SOLO FILMMAKING: Turn Your Ordinary Videos Into Cinematic Films

My step by step guide on how to turn ordinary videos into true cinematic films. Whether you're trying to learn how to shoot by yourself, how to be a better filmmaker, or just want to hangout, you're in the right place:)
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[@SamNewton]

Let me know what films you've worked on down below and Ill try to comment on them and show some love ❤️ let's get this together🫡

[@renandemarque]

how can i do it with a Canon Sl3 and a Sigma 18-35 only? xD

[@JonJosephKuhn]

I filmed a video about quitting drinking for a year, it’s my most viewed video by a lot but the experience of making something that moved me so much was cathartic. Having people react to it in a positive way warmed my heart and it made all the hours of making bad films worth it. You’re awesome Sam, keep making stuff that makes you cry. 👊🏻

[@BryceDocherty]

My film One Life about my parents' deaths was the most important film I ever made. Terrence Malick's films are a huge inspiration for me cause I feel he knows exactly how to portray the subtle beauty of life itself and how we interface with the world. Films are such a powerful thing. They can change your life.

[@Riadblack]

Man that is great advice, I wish I knew this before I did my first video, about the mumbling over the music, well I guess there is a lot of room to improve for me. Let's get cinematic!

[@mathiasdeppe]

I did a Film about the motivation to travel. First time i did a really voice over!

[@Tru3Wilderness]

Step one : Have friends in your 30s with the same perspective

[@ehrenthebrandbuilder]

This goes a long way! 🎉

[@mattwasMTB]

This is hands down the most cinematic how-to I have ever seen. here to learn so I can make mountain bike videos. cant wait to implement this info!

[@humphrydc]

Perfect timing, Sam. In two weeks I'm traveling to Quebec City to make my FIRST EVER film. To prepare, I've tried writing a script for my voiceover but I can never seem to find the right words. I get choked up when I think about the message I want to convey but I just can't seem to put it onto the freakin google doc. Maybe it's because I'm trying to not be cringe. You've just inspired me try leaning into the cringe and I'll try to do that when I write this script. Wish me luck, aghh. Thank you, Sam.

[@humphrydc]

"Let's get cinematic" btw

[@gerladinebargardener]

Are you going to the winter carnival? Also good luck

[@SamNewton]

So stoked to see it my dude! Love watching this community go out and make awesome shit 🔥

[@CarlMarvin]

I subscribed. Put yourself out there, get it done, and post that thing! don't let us down!

[@lev-stas]

Don’t worry about that. Your first movie mustn’t be the best of your life. But you won’t make the best film without the first one! Practise is a key to success. So, good luck with your endeavours!

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

Really thoughtful and well done, Sam. Thank you. I am at crossroads in my life trying to figure out what's next. Turning 62 and just ended a long term relationship which has been hard. Feeling a bit lost to be honest. I'm so wanting to create something artistic and move people too as well but haven't figured out what that is. In addition to putting oneself out there, (frightening), and not being technologically proficient, is very overwhelming. But I keep these quotes ever present to try and keep moving forward: "You're always one decision away from a totally different life," and, "Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change." BTW, I just found your channel because I follow Alyssa of REGRETLYS, and she mentioned you in her latest post. Just subscribed.

[@bisht.deepak]

Just wow. I could feel every word came directly from your heart. I will definitely try those things. Voiceover point is absolutely true. I write something but then never put out thinking the audience would never connect. Thank you.

[@johnbestfather]

Sam thank you for this video. As a new filmmaker, and one who focuses on emotion and music and trying to bring myself to tears while editing, your advice spoke to me in a way that most filmmaking KZbin videos lack. You truly have some great skill with this and please know this video helped me and I'm sure countless others to be brave and go for it. Empowering stuff.

[@PontusKandelin]

Love your style Sam, I feel like you're authentic and inspiring both in front and behind the camera. Thanks for the tips on the voice-overs, I feel like I'm struggling there right now with my confidence as I'm evolving in my filmmaking. Must try the mumbling!

[@robertpagetfilms]

Impressed by the words “not what you say…but how you say it”. Reckon that also translates into not what you film, but how you film it. Motion in a film stirring emotion in an audience. Wow.

[@tbcmediaca]

Very powerful info Sam! Thank you. It’s awesome to have a little peek into your creative process to see that we are not all crazy when we are pushing these types of themes and ideas and keep them hidden in a stack of post it notes; only because we took a moment to be real, sound outrageous and wrote it down. Love your vids dude. Always great to hear what’s on your mind.

[@angelolizares4758]

Let's get cinematic. Love this Sam, same sentiment with how I want to striving in really making clear the kind of message I want to bring and the raw emotion that could be evoked through it. It's amazing how cinematic films, shots, narratives can do that, truly wonderful.

[@SoBeBun]

We need more of this! Yes, it was cinematic... Moving, and inspiring! Thank you Sam! 🙏🙏

[@ShellyCreatesIt]

Let's get cinematic! Thanks for the reminder of simple suggestions to invoke emotions in our cinematography.

[@subhankardey6652]

I couldn't agree more! Like preparing a dish. It's all about adding the right ingredients and flavors to make it special. Taking the time to craft a story behind every video or photo adds so much depth and enjoyment to the experience. Your perspective really hits the point, great video man! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@simonedimeglio2656]

Pure inspiration. Thanks so much man, this is content we're hungry for.

[@itsmahdisadeghi]

This video is lietrally among the best videos I've seen on this platform. My goal is to someday, make such content, as high in quality as you did for this video. The amount of work put to create this video is insane, the shots, the color, the edit, everything. Thanks for respecting the community of your viewers by providing such valuable and graphically pleasing content. You are truely one in a million, than took film=making in KZbin to another level. I might be getting ahead of myself but what can I do? I'm full of words and meanwhile, speechless

[@CaPoVid]

Thank you Sam! I really love the way you say the things you say. When it comes to teach something or when you just want to share some experience you had! Cheers to you and...let's get cinematic!! You inspire me to give something more im what I do, and I think that as small the message as massive the impact is! 🙏🏼

[@CMFrontera1]

Thank you!! Your work speaks from the place where all true creativity begins....the HEART.

[@BrandonHinojosa]

My man always coming through bringing inspiration to film, appreciate it as always Sam! Let's get cinematic!

[@RickMcGovern]

I've worked in Hollywood for a while now as a screenwriter, and writing is extremely important. Should never be underestimated. Natalie Lynn seems to be one of the best cinematic KZbinrs out right now (she is also inspired by a lot of the shots she sees in movies and TV shows she watches), writing, filming, coloring, music, etc. Of course, it's also been a very personal journey for her, which she captures beautifully. Your films are also very beautifully shot and breathtaking and feel a lot like those motivational videos, but cinematically shot. And I've worked on a lot of big films, but new to making my own videos or movies (as a writer you're not behind the camera, you're not setting up shots, though I wish now I would have paid more attention to all that when I was on set), so I feel very overwhelmed trying to put what I see in my head (I'm a very visual writer) and putting it on film (especially not knowing how to us a camera very well lol). And I'm more friends with his wife, who is also a writer, but I'm also friends with the writer of Arrival, though I haven't actually seen them since before the pandemic, especially since moving back to Denver from LA.

[@rajbasnet4659]

hey rick i too watch natalie, im also on my way to make my own films but i feel like im a bit opposite of u, i just cant write well. can u give me tips for screenwriting regarding dialogues, pauses and other stuffs i should not make mistakes so that i can not be the "on the spot" thinking. thankyou

[@Jerome-Smith]

Thank you Sam. Until I stumbled on your channel I had never found anyone on KZbin I resonate with as much as you. You inspire me to get out there and make the films that have been stuck in my head - one day I hope to make something like this that I can be truly proud of! Lets get it 🤙

[@SamNewton]

This makes me so happy- glad you're here for the ride brother I appreciate you!

[@mottavisuals]

This is the frist video I've watched of yours and it's the best one I've seen on the topic. Definetly subscribing to see more!

[@zakandfal]

This is a masterpiece man. Kudos to you on creating your own Hollywood video. This was equally as emotional evoking as The Arrival.

[@createlovetravel]

Arrival is one of my favorite films ever!!! I can watch this movie over and over again, from the concept to the writing to the cinematography, acting, and pacing. I mean it's a masterpiece! It also makes me want to go out there and make things!! Thanks for your video!!!

[@thelifeofdev95]

Sam, this was incredible! So many great points and the intro had me feeling so so inspired!

[@paulinebht]

Let's get cinematic !!!!! ✨ Thank you for the video Sam, LOVED all the tips !

[@hutsonmccullough]

Wow! This is truly amazing! I’m wanting to get into making this type of videos to make other people feel how I feel when I watch them! Thanks for the video and please make more like this. You got a new subscriber!

[@jaymotion]

Amazing video! I‘m still learning and with each video I‘m coming closer to this „cinematic film“ - look we all love. But having your theory helps focusing on my next projects to pay extra attention to those details, especially in the voice over! Thanks for sharing your experience with us 🙏

[@SuzyTurner]

OMG this is the BEST video I've seen on this subject!! I am so moved and inspired...thank you! Let's Get Cinematic!! 🤩

[@TrueNorthLens]

You dam sure know what you're doing Sam! I'm inspired and can't wait to sit down and create a film like this

[@gabriva9322]

You number one, I'm feeling your energy inspiring my deep inside. Keep going bro! Thank you

[@OcularAMVs]

I watched “Arrival” last year and it totally changed my life and deepened my desire to tell stories in that authentic way that film carried. Absolutely amazing video. Always felt my perfectionist mindset would sabotage me from ever sharing the thousands of videos I’ve recorded so this resonated with me so much. Thank you for making this

[@SamNewton]

Ayo!! Thank you for this ❤️

[@printsbytoni]

I really do love the idea of finding the cadence that the voiceover follows

[@temo.m]

These tips are so helpful. I always acknowledged the power of music but really downplayed the power of sound effects. This video made me realise the value of sound effects and audio as a whole. You made a really good point when you said it is about how you say something that really makes the difference with voice overs. Thanks for this video. Let’s get cinematic!

[@JonathanRobinson11]

Amazing combination of practical advice and cinematic vibes.

[@t6_blondie]

Let's get cinematic. I love how passionate you are about what you do and what you aspire to make people feel during your films. This is how I feel I want to make films and you have just inspired me to try, and actually maybe let my guard down in speaking to cause the emotional pull. Thank you for your video!

[@siddharthpandey8516]

Love your passion for creating cinematic content! I feel the same way. It started with creating instagram reels but now I seem to want to create something cinematic and impactful

[@travelcanada8817]

I feel like your color grade and sound design really add to well thought out shots.

[@ryanalexh]

you are a genius, keep going and don't ever stop. thank you for the inspiration 🙏🏽

[@NikkiTomlin]

Wooooow this video could not have found me in a more perfect time. Love seeing your passion in sharing this! You've definitely inspired me!

[@jayrazfilm]

Thank you so much Sam. I've been watching and following you but this one hits so differently. you're such an inspiration.

[@SamNewton]

🥹🥹🥹

[@rawcreative]

Still finding myself sliding into your LUTs over and over again as they work so well man giving it that cinematic flavour

[@SamNewton]

This makes me happy

[@gufszczur]

Just stumbled upon your videos and must say you're inspiring, thank you! You got a new subscriber Sam

[@christoph.s]

Thank you a lot, these words are exactly what I needed to move forward in my creative struggle!!🙏

[@MontagoDK]

really nice explanation of the thought process of film making ! thanks !

[@juliathonig]

Let's get cinematic! Thanks for sharing all these tips - I can feel you passion and this is really inspiring!

[@danielporterAZ]

Thanks for this man. I’ve been cranking out stuff that I get excited about… but doesn’t “move me”. I appreciate this push in the direction that I’m longing to go. Love from Arizona

[@SamNewton]

Let's gooooo!

[@OldMuleAdventures]

Thank you for the inspiration! Great thought process and support to give confidence in people enjoying making content. Let's get Cinematic!

[@Asimut30]

I genuinely love what you’re saying, because I feel 1000% the same way

[@FabioKotinda]

Amazing work and video Sam!!! Really inspiring.

[@tarotducheneblanc]

Let's get cinematic! I am in no way a film-maker and I respect all of you who are so much, but what you said in the beginning, hit home big time: "I want to make something you can feel... Something that will make you want to do something..." (or something like that! lol). I LOVE movies that leave you with a powerful nudge to change something in your life and I've always loved inspirational videos, but they felt so intimidating that I never did anything about it. How you explained it in this video changed everything for me. It made it obtainable, pursuable. Enough to make me want to try! Thank you. I don't know if you have other videos like that on your channel, but I am an immediate subscriber (and a new artlist lover❤!). Thank you.

[@pandahot586]

indeed, when I am editing , each step all play a part to make it authentic. Nice sharing~

[@jsutton3462]

Well stated Sam! Love your work!

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

I really appreciated this breakdown. Would love to hear more on how you go into a shoot or an adventure and what your planning process is like. Do you go in with shot lists and ideas, or do you try to capture the moment more spontaneously to capture genuine emotions!

[@gastronomee_]

Sam, I’m a growing/learning creator who just started a few weeks ago. Aspiring to be as skilled as this. Keep it up!

[@iancfrancis]

Dude, I love these creative process videos. I do feel corny/cringy doing/writing voiceovers but it's good to hear that it's just part of the process. Thanks for the advice! Let's get cinematic!

[@JoshuasJourneyTravelvlog]

I am so glad I watched this again. I am looking for inspiration for my next video and the story telling part has me thinking I am just going to try to connect with the emotion I felt at the time and talk about traveling and the rewards. Thanks!

[@markpalfreeman]

Great insights on this one Sam! Also, Arrival is SO. GOOD.

[@albertusbodenstein1976]

You hit every beat man. I show enjoyd watching this. Thanks!

[@chrisrandlephoto]

Let's get cinematic! You've inspired me to start taking filming my family more seriously. I'm excited to create!

[@letzUploadit]

such an amazing content thanks for sharing, I apply some of these things in my films and i leered something here today that's how content should be like from the heart.

[@TheJoshuaFrey]

Great video man. I just picked up a camera and computer so I can start making and editing video again, for the first time in over 20 years. I needed a creative outlet to play around with and something to learn. This video is an inspiration to a guy like me. Thanks!

[@endlessshorizon]

Man, you always inspire me to go out and create! Thank you!

[@McFlyShotIt]

Legendary information given in this video !! direct, straightforward 👌

[@sailslikeagirl3154]

You just make me want to go out and start making videos. My New Year’s resolution is to learn videography and editing. I feel inspired by you thanks

[@Useless.Talents]

Great guide. Thank you for the advice, very inspiring for my next videos.

[@CharlieAshman]

Wow Sam this really resonated and inspired me man. Really appreciate the video🙏

[@BAY_BRICK]

great info .thank you !

[@SchwiizerindeUSA]

Thank you for doing that. I am stuck right now with my creativity to make nice videos. It’s always inspiring watching your vids thanks again

[@danhartigan]

you're killing it. inspired.

[@alexcormier97]

This is such a valuable video! Thanks a lot Sam!😃

[@MyLifeShortFilms]

Thank you so much for this!! Super encouraging. I’ve JUST started creating and didn’t realize how much I love doing it. Ha. I made my first one making coffee. But thank you for the encouragement!!

[@aplayboysplaybook]

Great job..again and again 👏

[@jenniferkichinko9125]

Let’s get cinematic! Great stuff, Sam!

[@RawwRL]

Tips are amazing thanks a lot, as a beginner I saved this video and will go back here once I make a video I love enough to thank you once again🙏

[@joshjoireman4065]

Your perspective on leaning into the cliche really resonated with me. I have been working on a travel film and the the voiceover is where I am struggling the most. It really does feel weird and cringy to write overly-poetic lines, and I have always pushed that away. Also, finding a song and writing the voiceover to match the song? Genius. In my current project there is this disconnect with the VO and the music. I'll have to try your approach and see what comes of it. Thanks for sharing your ideas

[@jan-hendrikswanepoel3744]

Saved. This is a wonderful educational video. It's more than a tutorial 🙂

[@The_irishman_co]

Keep up the good work Sam.

[@christopherbuckel9180]

Let’s get cinematic Sam! Great video

[@user-cf1ul6nm2d]

Love this video! I agree, the music and VO are what make a story powerful. I have been a filmmaker since I was a teen (barefeetfilms) and along my journey I got burnt out becoming a videographer/video editor for many years to pay the bills. I have spent the last five years traveling and not touching a camera. But over the last few weeks I have suddenly felt an awakening from my film/video hibernation and finally feel ready to get back into filmmaking. I feel excited about it again and your video certainly gives me that feeling as well. Enjoyed hearing your process and will watch your other vids :)

[@adventurewithbernie]

Let's get cinematic. I absolutely made it to the end Sam. Really enjoyed this! I am a travel vlogger, but. This video ignited something within, though I'm not sure what just yet. Thanks so much 🙏

[@Staycurious_photo]

Let's get cinematic :) Great video. Starting my audio/voiceover journey with videos now. Also, it's okay to cry there's so much passion there and I loveeee it.

[@CreatingwithKaya]

Such a great post! As always, I'm sucked in by your videos and inspired to create--despite me not actually planning on making "films". Excited to capture more this year and somehow infuse a bit of a cinematic vibe into my storytelling.

[@SamNewton]

🥹 Ty Kaya!!!

[@CreatingwithKaya]

@@SamNewton 🙏🏽

[@ChrisSmith-te6ee]

Let's get cinematic! Outstanding how to vid. Looking forward to more.

[@RasenderReporterRichard]

Thank you for that inspiration!

[@davidtomasgaitanrodriguez1356]

I'll get my first camera this month. It's going to be the start of a new era, a new CINEMATIC era. Hope I can get to share so many emotions with my videos as you do man. Congrats on the amazing job you do!

[@Outlaw.cinema]

What camera did you get?

[@LennefalkStudios]

Amazing inspiration, love it! Definitely aiming to take my vlogs to the next level and more cinematic in 2024! 🔥🌄😊

[@seun-tariah]

let's get cinematic! I loved this

[@theroyalgypsydiaries4658]

Let's Get Cinematic! Excellent video and craft!

[@zacharris7451]

Love the video dude🔥 inspiring!

[@petermarkowsky5716]

I got it. Thanks for sharing.

[@iamjay2521]

I am currently stuck in the creative process for days and figuring out where I went wrong or my niche in creating content. And I ended up watching this Video at 2:00 AM. Now everything is clear to me. Thank you, Sam. Such an inspiration.

[@SamNewton]

🥹 let's get it bro!

[@martinbue]

Great knowledge in this video. Love the music and SFX part, which is also super important to me

[@livlifetv]

Let’s get cinematic! Tried to find someone simply explaining cinematic films/docs/vlogs and you did just that. Thank you 😊

[@Ravenwoodring]

Love it !!

[@DennisLeoca]

As a fellow KZbinr, all I can say is "Thank You" . Really inspiring to see your videos! Sometimes I wish I could just download your knowledge and apply it to my videos 😂. But unfortunately, there's no shortcut to greatness, so will need to keep on working.

[@NikandYas]

Let's get cinematic! Love the video and that you shared some of your knowledge. Felt like I learned a lot and am pumped to go shoot something!

[@mayback]

ahh this is so inspiring, yet valuable! you give some great examples of all the points and it was refreshing to hear your input, Sam :)

[@SamNewton]

Thank you so much!!

[@JaymieJones]

This was fantastic, keen to hear more from you on similar topics. Let's Get Cinematic!

[@SamNewton]

I'm trying!!

[@elliotjkennedy4575]

Great video, big fan of your philosophy