The Making of "Portrait of God"

A deep dive into how we made our short film "Portrait of God".
My Contact Email: [e-mail]
My Instagram: @dylanmcclarkus
Check out more work from composer Ryan Shreves: / ryanshreves
Ryan’s Website: www.ryanshreves...
Ryan’s Instagram: @ryanshreves
Check out more work from our lead actress Sydney Brumfield: www.sydneybrum...
Sydney's Instagram: @sydney.brumfield
Check out more work from some of the talented voice actors involved in this project:
Tom Racine: www.tomracinevoice.com
John Martin: johnmartinprodu...
Ali Dusinberre: alidusinberre.com
Connect with our crew:
Surina Belk-Gupta's Instagram: @surina.pop
Lucas Cavanagh's Linktree: linktr.ee/luca...
Andrew Caffrey's Instagram: @tsar_andrew
Andrew Caffrey's Email: [e-mail]

[@evilpompom]

The part that made the most impact on me was the ending, where we see the phone and realize that Mia has been standing there for three hours, just staring at the screen, and then her little smile. It's like she has finally understood something that the rest of us don't.

[@TheArchangelOfEvil]

I think it was 3 days and 3 hours not just 3 hours.

[@billabongwardle]

@@TheArchangelOfEvil no, it was 3 hours, 3 minutes.

[@TeeheeX23]

​@@billabongwardle it's actually 3 days, the camera show 3:2:59:38 the moment the camera pans on it and it goes to 3:3:0:00

[@sophieisabella]

@@billabongwardleit was 3 days, 3 hours, and the minutes and seconds continued increasing.

[@billabongwardle]

@@sophieisabella ...... are you seriously this dense that you can't tell basic time? 😂go back. go and watch it with your eyes. the milliseconds are ticking, next to that are the seconds, then minutes, then the hours. There is no 'day' timed on that stop clock. My god, the basic comprehension some of you people lack is astounding.

[@PieRowManiac]

Portrait of God is, without exaggeration, one of the best shorts I've ever seen. Religious horror is a sub-genre that does not get a lot of attention, and usually focuses on demons or the devil as the "other". Not only that, your ability to craft tension, suspense and terror is incredible. Well done; I can't wait to see what you direct next.

[@dylanclark]

Thank you! I’m a religious horror nut- particularly those that aren’t exorcism movies and play with religion in more abstract ways. Really glad it worked for you on that level.

[@sarahbeardsley]

If you liked this, you might like the film Saint Maud!

[@bryanschumacker5417]

I feel like a lot of horror movies are based off religion. It is my favorite!

[@Mugen2024]

It reminds me a lot of cosmic horror too

[@ZeroXSEED]

My problem with Cosmic horror genre is the sheer antitheistic nature of the many works involved. I actually had a period of two months where all I listened to was cosmic horror reading on youtube, many are fantastic in both writing and narrating, but the anti-God elements made me unsettled as a Muslim. This one doesn't have it, despite portraying 'God' as something somewhat monstrous in appearance you can see the duality of MC being scared, yet at the same time captivated to the point of standing here for three hours without realizing. If anything, it draws HUGE similarity on how Angels are portrayed in Abrahamic religion, which Dylan brought up.

[@imlostpeople4368]

Portrait of god was amazing

[@ohboy6738]

Give this man a bigger budget please! Hollywood needs a guy like him behind the camera!!

[@HeisenbergFam]

Always a great year when Dylan uploads after 9 months, Portrait of God is one of the best short horror films I've seen

[@ostrove4694]

Absolutely, had goosebumps after it ended.

[@Dragon.um5tz]

They should do a movie based off of it

[@philruu]

I love that there is no loud jumpscare in it. It's just the pure intimidation and fear you create yourself. I feel like the biggest enemy in post probably was the low 8-bit banding quality of youtube (where you can see the choppy edges of the subtle grey/black color variations)

[@GabrielRodrigues-qp4yt]

This bts only reinforces how much thought and care was put into Portrait of God. No wonder is one of the most effective and terrifying shorts released on KZbin in the past couple of years.

[@dylanclark]

Thanks Gabriel :)!

[@Q-1424]

THE FACT THAT IT SILENTLY TRANSITION INTO THE ENDING BLACK SCREEN WITH OUT ANY CHEAP JUMP SCARE OR BOOM SOUND IS PHENOMENAL AND DIRECTORIAL MASTERPIECE ❤

[@mr.weirdo5756]

I gotta be honest, I really needed this video. Because if I get a behind-the-scenes look, the terrifying unknown will be dispelled. And I desperately needed that after watching the film.

[@ZonnexNecton]

The snap shot after the light actually worked really well honestly. The original intention for the light being the projector sounded good on paper, but I like this one more. That said, it is perhaps my favorite short films. Keep up the great work.

[@GlazeonthewickeR]

Couldn’t agree more

[@LifesNeverHumDrum]

Hugely agree, the cut with the sound dropping out made me feel like a huge weight was off my chest and just could breathe again

[@Astricozy]

You are, without a doubt, one of the most talented short film creators on the platform-- that I've ever seen even. The fact you haven't made a feature length film should honestly be a crime. Lots of love to you and all your friends, family and crew that worked on this. Especially in an industry that is just so reliant on jumpscares with nasty violin riffs now, you're an absolute artist and deserve more praise. Haven't been as creeped out since watching Hereditary.

[@dylanclark]

So kind of you to say! I really appreciate it :)

[@mrmeme_official]

The Portrait of God has got to be one of the scariest stuff I've seen, the way she has been there for 3 whole days just standing up and the smile at the end gave me goosebumps

[@Sharnami_EN]

There isn't a lot of horrors that've made me feel something; but when the figure in the dark crooked it's head, I got goose bumps; I wasn't expecting that at all

[@AliothAncalagon]

Truly one of the strongest takes on cosmic horror in the truest sense of the word I have seen so far.

[@hilaryg8059]

The shot in Hereditary where Annie sees her mom is EXACTLY what I thought of when watching Portrait of God! To me the scariest part of the film was that, so to see it expanded into a concept of its own was awesome! Can't wait for the next one (:

[@SnowDropSteph]

It's been a minute since I've been so absorbed in a movie, less a short film. It was incredible and I will never ever forget how it made me feel. 😫🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Nikolai-gl1do]

As a christain myself who enjoys small sub-genres of horror, this is the best ive seen. Thank you for making this, this is amazing

[@mari_golds-bleeding-ink]

“Portrait of God” is probably one of the best short films I’ve seen on this site (and in the SSS series that I came from,) and as a Christian, seeing a film that doesn’t hone in on the obvious like Exorcisms or Demons made this one especially interesting to watch! I remember the dread that went through me when I first watched that screen rise and the figure was still there. It’s pretty funny how the mask looks goofy with brighter lighting but in the dark it makes me want to start crying 😂😂😂 Again nice work!

[@pricemedlin5651]

portrait of god was the first short horror film i ever saw, and it absolutely blew me away. i literally thought about it for like a month after lol

[@RubyDianArts]

The music was so beautifully eerie, my favorite is the quietly peppered notes sung by angelic voices

[@LifesNeverHumDrum]

It was perfect for this dark void the film takes place in. It has this sort of underwater feel to it

[@kaaditya1]

More than film making, for me this film was an absolute masterclass in writing horror. No cheap tricks used. The lesson I got from this was using repetition. First pass of narration by mia, you set the environment but nothing bad actually happens. You let people know what “normal” is. Second pass you change 1 thing from the normal. Just 2 spots in the darkness. Absolutely brilliant writing.

[@SocialHouseFilms]

Wow, what a nice surprise! Congrats again on such an incredible film 🥳

[@dylanclark]

Thanks guys :)!

[@jerryberkowitz8555]

I am 74, been a scifi fan since forever and this short really nailed it. Congrats for a wonderful adventure, I am looking forward for your'e next project and wish you the best of luck.

[@deidarafangirl911]

I like that you couldn't do the 'throat light fading into projector light' thing, I think from an analysis standpoint that would imply that Mia was hallucinating while what you have now is more ambiguous. The original plan reads more like 'this is what she's seeing- and this is what it actually is', whereas the final edit has her standing back in the room with the projector light almost as a halo- like she really did just see a Holy Vision and is now a Saint. She could have been hallucinating for three hours, or maybe she went back into the room in shock after actually seeing God's true form. I like the not-knowing.

[@Atmxx1002]

This is gotta be the best horror short film that I’ve seen! No jumpscares, no loud sounds, just pure psychological terror.

[@belluzinha7004]

the less is more mentality, the willingness to sacrifice shots for the improvement of the project is what makes you a great filmmaker. I'm looking foward to your future projects

[@RealQuietOne]

I recommend this short film whenever possible. It is great! Thanks for the behind-the-scenes info! 👍

[@EscapeTheGuitar]

I've come across Portrait of God by chance, it was the most intense short movie experience i've had, great work, great sophistication in detail and simplicity ! Can't wait to see more

[@mattbaldwin2510]

Man, I would have loved to been able to develop something of this quality back when I was doing college and Uni. The quality of this short really stands out. Amazing work Dylan, truely is.

[@ladybirdg5658]

Hearing you talk through your creation process really explains why your films are so good tbh. You're realistic and good at compromising for the sake of time, pacing, resources, etc. But you can build off of what little you have very well! It never even occurred to me that the transition to the final shot was your plan B; it never felt awkward or out of place. All of your shortfilms have a distinct sense of care and thoroughness put into them. They're not just "good" as in "enjoyable;" they feel tight and fine-tuned. Beyond that, you clearly have a creative intuition for storytelling in this medium, which not everybody can have even if they have great technical skill. If any feature length project ever comes out with your name attached, I'll be there 👀

[@naokah4143]

This was THE best short film I have ever seen. From a religious, atheist or agnostic point of view it is completely mind blowing and deeply impactful (not to mention terrifyingly intriguing). What an amazing concept to run with. So impressed.

[@UncensoredScion]

see this is what makes a good creative, right off the bat you give a very brief example of working within means, 'I have X amount of money with Y locations, what can I do with this?' and then working form that. Brilliant!

[@RealQuietOne]

I was incredibly impressed with the short film, too. Very simple, but VERY creepy! And it's left up to the view to interpret the ending.

[@SnobbyBird_]

You’re one of the most underrated short film channels of all time, if not the most underrated

[@maddose4232]

The all concept is 100% brilliant! the story telling.. the tension building, u start questioning yourself, almost like u are starting to see the figure like her, its projected all into you!! Amazing! When u start slowly seing the figure and how it makes you question youself, i am a man of faith in Cristh , i had to stop and pray literally to calm myself and procede with the viewing. Brilliant job, Bravo! PS: The ligthing and the music and her performance are excellent!

[@graysonsebert23]

I can't describe how breathtaking this film is, truly. It is so utterly unique in its artistic quality and substance and I was immediately drawn in once I started watching it. The sound especially is one of my favorite parts of this film as it is just so haunting, though darkly, beautifully so. I've never seen anything quite like it and seeing the processes behind the making of this film is quite extraordinary and inspiring, especially being a novice filmmaker myself. I released my first ever film 7 months ago, The Master, which is of the horror genre, and I just wanted to say that this film was definitely an inspiration during my process, as it encouraged me to dare to be fully vulnerable and original in my work. So thank you very much for this film; your work does not go unnoticed and is pure genius.

[@Elisanna91]

Portrait is such an amazing short film, as much as my gut reaction is "I need a movie for it", I've decided no. You are becoming such a master at the short film format, and with portrait you have given such an amazing piece of storytelling in such a short amount of time. Just a masterpiece, thank you!!!!

[@wort4867]

I'm directing my first major short film in a week and honestly you've kinda cleared up some of the things I was unsure about and gave me a new perspective on how to approach this craft, so thank you :)

[@dylanclark]

Thats all I can hope for with these videos. So awesome to hear that! Thanks for commenting and best of luck!

[@whimbur]

This film was one of the few that i wish i could watch for the first time again

[@BosAFemimist]

This is actually art, I've always been scared of dark spaces as I turn on the lights without watching everytime. The short film made me even more terrified.

[@scottlovesmoviestoomuch]

My man, you have absolutely shown Ari Astor-level talent with this short. You definitely learned all the right lessons from Hereditary. For example, when I saw the figure behind her, I didn’t even gasp; I was too breathless. Instead it was just slight, sudden intake of breath, but that small reaction spoke volumes. I feel like that’s a microcosm of why this short is so effective: it’s like you know that sometimes the smallest revelation of details can lead to the biggest comprehension of horror. Just when I thought that this one moment was all this short would have going for it (which still would have been enough to recommend it), it kept going… and going… and going, revealing so many unexpected, unsettling details that will stick with me forever. This short is truly a work of art.

[@talltaleradio]

This was awesome, and amazing to get a shout out, Dylan! I remember auditioning for this voice over gig for a short film, and being very pleased I got it. But then the short came out and I was blown away! And I've had people contact me out of the blue who I haven't heard from in a long time and say "Man, I just saw you did a voice in this fantastic horror short on KZbin!" So cool. And your use of the various people's testimony at the start is so well done as a sound montage. Very proud to have been a tiny part of this amazing project! Gonna be fun to watch your career blow up!

[@dylanclark]

This is a such a nice comment, Tom! I sincerely appreciate it. And so happy to hear you’ve had people reach out to you about it. It may have a been a small part, but I’ve seen so many people quote “it’s beautifulllll” in your voice. Absolutely killer delivery.

[@pruiz1118]

I can't even begin to explain how inspirational and informative your videos are to me. I recently started trying to make horror shorts and your shorts and "making of" videos are invaluable. You're a brilliant filmmaker, cannot wait to see more.

[@TenereAMir]

I LOVED this short film so much. It doesn't rely on gore or jump scares, just a deeply horrifying, unsettling, and quiet sequence. A nightmare. It was terrifying in a way that no slasher flick could ever be.

[@danmcdonald8736]

Easily one of my fav shorts, I sent it to everyone I know. I love the weird details, like how God's hand comes from an impossible angle.

[@r3gret2079]

Easily one of the beat horror short films I have ever seen, and THEE ONLY youtube film to actually creep me the hell out. Outstanding job!

[@ronhanks4610]

I literally just saw this, was absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed it and the behind the scenes is always appreciated. The Sydney is not only a talented actress but quite beautiful too.

[@jlitz7393]

This movie made me spend more time thinking about it than all of the Hollywood horror genre films combined. This is possibly the most impactful piece of film I've ever seen. If it weren't for your making of series, this thing would truly haunt me. I had a 30 minute conversation with my friend about it and we realized we had barely scratched the surface of the patterns of questions this film brought up in us

[@johnathancurry6993]

Your short film inspired me to revisit my lore idea of creating the Christian God a true Lovecraftian Horror, in a mythos I am building and writng. Thank you for your amazing work!❤

[@hope-cat4894]

I hope you're successful in your writing! There aren't too many stories that explore the more cosmic horror side of Christianity.

[@CalloohCalley]

One of the best short films I've ever seen. Also, Dylan is ripped af!

[@ericmachel4240]

Easily my favorite short in this genre. It’s well acted, excellently written, well timed, and just incredibly effective. Congrats on what is IMO a perfect short!

[@dylanclark]

Thanks a ton!

[@_.lorelei._]

"Portrait of God" was the first horror film that gave me nightmares! For real! I woke up that night panicking 😂 amazing experience!

[@sansystudios9904]

PoG is straight up something out of Lovecraft and I love it

[@nothing3065]

Whew, seeing you all smiling and having a good time should ease the anixiety I felt ever since watching this movie it didn't

[@DistantKingdom]

very memorable short - i always come back to watch it every now and then! Excited to see what you come up with next : )

[@51_putusatyawijaya7]

God I really need this kind of "behind-the-scene" video, really helps calming my goosebumps after watching the finished video.

[@Kevin...................]

Thanks for making this behind the scenes so I can be a bit less scared of the real thing

[@latinojackson9694]

Some ideas, like this, just WORK in as a short film, it's open to interpretation and discussion. It's when directors try to make them feature length films that they start to feel padded out, think Lights Out, the short film was great because it left you wondering and wanting more. Portrait of God was amazing on so many levels that I personally feel don't need explanation, the beauty is in the mystery.

[@ofjewofjgjro3249]

I really like your style and Portrait of God is my favourite short film. What I do love is that you relied on "less is more". Alot of big budget movies do fall into the trap that they have the budget to show more and kill the magic by doing so. The deepest darkest horror comes from the imagination of the audience.

[@TheUltimateVoid]

I love how informative and useful this is, especially for people who want to make a short with a low budget, you guys did such a great job!!

[@Jad_h1705]

Dylan you should genuinely be so proud of yourself. I'm literally on the edge of my seat, waiting for your next upload. I can't wait to see what you do next.

[@tecaarantes]

I have to say that Portrait of God is one of the best short horror films ever! I collect the best ones in my youtube library and, together with Portrait, there are few others! Slasher, gore, blood and gratuitous jump scares are not necessary to make a great horror movie and Portrait of God is a great example of that! PS: the PERFECT timming of the cut at the end, when she is barely beginning to smile is Oscar material!

[@yolekz]

this short film made me cover my eyes i couldnt sleep for TWO DAYS BECAUSE OF THIS FILM

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa4399]

Bruh

[@orzombie2363]

The use of no "resources as a resource" was perfect for the short film. AMAZINGGG

[@MaybeAnnatar]

REALLY hope we get more videos like this. I really enjoyed hearing more about this short in this style

[@dylanclark]

Thanks for checking it out! Would love to make more videos like this in between shorts.

[@jafarabushanab8066]

Watching this video has been so inspiring for me as a student of filmmaking. I love what you're are doing and thank you for being so transparent!

[@carved_cuts]

I've had a passion for making videos and short films but it's not been going well. I've been searching for a job in video editing but I keep getting let go, soon after being hired. In my spare time, I can't get things done and never finish things. Typical ADHD bullshit. But I leaped with joy once I saw this pop up. The making of one of my favorite short films of all time! This is so cool! The fact you based all this solely on the things you had access to, is incredible. The way the lighting was done is awesome, and off course the way all of the monster scenes were done. It had me excitedly bouncing in my chair. I feel like you reignited my old video passion, man.

[@hollycrossingxo]

Ive watched and rewatched the short several times. No matter how many times i see it its still bone chilling 😅

[@-Hexag0n]

I am shocked no one's asking for the feature expansion video, plz do that. I'm sure everyone will love to see the lore

[@betergrif9504]

I gotta say, Portrait of God has to be the best short horror media I've ever had the pleasure of viewing, and this look about the ingenuity of how these films are created is a great perspective 10/10 work to you and your team👍

[@LifesNeverHumDrum]

Absolutely love seeing how you came up with the concept through assessing your assets and limitations. “art through adversity.” Sydney gave a fantastic performance (love seeing her have fun behind the scenes as well 😂) One of my favorite moments is when Mia says “why can they see it….when we can’t?” You can hear and see so much emotion in her subdued delivery. I also love the hand coming from an impractical direction to grab her chin, and the lack of continuity between the hand and the visible shoulders. Very creepy!

[@MulletHead87]

Watched how Verehin made "Lure" which made me go into a rabbit hole of "Behind the Scenes" The detail and time in making these is crazy! Love it!

[@simon5143]

The biggest obstacle was KZbin’s compression. Glad you uploaded a higher resolution mirror.

[@dylanclark]

I shoulda talked about this in the video. Too true. I almost considered not even uploading it to KZbin because I was so scared of how the compression would butcher it.

[@dylanclark]

I shoulda talked about this in the video. Too true. I almost considered not even uploading it to KZbin because I was so scared of how the compression would butcher it.

[@triz1076]

The moment of realization sent shivers all through me, it's so refreshing when it is captured in horror this action that is so mundane (such as the screen going up) and they make it feel so fucking ominous to the audience. Also, I loved the depictions of "God" part, builds up a sort of tension that feels just right especially because we can't see it yet, all of the voice actors did an amazing job at it. The film final result felt very consistent in its storytelling and the fact that you kept only what was necessary for the narrative, the decision to cut out/discontinue some plans for the backstory, reminded me of a quote that... I don't really remember who said it, but it is about dialogue and is along the lines of 'if the dialogue does not add up information about the character or continuity to the narrative its best that it does not exist' which is not the same situation since the motive was mostly time duration, but both are very objective line of thought. It was very enlightening to see the thoughts (and strategies) behind the making of this film. This is one of my favorite short horror films so far, I also watched all of your previous horror shorts and I really admired your and your team's hard work, can't wait for the next project to be available!

[@ethanabitz9016]

Stumbled on this from a edit on tiktok truly a once in a lifetime find. Loved the short film keep going!

[@gendygoblin8391]

I like the portrait being the source of interaction between the two subjects. The portrait becomes this tether between our realm and the void.

[@Taiiiiiils]

I am a huge horror fan and enjoy both the final products as well the BTS of movies. But I am surprised you didn't and none of the comments on the short film talk about the first time you see the glinting eyes is not from the projection but actually on the far left at the 1:50 mark. Keep up the awesome work!

[@GlynDwr-d4h]

This movie was brilliant from top to bottom.

[@_clovemusic_]

this was quite literally the best horror short i have EVER seen. literally the most amazing short film ever. the music, acting, story, effects… it’s absolutely amazing. i’m a huge fan!!

[@bigmacgamingofficial]

This is my favorite KZbin Short Film by far! Glad to see the Process

[@BuriedHatchetProductions]

Awesome to see how humble you stay after the success of this short. Lovely making on, so hype it was so long !

[@dylanclark]

Thanks BHP!

[@sabinemeurer2972]

First movie I've considered myself to be fortunetally lucky to have seen of yours, and it's sooo brilliant for such a short one!!! THX!🥰 Also a big thank you, for the BTS material, 'cause as a creative person myself (my art is writing and in some time you can listen to it as it will be read by my best friend, an actress) I'm so interrested and fascinated by the process of creating/producing.

[@samuelpearce9914]

Y’all ate this!!! Easily the best horror short I have EVER seen. So simple and so terrifying.

[@keonakel9678]

The short film was very well done, you never really know all the work that goes on behind the screen. Great job guys!

[@ArtByCole]

I shared the short to everyone, watched it many times, and I still keep coming back to watch it again. It's the best horror short that I have ever seen.

[@Biyou22]

Lol this comment is exactly what I came to say

[@justahugenerd1278]

The creature is so visually disturbing, I’m so impressed. Even after seeing this short so many times it still creeps me out and that’s saying something!! Excellent excellent job you guys. You are all exceptionally talented and you’re going to go far!!

[@brittanylee4591]

Something different in this film, truly special

[@belluzinha7004]

one of the best shorts I have ever seen, if not THE best. congrats

[@grapiebee]

I cannot express how much I enjoyed your short film, thank you and your team for the time, care and work you put into the project.

[@ArthurChristopherRose]

I like how the creature, presumably the God, is played by the director himself. The God is played by the person responsible for the whole creation of the film. That's a deeper level symbolism.

[@Authorat15]

This is such an amazing short. Making something which I find comfort in scary is just so terrifying. I saw a line once in some sort of horror, I can't remember now, and it was revealed that God was against him in some way and he wrote in his journal "Who have I been praying to all this time?" Making God scary scares me more than anything ever could.

[@dhanurgera7231]

It is very rare that I stop watching something and look away from the screen. The portrait of god is by far the best horror short film ever made.

[@Kevin.Parker]

Been waiting for this!

[@cezaralves4408]

Preem work!! One of the best short films I’ve ever watched! Religious horror requires a unique view!

[@evilpompom]

I love this film! It's incredibly well made and there's an eerie vibe to it that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. And best of all; no cheap jump scares or screamers! ❤

[@rpf23543]

We need mooooore videos 😀 Love these shocking little movies

[@nikkigrimm9686]

UHM I 'm sorry but I 'm gonna need a full feature length film of this. The concept is unbelievably interesting!

[@suecoelho467]

PLEASE READ THIS….YOUR MOVIES ARE ABSOLUTELY A WONDERFUL WORK OF ART! MASTERPIECE OF HORROR ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@guzzuanim]

That was such a creative and visionary solution for the creature. Absolutely amazing stuff

[@Tiemen3]

I thought this short film was so well made, so effective and it sounds like it was all because your priorities are very well managed, with you starting from the resources and constraints that you are working with and developing the idea from there. It's so much fun to see how you can achieve such a polished looking end result with such basic tools, that were used in a very smart way. I'm really impressed and I'm very much looking forward to see where you'll go from here, because I think you're gonna go far!

[@morbius7437]

Just finished watching the video. This channel is the definition of underrated.