDS of people that gets boiled down in social media to "the show sucks" by neanderthals who don't know shit about how this is done and how incredibly hard it is to do.

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

@@sha11235 : Of course, unappreciative assholes like YOU are part of problem. It makes one wonder why you bother to watch.

[@TB-rt1hm]

yess

[@GalinDray]

Me: "why were the original SNL cast doing coke the entire time?" *watches this series* Me: Oh okay.

[@You-got-a-big-dick]

Makes sense!

[@priyachoudhary9896]

They didn't even have digital shorts or anything that might give them break so it's more understanding

[@Research0digo]

Poor Bill Hader - for 8 years - severe, massive panic attacks, throwing up, feeling like he's about to faint, crying in a bathroom stall, migraines while he's on stage(!) ... it took Paul McCartney standing a couple feet away from Bill, (it's readily apparent that Bill - clutching his black coffee - is freaking out) to tell Bill: "You're nervous" ... you should just drink water." Bill says in interviews it actually never dawned on him that living on coffee while mentally coming apart at the seams wasn't so hot an idea. God bless Bill - and Paul McCartney! :)

[@CatyBee]

​@@priyachoudhary9896 Nah, they've always had pre taped commercials and spots like Toonces and Mr Bill.

[@plaidpanda]

I will _never_ watch a digital short the same way again!!

[@mloftin6472]

I could not deal with the tight schedule. I would spend the summer shooting shorts as soon as each host signs.

[@Leonaza7]

This video makes me appreciate SNL even more. You can tell all the hard work they always put into it so that we can have a great film and a good laugh.

[@kimsssss]

Leonaza7 I see you everywhere

[@MM-dq2pi]

how does this show turn a profit!

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

@@MM-dq2pi NBC makes their real money from advertisers on garbage like The Voice, America's Got Talent, American Ninja Warrior, The Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Manifest, and 67 spin-offs of Law & Order.

[@Research0digo]

Basically Lorne kept NYC, or Manhattan's shit together during covid. He was back at it as soon as it was reasonably safe, and NY needed the show to still be on - SNL to New Yorkers - was Linus' blue security blanket for a year and a half. God bless Loren and his insane dedication - he deserves every Award they hand him!

[@taylorhall2018]

damn i used to be real sad over not having SNL for a month but after watching this, thANK GOD these amazing hardworking people get breaks

[@BIGXavier96]

thank god for weeks where they air reruns instead of a live show too, quick mini break

[@darcybhaiwala7057]

I feel like you'd learn more from working one week at SNL than any film/writing school

[@Research0digo]

Like when you're 8 and your semi drunk Dad decides to throw you off the dock, into the lake. 'Sink or swim.' is right! 'o'

[@winfield1775]

No one can say snl has gone downhill especially in production

[@gimmemoremusic]

I think people mean the writing.

[@winfield1775]

gimmemoremusic yeah I know but I disagree with that tbh

[@aaronburratwood.6957]

I always think SNL can’t get better cast members than they get even funnier.

[@Vondruke]

I think Lorne Michaels said something along the lines of "People have been saying SNL isn't as good as it use to be since Episode 2"

[@mysabrinamusiccom]

It’s gone downhill. Even Tina Fay says it sucks now.

[@juzoli]

I never understood how they can pull all these things off in a single week. But know after they explained ... I still think they are magicians, not mortal human beings.

[@chrissiek8706]

This is total madness! I have newfound massive respect for the entire SNL crew 👏👏👏💯👍

[@sha11235]

It has been like this since the beginning. Only now there is better technology to get this stuff done faster.

[@AlexRN]

And people wonder why they only make like 20 episodes a year and rarely airing more than 3 new shows in a row before needing a hiatus. This looks incredibly taxing and stressful!

[@rhettmenchaca3186]

I’d watch a “7 Days to Air” type of documentary about SNL. Like what South Park did.

[@tehpunkrockmom]

There is one called Saturday Night Live 2010. It's really good

[@jaimank5458]

Ik this comment is old but here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6aWfayvnM6GgK8

[@KingKhanAbz]

As an actor and freelance videographer, I got anxiety just hearing that editing deadline. Jeez! 😲

[@makatron]

Plus imaging editing with 5 people sitting behind you messing up your flow.

[@josahell]

@@makatron Freaking nightmare, I just had goosebumps reading that.

[@makatron]

@@josahell that's a big nope from me

[@1BrknHrtdRomeo]

That note about the exploding heads freaked me out haha in like 3hrs...holy frick

[@chessogangsta1650]

I remember something bill hader said in an interview. It was something along the lines of 'On snl, you basically don't sleep all week!'.Seriously crazy working environment man!

[@pollypocket2282]

Holy cow when do these people get to sleep?!? MY NEW HEROS!!!

[@sha11235]

They probably have breaks.

[@Igaveyoumyfakename]

They don't.

[@juliahorsfall]

I guess if they enjoy it enough it's fine

[@ricarleite]

The guys editing work pretty much from 4 PM Friday to 1 AM Sunday, and then they sleep for the week. I'd take that job.

[@isshealright]

This is the most stressful job I've ever seen

[@kinsmed]

SNL doesn't have to provide this background for us. But I'm glad they do.

[@soth1sol]

they felt they had to tho

[@chrissiek8706]

PAPYRUS! ok i lost it there 😭😂😂🤣

[@dominiczerafa8990]

Chrissie K one of the best

[@MagicSkittlesHurray]

Can we just appreciate how influential the Lonely Island was on life as we know it?

[@willhahnproductions6092]

From a film student: Thank you for inspiring me to pursue my dreams! This is what I live for!

[@selinkeles]

Watching this literally gave me that anxiety feeling when turning in homework last minute

[@lisa_vxng]

i'm torn between being incredibly stressed out just watching this and immediately wanting to start working at snl

[@Leonaza7]

It’s amazing how far SNL has become throughout the years. Although technologies makes things better these days you kind of appreciate the old days too.

[@beeleg]

Leonaza7 that’s why I love when they post the vintage series!!! Like I’ll watch them back to back and just see how far they’re come and how much more confident the writers are on commenting on certain social issues, it’s so cool.

[@kneect0m]

I love to see the variety of ladies working on SNL!

[@crinbob]

Thank you for getting stressed to entertain us. You are very much appreciated.

[@gratefulb8916]

This is the most stressful thing I've ever watched it's like if your entire life were submitting an essay that's due at midnight at 11:59

[@moviegal6000]

After watching these videos, honestly all I can think is it is a miracle they get a show out every week. It's amazing. I need to start watching SNL. These people deserve to have their work seen every week. What these people do is insane. Amazing, but insane.

[@MidnightCerulean]

it's hard to grasp the fact that Lorne requested the guys' heads explode lmao genius

[@paulina7116]

Mad respect for all the work they do

[@tombuck]

I really love all of these videos. I teach a high school digital media program and we also do a live daily broadcast. I use these videos in class ALL the time as examples of how to pull off crazy things in a short amount of time with a great team.

[@MicahFrink]

I bet even filming this documentary thingy stressed them out.... probably thinking "I gotta get somewhere... like really soon"

[@judithharley9236]

These “Making of SNL” videos really make me appreciate the complexities of putting the show together each week. These people are amazing.

[@JonathanAngelico]

Props to the editor who edits while wearing a full suit 8:28

[@zakkforchilli]

Genuinely feel like these people would have zero free time, and my other thought is how much fucking MONEY are these folks getting paid? There's SO many of them, and a high stress environment you would think they'd be making some good dollar. Couldn't even imagine doing this...

[@SkepyourOwn]

They’re editing themselves editing an edit

[@hummersd]

Love the behind-the-scenes videos. Huge respect and admiration for the amount of work done to get these shorts out into the world for our enjoyment - who knew pre-prod was Thursday, film Friday, edit Saturday? And possible edits in between dress rehearsal and final? Insane! What an incredible team! Keep up the fantastic work! The Adele Thanksgiving sketch is probably my fav in recent years.

[@forphax416]

These people look so tired, I'm exhausted after watching this. The amount of respect for this team is cooked.

[@Maria-et6rr]

I got anxiety just from watching this

[@Frickstar66]

I always assumed they spent more than a week on these films cause they were so good, its incredible they can hit this amount of quality in just a week.

[@whocares2087.1]

I have a newfound respect for Steve Higgins, I thought he was just Fallon's backup. Sheesh.

[@rachelrachel9152]

Yeah he's been working at snl for a pretty long time maybe since the 90s

[@klarastern5597]

same...

[@seanlee8220]

It’s kinda funny to think that this very film unit were probably the ones that put this video together

[@royalcupgame]

They’re the most amazing, hardworking and one of the funniest productions in American comedy. SNL is part of American culture now. It’s an inseparable and unshakeable part of every single one of us!

[@8ievaieva8]

Wow. All I'm hearing is STRESS STRESSS STRRESSS SRTSS... I don't think I could handle this

[@sha11235]

That's probably why it is a lot of young people who do this. Also, they don't do it alone.

[@nntbm]

4:15 bowen yang being just credited as “writer,” i always forget that’s how he started

This is sooooo cool, to get an inside look of those pre-taped scketches! Those sketches give SNL even more awesome feeling and mostly those pre-taped are usually the best ones! Love the Timberlake and BonJovi pre-tape sketches! Each year the SNL pre-taped sketches are getting better and better, more CGI, more effects and more quality each season! We also try to do some pre-taped segments for our shows as well, not this big, but still, we get inspired by SNL!

[@bettihorvath2165]

Loved your Endgame trailer! Nice job!

[@Manaliiiii]

I am in awe. thanks for making this video. i truly bow down and have so much respect for all the people involved in making pre-tapes a reality now. I hope more people see this because it deserves way more views.

[@matthewcozart]

I figured y’all would use final cut or resolve, but you’re using premiere and that’s awesome

[@junayedalam6383]

Lot of hard work & team affort. Keep good works 👏👏

[@katiepurry18]

So much work to pull off a 1 hr show. Mad respect to all the people who worked under stress to achieve this SNL quality. I'm never gonna watch it the same way again, I'm gonna appreciate it 100x more!!! These people are the unsung hero

[@autumnwind1216]

Lonely Island really made this into a thing.

[@tiffng7310]

This stresses me out. Imagine actually having to do it.... every week.

[@VickiBee]

My daughter's godfather is part of the camera crew, but not on SNL. He was right about everything's he's predicted they might do though. Every time someone gets upset on Twitter about an impersonation of them on SNL you see ANOTHER impersonation of the person who whined about it. I'm talking about MORE than Trump. Some OTHER person complain about HIS impersonator. I don't grasp why they get that gd upset. But everything Richard has predicted has happened ... so far. He's the DP & works on one of the cameras, and he does documentaries most of the time. I don't like watching hm film, especially the time when they were doing a Sci-fi movie and the lead actor had gotten wasted the night before, pissed someone off and led the person directly to us. The person arrived with a gun and wanted to discuss what had happened the night before, and the actor said he "never saw this guy in my life."

[@controlZchannel]

Great to see when they give us the behind the scenes. Helpful for those such as myself into film production.

[@MrPddouglas]

When you open Saturday Night Live Film School, sign me up!

[@ZoraTheberge]

It’s great to hear how they roll with the punches. If it’s not right at dress, editors are standing by to fix it.

[@spicybrown75]

Omg, I am winded just watching this. So much work under pressure!!

[@jelanicole3161]

Wow! You have the best behind the scenes videos! Adobe Premiere & macOS are utilized here. Sketches are created with extreme detail and there is truly no idle time. Every moment is filled with work creating the best possible production. These videos also inspire because the barrier to entry for video production is constantly declining!

[@jeremyfrancispiano2]

The new film units must often feel like eating crab... Lots of work for little meat. I honestly prefer the old school raw shit that isn't laced with crazy movie magic.

[@ajus009]

This so crazy and the crew is extremely talented to absorb all this stress and still deliver top notch content

[@edwinjohnson2130]

If I ever have a stressful day I am gonna come back to these videos to say to myself "For them this is everyday....If they can still smile at the end of the day ......you can too"......Mad Respect guys....Luv SNL

[@jhfdb3]

I love these videos from SNL. I've been a big fan of SNL since the original cast. Yes, I'm old. I'm retired from teaching. I taught TV production for 28 years. A lot of things have changed over the years from A-B roll editors to NLE's. These videos from SNL would (and are) have been an awesome resource for communications teachers. Thanks for showing all of the other aspects of the show (music, set design, makeup, cue cards). One thing: 11:19 separated is misspelled. But teachers nit pick. Keep up the great work showing behind the scenes. I have so much respect for what you guys do.

[@mial7542]

The word separate at 11:19? Isn't it spelled correctly?

[@thefemalemantis]

I about had a panic attack like the pressure was on me. These people are some kind of superheroes. This is just absolutely insane

[@jhbonarius]

You guys deserve so much appreciation

[@theoriginal1971]

I can't ever ever imagine having to do all these things in less than a week. The absolute scale of the productions is sometimes better than films or shows that takes months to make.

[@kendrawallace2488]

I truly appreciate the “Creating SNL Series” and I always get excited when a new episode airs! Behind the scenes/pre-production, production-to-air of SNL, now that I’ve watched this series (so far) seems like a well loved and well rehearsed tango. 💃🏻 A tango of (guesstimate) 1000 people every week. Not including the citizens of New York or the guests to the audience. Despite any hiccups here or there, & regardless of any feuding between public figures and members of SNL, this production is easily one of the greatest and most difficult shows pulled off weekly. And to top it all off, there’s a new person hosting or singing every week. 👏👏👏 kudos. Mad props.

[@sumared]

I am in awe of the time, money and energy goes in to each component of every single sketch.

[@sofia-ym3vj]

i would give a lung to be the person that brings everyone lunch or coffee or whatever just so I can be part of them

[@NickTeran17]

This is insane. Props to them for delivering quality content in like a week!

[@AG-vk5or]

So dang cool to see everything plays out. The pre-taped sketches keep getting better and better. One of my favorites is the Ryan Gosling sketch where he meets Santa Claus at the holiday party.

[@sd5912]

Awesome job guys!!!👏👏👏

[@kennybegeske8824]

SNL Needs To Transform Molly Kearney Into Rosie O'Donnell If Molly Kearney Needs To Practice Her Impression Of Rosie O'Donnell

[@edsonlnoe]

The amount of stress this gives and keeps on giving. Uhm. Beautiful.

[@natemickens88]

Why is Steve Higgins contributing to this. He’s busy doing other things... right

[@Room142]

Honestly i'm kinda surprised snl can afford to hire all those people. I'm guessing Trump/Cold Opens and Weekend Update must really help their KZbin ad revenue

[@RockinLoud360]

They have been doing this before Trump

[@Victoria-pt4io]

I presume KZbin provides a very small fraction of there revenue, SNLs been successful long before you tube existed

[@christina0927]

Still can’t comprehend how this all gets done in a few days!! Props to everyone involved this is seriously incredible

[@m1sh99]

Wow...thank you for this. Fan since '75

[@ilovemelikeyouall]

a dream job for reals this sounds so fun and stressful but also fun and creative!

[@Bergen98]

After watching these I understand why SNl has seasons and is not a whole-year programme - the cast, the crew and all other people involved including producers would be basically dead from exhaustion

[@jbbj0041]

this video made me anxious from beginning to end

[@lixxeth-]

wow, that’s insane the amount of work that they do! keep it up guys, it’s really wonderful

[@jenhasken]

Gosh I wish you could have SLOWED DOWN here I’m only three minutes in and my head is freaking spinning…😳

[@crescendo614]

The stuff these guys do to get this stuff on air is incredible. They have a work ethic I can’t even dream of...

[@jemma4012]

I love SNL, and now I appreciate it so much more. The amount of hard work from every single person is admirable, and everyone clearly loves what they do which reflects in the amazing pre-taped videos. Thank you for being such brilliant, talented humans!

[@AK907guy]

It's great to see the people who are behind the scenes who make this show possible. Thank you for all the laughs over the years.

[@TheBClark88]

South Park: We write, voice and animate each episode in a week SNL: Hold my beer

[@themoxiereviews]

Such a stressful job! This was so interesting to watch how it all comes together. Super talented people!!

[@salssalsa]

I hope SNL lives forever, there’s nothing like it

[@ingridmargittenarvesen3498]

They should make a netflix show about the behind the scenes at snl!!!

[@stackeym]

I just adore this. So nice to see the people behind the scenes and give them credit for all they do.

[@lisamontiel8232]

I always pictured SNL producers as old white guys. I never would of guessed how young and diverse they are

[@lalalallalalallalala]

This is insane I already love SNL but holy shit they are legit doing whole movies in 2 days

[@marara2262]

These videos make me feel productive just by watching them.

[@steven-2026]

........and Lorne does what? Hahaha he’s prolly still waaaaaaaay overpaid.

[@javiskii]

I'm getting anxious just Watching this

[@dominiczerafa8990]

Great video, but that stresses me out just to watch.

[@ipsilonia]

IM STRESSEDDDDDDD. just wow. this “creating snl” series NEVER fails to completely floor me.

[@solansh27]

What an insane and incredible job these people do every week. You are on fire!

[@yuliana-hw6tj]

This screams expensive

[@ricaperante8398]

Just... *standing ovation*. You make SNL the best. Great appreciation for all of you ❤️❤️