shooting a NETFLIX quality film with no crew

the secret to making a low budget look mainstream.
Sign up to 4 Week Filmmaker: www.zachramelan.com/filmmaker
This video was edited by the insanely talented Spencer Cameron
Behind the scenes captured by the uber-talented @MattAzzarello
Special thanks to Akinsa for the music in Echos
/ 3u4hm
one minute
0:00 How to make a film from start to finish
0:48 The best films to make on a budget
02:12 cheap cinematic shots
03:03 Where to film
03:53 Improv filmmaking
04:41 Gear
06:05 Practical vs VFX
09:07 Best tip for filmmakers
09:37 Most overlooked area in cheap filmmaking
11:46 one man band filmmaking tips
12:21 The Art of Hybrid Filmmaking
14:11 Biggest mistake made on shoots
14:40 What do solo directors do?
15:50 Actor shares POV
17:50 Directing Actors
19:37 The Film we made
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[@ZachRamelan]

Make your own Netflix Film with 4-week filmmaker (my new course) : www.cinematicacademy.ca/

[@itsalexclark]

Cool. If you’re up for the challenge…. Do this excercise again but with only an iPhone. I’d love to see what you come up with.

[@zubby_tony]

That will really be nice, i thing I will try it for myself 😀👍

[@hiphopdelhi4908]

why on the earth a real cinematic filmmaker would use an iPhone?

[@themarvelstark]

@@hiphopdelhi4908 Because to show that you can do it with smartphone too. You don't need expensive camera gear to make a film.

[@hiphopdelhi4908]

@@themarvelstark yes but professionalism wont be there and its ok for youtube.

[@hiphopdelhi4908]

@@themarvelstark if its true then Netflix should accept iPhone shot movies, they reject

[@akinsa]

Thx for the opportunity to be involved with this project. Looking forward to seeing episode 2

[@AlexPerri]

Man what a great breakdown! SO MANY valuable insights here and it really is great to see how you don't need huge budgets to make things look good. It's all about the creativity. Awesome stuff as always and really loving the first bit you've shown here!

[@ZachRamelan]

Awww, dude, thank you so much! You are crushing it these days! And CONGRATS on all the success on your sci-fi!

[@FilmFusionPictures]

Great job. One small thing in the final product, at 20:19 you can see the arrow in the bottom of the screen moving down, it looks a little funky.

[@elijahkattke9592]

That was my note too. The film is cool though. It feels like Hunger Games and Oblivion crossed over.

[@WATCHESYOUTOOBE]

You said it! Now I don't need to. Fun film though.

[@Svenfrederikson]

yes, he forgot to remove the keyed arrow from the scene before and at 20:33 in this scene the arrow isn't straight through her body. But I find the suspense and action shots very effective, and the actor ist very expressive. excellent work

[@robwhitmore3040]

I didn't spot that. THe distractuon for me was 19:49 to 19:57 where the fake snow was just pure white. Probably could have used some motion blur, lens blur and even just an opacity drop. Actually, watching again. I think there were some bits with those things added but the little bits of pure white 'snow' in focus looked a bit out of place. I think the issue is that you have the in focus snow, then the out of focus snow, and then her face in focus and that's just not how focus works. Anyway, enjoyed everything else and really good view of the process

[@aldermediaproductions695]

The typos get me. As an editor, that’s nails on the chalkboard. I love this video and the final movie, don’t get me wrong. I learned a few things so yay!

[@M13337]

The end result came out great! I really like the choice of angles and the gimbal shots came out great. (I gotta up my own gimbal game!). Great job @ all of you!! 👏😊

[@cozyraptor7095]

Just stumbled upon this video and your channel and gosh your shot selection is so beautiful (Great sound too!) I basically live in my head and try to create shots for short film ideas I have and the first couple shots immediately sparked so much inspiration. Amazing job and great breakdown

[@ZachRamelan]

Dude, everyday i spiral on shots and ideas. My girlfriend sometimes hates it cause I stare off into the distance like a weirdo. What are you thinking on making? Is anything in the pipeline?

[@McDoogMedia]

Props to you! Amazingly well done and truly proves that sometimes less is more! Also shows how important content is over gear!

[@friendlyfilmz]

I love this. Watched it twice so far. Brilliant. I’m still learning, and I am a she-of-many-hats filmmaker so it’s always amazing to see how far this kind of filmmaking can go. Love it. Keep creating!

[@dnkswole]

Fantastic final work! Really liked this Bts and everything! BTW, I would love to see how did you made and edit those arrow shots (throw and impact)

[@graysongerni]

Great job telling a story. It just seems there is a lot of fidelity that we are missing out on to truly believe this could be delivered to a streaming platform.

[@lamyyartifex]

Oh my god. This got me soooo excited. Awesome work 📌

[@JLWStudyRoom]

Great video and definitely helps with my creative juices! I have been toying around with animating mine to help with a shot list then getting out there to film. New subscriber and great episode, thanks!

[@PopartFilms]

Bravo!! Almost flawless. Camera movement, edit, sound design, color grade, acting...so good. Just missed the VFX mask on her thigh @21:00.

[@SourceAwareness]

👍🏾👍🏾YES, YES, YES, YES, YESSS!!! You all *nailed it,* hehe. Magnificent Work!! Thank You so much for this, Zach and all.

[@DanTremblayMusic]

This was so well done, shot selection and sound design in particular.

[@SWADEProductions]

I can relate with this channel. I am a solo filmmaker and it is hard when your head is so busy on set. Love the challenges!

[@ZachRamelan]

YA!!! What are you making these days?

[@SWADEProductions]

@@ZachRamelan I make all sorts of films and just this past year I started making documentaries. I love being creative through films.

[@marlonbrown2944]

That was dope! Thanks for all information you shared.

[@wedahelenaviews]

So cool! The things you said are very helpful and it was also fun to watch - thank you mainly for being so open and honest also about feeling sometimes still insecure.. And the film ist so cool!

[@ienpassi]

It looks very good from beginning to end. Absolutely love it. And your offer sounds fascinating🎉❤

[@jorden6153]

"This film has a $100 budget", but is using a $3898 Sony FX3

[@kehindea]

I hear you but you can’t price the whole camera to this one movie lol. Mind you he could have rented it lol but yeah I get your sentiment

[@HudsonMedia]

Yeah agreed on this one. There’s a HUGE caveat. He already has professional gear. So the title is kinda misleading.

[@zenithquasar9623]

LMAO!

[@jorden6153]

@@kehindea it said a $100 budget and the budget is way out of $100, you can’t film a film without a camera lol so obviously it’s in the budget

[@MichielHollanders]

Once you have a camera you don't put it in the budget for every film you make

[@ocukor1]

Great job man! Love it!

[@aKingNamedMac]

Nice job! Been watching professionals all day and been learning a lot. Thank you!

[@jacquelinedsantos]

Love this!

[@JoWiHe76]

Great vid Zach!

[@Quadz10]

I haven’t been this inspired in a long time… Thank you.

[@IGIVRUP]

well done! and lots helpful info and insight.

[@johnffrench4340]

That's just what I needed to inspire me! Thankyou

[@badmaus]

You guys made my day 😊thanks for sharing 👍

[@kostasfassoulas6915]

Ok guys, indeed, maybe the title should be "Low Budget Netflix Quality Filmmaking" with analyzing buy/rent gear costs and additional DIY costs etc,, and everyone should be happy! For me, its a well made, inspiring video! Thank you!

[@tdlens4459]

That was really well done!

[@turyboy]

Amazing, thanks for the video. Would’ve loved to hear about: •how you manage stabilization, handheld and how you manage stabilization during post(what software or settings) •what codec you film? Did you record externally ProRes? •slog3 plus cine ei? Or flexible uso? •your process of this short film on the coloring grade workflow •how you manage audio on post, run through the software •what lenses you were using •how you handle and work with mid journey for storyboards Thank you!!

[@festivisionstudios8789]

That boy cold 🥶 ....edits going crazy

[@ATekFPV]

good stuff, love the final product.

[@LunerversalFilmTV]

Great job!!!!

[@BobbyGogios]

Great tips and awesome film 😃👍🏼

[@theresemarkham9387]

Love this! Your videos are so informative!

[@ZachRamelan]

Glad you like them! Thanks for all your support Therese

[@theresemarkham9387]

Your welcome

[@dwaynedwards]

Great work as always Zach, keep them coming! Side note: The arrow that hits the tree, before you transition to the aerial shot, can still be seen in the next scene. 20:15 time stamped it.

[@truedesireelements2040]

Absolutely MASTERING and OWNING AWESOME.... Thanks so much

[@TreyFowler86]

The end video was so GOOD !!!

[@trujillocreek77]

Nicely-done! Actress is very solid, and premise is easy to follow. Using film language to its fullest. Bravo!

[@schoeferfilm]

Great breakdown Zach 👏 I love to make such projects too 😎🎥 best cinematic greetings from germany

[@JOEBLACK1979]

awesome video beo! ghanks for sharing!

[@zartamus]

The MOST IMPORTANT - SMILES AND HAVE FUN - What a beautiful people just smiling thru the line of the Horizon Arts! Greetings from BRAZIL!

[@halsinden]

i must admit, i was a tad hesitant about what you were driving for but that end result is really bloody good!

[@WashingtonMoyo]

The minimalist approach you've highlighted evokes a sense of nostalgia for the early days of KZbin, when we weren't inundated with an abundance of equipment and simply focused on creating films. It brings to mind individuals like @videocopilot, who made the filmmaking process seem much more manageable. Frankly, the sheer volume of equipment available today can be quite overwhelming.

[@ZachRamelan]

It really is overwhelming. Also, the advertisement of "Shoot it on an iPhone," but it's a massive set, still feels un-inspirational. I'm happy this minimalist style has evoked nostalgia (and hopefully tangible inspiration). Gear is fantastic, but so is just making stuff.

[@YounusYousuf]

"Every time we go out, I get like big insecurity that I am just like a high school filmmaker going out and doesn't know what they are doing..." That's me Bro...❤

[@ZachRamelan]

Dude, every time! Don't let it get to you. After 10 years of shooting, I still feel major imposter syndrome.

[@piusdaniel1936]

this was not just amazing but also inspiring

[@LiveToRideMTB]

Awesome and very inspiring! I know the 5000 hats feeling from back at uni making short films 😆 would love to make another sometime!

[@ZachRamelan]

You should! What film are you thinking on making?

[@maneeshahooja]

Well done!

[@Papaghost8902]

Fantastic ! I can't wait for Epiosde 2.

[@kbiv3000]

That was really good!

[@strangemcknights]

while some people are upset that you're using an FX3 I actually appreciate the rundown. I have an r5 and im sure I can get great results with that.

[@Batman00785]

I like your work Zack and your team

[@DaveSy]

Awesome BTS video of your process! And I can totally relate with the annoyance of having to jury-rig standard shotgun mics to the FX-3’s audio handle 😂

[@ZachRamelan]

Hahaha!

[@AikenLikesMovies]

Nicely done. Good job! I'm freezing just watching it. Need some coffee.

[@LokiDWolf-im7jg]

INCREDIBLE!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this video! I plan on making a movie myself (writer and lead) and I'm looking at all videos I'm subscribed to. Glad I found this one! I wonder if the DJI Pocket 3 would benefit from projects like this.

[@siras2]

Really useful, thank you. My only minor quibble is with the arrow shafts (a) not lining up front and back and (b) appearing to be far too long (it looked like you'd cut them in half and then fixed each section in place without considering what their overall length should be).

[@handmadefilmfactory1297]

wow wow wow, that is mind blowing Brother.

[@LeoArmenta]

Great!!!!

[@warrensteele5644]

Thank you… more like this plz! What is the filter you were going gaga for?¿?

[@erikals]

Mighty Nice ! ☺️

[@blu-young-enterprise]

You actor is really fantastic to carry these scenes. Well done!

[@Brimstonemuzik2]

AWESOME

[@EspenJohan]

Brilliant.

[@carlos.sierra]

Idk what it is, but the reds that come out of 10-bit Sony footage just always looks amazing. Of course, you also did well in planning out a red wardrobe against the white snow. Also, where do you usually go to grab stills or storyboard inspiration/ideas?

[@Robroy333]

Great info; one "fix it in post moment would be the arrow at 20:33 front doesn't line up with the back part of the arrow through her.

[@wildertainment]

Awesome result, the arrow going back into the quiver backwards at the end was a little tidbit I caught 😅

[@exshenanigan2333]

thanks for the tips. one tip from me as well; your video is so hard to watch at night without waking people up. mix your sounds. your voice is super low, your effects are super loud. that's alright in a movie theater but for watching stuff on youtube at night you want a narrower dynamic range

[@marcosmendosaonyoutube]

I have a friend who makes movies and his name is Zach. Everything you do leaves me an awe. 👏👏👏

[@ZachRamelan]

Marcos!!! I LOVE YOU! I MISS YOU!!!! Hope you are doing lovely!

[@explore9853]

Woah, amazing breakdowns and shots, I take classes on film making and also photography but willing to learn more! Especially from you! Is the 4 week course free or paid?

[@jimbotski]

Cool!

[@stokioutdoors]

Hi Zach - i have a question about how you did the scene where she gets shot with the arros - how did you do it ? We are going to shoot a little movie next spring and we will have a scene where the antagonist is running towards the main character and will be shot with a Bow. I have searched around all the filmakers "tutorials" but up till tofay i have not been able to find someone/thing that is actually helpful, so i would be VERY thankful if you´d let me in on how you did it in detail... Greetz from Germany, Stefan

[@darylswalker]

Always love these breakdowns dude! Film came out so well ... just noticed one error, the VFX arrow that lands in the tree at 20:15 stays on for the next drone shot. Other than that incredible!

[@Drewxcifer]

That one and the arrow that is shot through her body doesn't line up.Great short-film overall though!

[@ZachRamelan]

Thanks for noticing! It seems like this was a very obvious thing I should have seen before publishing lol! Thanks or the support too dude!

[@timb0057]

but how did you do the arrow shots? btw you can still see the arrow which was in the tree in the following drone shot :O

[@user-ss4ip2sn2u]

That was awesome :)

[@ZachRamelan]

Glad you liked it!

[@turnpike420]

Would you mind sharing where you found the jumpsuits? thanks!

[@1001Hobbies]

*EDIT ERROR @**20:19**.* ...... The digital arrow that was sticking out of the tree from the previous camera angle still exists in place in the new, overhead camera angle. Easy fix. This was a very good video (ton of work!) showing some really awesome stuff. Thanks for taking the time.

[@user-kw6iw7ug5d]

Nice!

[@keithnellie2604]

You rock!

[@KASIOFILMS]

i am a high school filmmaker for sure but i am trying to grow, i have two projects that i tried making this year and i didnt manage to wrap them up, things got overwhelming and a lot of factors came together to halt the productions, from breaking the bank, to shortage of gear, being African and just not being able to keep the cast together at the same place. but i am not done, i want people to see what i was trying to make- so now i have a plan to make a documentary of me making those films kinda like this video that you shared, the problem is i dont have enough behind the scenes and m not sure how i can keep the audience hooked with that kind of a film- if you guys have suggestions or want to help i am down on my knees but i am taking a lot from your videos man, thanks for sharing- slowly slowly i am learning

[@ballamaniac6984]

At 20:18 the arrow is still showing on the transition to the forest overview in bottom left corner

[@hotwith101]

Thanks it's an eyes and ears openers.

[@maddocmiller6475]

Serious Jennifer Connelly vibes from the actress. Great video and epic short film!

[@jamesgallaccidrone]

cool video man

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

Go man GO!!!! 10/10…. FILM MAKER not a TY’br selling GACK! I love it. You’ve got this!

[@StefCassou]

great job !!!! Question (maybe you said it but I didn't get it). What's your shooting picture profile ?

[@mr.c_visuals]

❤❤❤❤king is back

[@Brookssmedia]

triple F man.....Fantastic F*cken Film! PS> you left the arrow from the tree in the drone shot

[@Do.Hard.Things]

Episode in your on screen title is misspelled. But, dang, that is amazing!

[@Drewxcifer]

"BELOW" is also spelled as "BELLOW" on a title card as well.

[@Ravenrealmmedia]

What kind of streak filter did you use?

[@jeremiethompson2617]

Nice work, feels like a Hunger games/Hanna derivative. Showing one or two other actors in the chase before revealing her shot by the exact double would have helped a lot. I know it was on a budget so maybe shots of yourself showing a man in the chase or just the same actress with different hair styles not showing her face. This would have subverted expectations and made the ending hit a little harder. Since she is the only person we have seen on screen there is little to no surprise when we see her again.

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

Looks amazing ! well done! I'D love to see how you did the arrow effects! (both: going to the tree and hitting the female actress), AE? thanks!

[@ZachRamelan]

The arrow effect felt like a high school movie, haha! We used VFX, an arrow cut in half, and a coat hanger. I don't think that explanation helped, so you'll have to stay tuned for more hahaha!

[@themorhedec]

Interested as well to understand how you made these effects. Because they look neat they sell the quality of the film as well

[@fluxtheweirdo1237]

epiosde 1? am I the only one who realized LMAO anyway amazingly made, thanks for the advice

[@hypetelevision]

zack this video is good

[@warrencastro-diaz9711]

A couple hints would help me a lot . I'm an actor and I'm beginning to do my own reels . I have bought some nice lights, m50 canon , monitor , fogger and a couple of other things and I like your methods.

[@dougscott188]

Well done

[@JoeMicalizziMPC]

OK, the title says "Netflix quality film", but did Netflix pick up this project? Congrats on doing such a great job and thanks for having BTS footage to share with us.

[@VELVET462]

this is great, very creative and high quality stuff. Hope i will learn to film just half that good :D but one mistake i spotted at 20:17 the arrow is still visible in the next shot, it should cut with the shot before

[@lowlowseesee]

subbed!!! you guys are incredible. the vfx mixed with practical was so on point. also calling harrison ford a thrist trap is all spot on and very funny lol