How to Make Your First Short Film: A Crash Course
Making your first short film can be scary and overwhelming. This crash course will get you ready to start shooting ASAP.
If you want to start filmmaking, there are no excuses. Perfection is the enemy of progress, and you'll learn more by DOING, so take the advice in this video and start telling your stories.
🎓 Level up your filmmaking in a month with my short film course: wrapped.school
Some more useful links:
Screenwriting - Writer Duet (first 3 scripts free) - www.writerduet.com/
Sound Effects - Freesound - www.freesound.org
Free Music - KZread Audio Library - studio.kzread.info/dron/.html...
Editing - iMovie (included on Mac)
Editing - Da Vinci Resolve - www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...
Thumbs up and subscribe to help this channel grow!
📬 Get my free filmmaking templates & bonus videos: www.standardstoryco.com/newsl...
Instagram: / standardstoryco
The best stock music (get 2 months free):
bit.ly/3HIcaYK
Favorite editing templates & stock assets ($50 off annual plan):
bit.ly/3xdowEg
Business inquiries: standardstoryco@gmail.com
My current filmmaking gear:
Main Camera/Lens - amzn.to/2QYkb6a
B-roll Camera - amzn.to/3q27OEq
Camera Monitor/Recorder - amzn.to/33ruCBB
Lights: amzn.to/3QwDqxo
Editing Laptop - amzn.to/3JnE8t7
Data Storage - amzn.to/3etQClO
Tripod - bhpho.to/43975mD
Microphone - amzn.to/3evKfhJ
Sound Recorder - amzn.to/3AdVuWu
Lighting - amzn.to/3QwDqxo
My desk setup- kit.co/kentlamm/kent-s-desk-s...
About me:
I've been making short films for 20 years, starting at age 11. I directed my first feature film, Bad is Bad, in 2010. Made for only $6,000, the film went on to reach over 7 million views and garner critical acclaim. More recently, my short film, Will "The Machine", screened and won awards at film festivals around the world. Released online in 2019, it reached over 1 million views in just a month. I also work as a video editor, cutting ads for clients such as Apple, Netflix, and Beats by Dre.
DISCLAIMER: Links in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Пікірлер: 646
Want to make a great short film in a month? Join us at WRAPPED in 30 Days: wrapped.school
@ZoeSFX
6 ай бұрын
Would you be willing to read a short? Just for feedback. Not to endorse, promote. I'd even ask for a NDA. I don't have many people in my life that understand the passion of film making.
@latishamiller2490
3 ай бұрын
Where are you located I’m interested in turning my books into a movie/Tv series
@morningstarfilmsnetwork
2 ай бұрын
nice
@XanderShiller
25 күн бұрын
@@ZoeSFX problem is that there ARE a LOT of passionate people but they often don't follow through or make the 1st step.. others want a ludicrous salary, wait around until it's too late etc. I never thought finding actors (even students) was such an effort and I think it's in part because some people are talkers and some are doers and in this dystopian society, we forgot how to communicate.
That’s a hell of a story for your short film, deep‼️
@YungCali
2 жыл бұрын
Hellaaaaaaa!! 💯 👏🏾 👏🏾 🙌🏽
@SarahNP
Жыл бұрын
Truly!!! It got me right in the feels, and all he did was read us the summary!
@furyano1251
Жыл бұрын
Pore child. So sad but very thoughtful of the father that made those videos
@martinmeyerbiz
Жыл бұрын
I was literally crying!! 😭
@siyabonga6212
Жыл бұрын
Lol
As a newcomer to the world making a short story using a smartphone, in two minutes of listening I learned more than listening to 45 minutes on another video on the same topic. Thank you very much for giving me a sense of direction when I shot my first short film.
Going to be officially working on my first short film next month thank you so much for this has been a big help on what I needed
@aitortilla6473
2 жыл бұрын
¿Cómo te ha ido con tu cortometraje?
@rutvikjundare8564
Жыл бұрын
@@aitortilla6473 flop
@m-mori
Жыл бұрын
How did it go?
@Volkskomissar
Жыл бұрын
More like "I want to learn to make better Clickbaits" iy you are interested DM me
@davidlee50
Жыл бұрын
At 10 hour days for 30 days, you can make the 5 minute movies for pennys.
I've been writing scripts the last five years and it's been so difficult finding any recognition/footing, but this video has left me feeling kind of enthusiastic about attempting a production of something on my own. Much appreciated, bud.
@CaptainSwift11
Жыл бұрын
Hey, I've been wanting to get into making short films, but don't really want to actually write them at the moment. If you've got some scripts, I'd love to try making them!
@trevscribbles
Жыл бұрын
@@CaptainSwift11 I'm sure I've got a few 5 minute projects collecting cobwebs that you'd be welcome to! Send me a DM and we'll have a chat ✌
@israel9294
Жыл бұрын
Find actors then build a story around them not the other way around
@theoliotsakis
Жыл бұрын
hey! im filming a short horror film for a class and would love to see if you're willing to share a script that is around 8-10 minutes long!
@trevscribbles
Жыл бұрын
@@theoliotsakis Let's have a chat
7:39 "Be prepared to 'kill some darlings'." This is something a lot of filmmakers in Hollywood need to remember. Just love seeing these movies running 3-4 hours now when they could be 2 hours or less and not lose a single important part of the story.
@Gowtham6pm
Жыл бұрын
I disagree once upon a time in america is actually a 4 hour movie but when you watch it you won't feel like its long movie i only realised its a 4 hour movie after finishing it it was directed by an criminally underrated director sergio leone and it was his last movie its all about the plot and how you make when the plot and thr making is not good even a 1 hour movie will be boring
@Chromedbustop
Жыл бұрын
@@Gowtham6pm Okay, but that's not quite what I was saying.
My first short was really badly made I didn’t really understand how to get coverage. But i will always love it because it taught me all I know
@smallzebra19
Жыл бұрын
same. My second was much much better and the third will be even better when it comes out
@skeletonfilms3650
Жыл бұрын
@@smallzebra19 yea totally bro the more you film the better you get
@Maliniasredmask
Жыл бұрын
yyoooo i wanted to go out in the comment section and watch some of a random persons channel... i chose you!!! GET LOADS OF FEEDBACK BACK SIR!!!
@Met9171
Жыл бұрын
Where can I watch your shorts guys?
@JadenHercules
10 ай бұрын
Where can I watch this short film of yours?
I'm coming to this two months before my 70th birthday and before actually attempting to shoot my first short film - Thank you - such helpful advice - you make it sound so possible and fun - hooray!!!!!!!!!!!
@TheRealDarth_Vader
Ай бұрын
IDK if you'll reply but never quit keep making films and doing what you want to do.
Dang! I just went through every emotion of a movie in 30 seconds due to his short film!! 🤯
I've watched several videos, but THIS is the right video for anyone starting with shooting a short film! Wish I knew these tips before.
Damn dude. That short film about the dead dad really hits home! I lost my dad unexpectedly when I was almost 3. Just the concept of having all those tapes brought tears to my eyes. Anyway nice video! I'm thinking of making some short films soon.
Alright, you are awesome. As a mere photographer stepping up into the short film world you have nailed the information I needed. THANK YOU. That needed to be shouted.
So I’m in the middle of the writing process of my short film. This video helped so much with what I need to do next! I’m so glad I came across this channel, as I feel I was hitting a creators block on what to do. My movie is about my brother lol it’s a scary movie and I’m surrounded by corn so I think I know exactly how I want it to look but as far as getting the scenes to flow to the next, has always been a challenge for me. Ima binge watch your videos on this your absolutely amazing at explaining this!
Bro I was having an anxiety attack just thinking about the whole process of making my short film but this helped me be able to process everything and set up steps for it thank you so much 🙏🏽
@philipebiaboere1969
Жыл бұрын
Been there
Man I love when you have an idea and a film or video sort of plays in your head and then YOU make it come to life. It’s such a satisfying experience.
You just gave me 2 hours worth of info in only 8 minutes 🔥 THANK YOU SO MUCH 👏 about to start production on my first short, thank you for all the info I needed 👏
As someone who went to film school (SVA), worked in Hollywood and made a few low-budget products/industrials of my own , I just want to say, you give great advice.
Your short film that you never posted before...made me cry. WOW!
Been on the fence about making a short film, but I'm definitely gonna try now. I already have been in short films, commercials, and feature films. Wish me luck. And good luck to all of you as well. 💪🏽
As someone who has made some short films and now has a daughter who wants to make movies (she's 6 y/o), this video is so helpful in helping me explain to her why we can't make a 20 minute short film like she wants to. lol
I am very very bad at this.
@eatme3212
2 ай бұрын
Don’t give up
@kaikai9122
26 күн бұрын
Nuh uh
@Ann-op5kj
22 күн бұрын
I feel this 💗😆
@SophiaCassandraPangan-dg1lg
11 күн бұрын
You got this king
@merahunny
10 күн бұрын
Until your very good
Wow, I just recently started getting into short films and cinematography and this is by far the best and most informative video I’ve watched. You really went into the most detail. Thank you for this.
Really great tips! Your positivity is infectious. Thank you!
This is brilliant. You’re absolutely a genius. This is exactly what I needed. Much love and appreciation. Thank you!!!
I love how you get right to the point. No flashy costumes or girls in bikinis (although I wouldn't have objected to that)) no sales gimmicks or "Here's how to get my t-shirt or mug with discount password" just straight to the point info on how to successfully pull off your 1st short film. I did want to add the best thing is not to rush on the project and feel like you've done your job. Organizing is the best point. I'm not like most and not a perfectionist, but I've been on year 3 of my first film which is actually a music video documentary so I've had to create a stage and buy many props, lighting, instruments and amps and cameras and, well you get the drift.. Of course the best part is my actors are puppets so I don't have to feed them.. I figure year 4 is the year. Wish me luck on my project date of 2023 or is that 2024? Thanks for sharing...
It's great to see someone doing a quick instructional with the accolades to prove it. And actually use the techniques mentioned seamlessly in the same video.
You. are. the. MAN. this made making a movie wayyy more digestible.. still pretty daunting haha
each seconds you speak each of it are really important to understand, it is really helpful. Thank you for your pieces of ideas
Sir, these 8 minutes of my life were totally worth it to spend!! Thank you!!
I really liked the tip of “Film what you yourself would find interesting”. I tend to get lost thinking about what others would find interesting. But taking the perspective of myself is a really good starting point I think 😊thank you!
Your video appeared in my feed and out of curiosity I gave it my time. I'm not a filmmaker. I didn't think I might want to be a filmmaker. But, after watching this video, I feel pumped to go make a short movie. Your presentation is brilliant and earned you a new subscriber. Cheers!
Love it man. Great delivery and excellent nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout!
I really loved this video. Wanting to start making my own stuff and this video is make feel more at ease about it. Thank you!
These short film instructions are amazing. Thxs for sharing
You are amazing. THANK YOU. You made it feel attainable and now I want to do this more than ever.
I've had a short film I've been wanting to make for over a decade. I make daily content but next year I finally plan to make and release my first short film. Thank you for this video! Really useful and helpful! ❤
Wow you pack a lot of information that's valuable into a short time, you've earned my subscription for sure brother
This breakdown is awesome thank you! All the right details. Chef’s kiss.
If I hadn't noticed the 'cuts' I don't think I could have believed that you actually took a breath within those -five- eight minutes. Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
Great video and great advice. I'm planning on making a short film soon and this definitely helped me get better prepared.
@markstrain8989
Жыл бұрын
AMEN 🙏👍
So no nonsense, best KZread Info clip I've watched
I'm doing an educational course and your video above has been incredibly helpful. Thanks!! Tell a story. Keep it at 5 minutes. Eye-openers!
Hey Kent, thanks for sharing your experience!!!
Very inspired now. Can’t wait to get started.
thank you so much . this is so helpful. keep up your splendid work !
@StandardStoryCo
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, will do!
I am myself a Short Film maker, but these 8mins made me realise all those places where I was going wrong until today. Thanks for all those explainations ❤️👍🏻
I made videos, but have alwyas envisioned myself making a documentary one day and I think you have inspired me to use short films as the transitional step between videos and documentaries. A 5min short film is easy to envision myself completing in a reasonable amout of time, and you've laid it out so well in this video I'm excited to start thinking about this more. Awesome video. I've subscribed!
This video was very informative. I hope it blows up as it should!
Thanks a lot, love the simplicity of your speech
this is absolutely what i've been looking for . thanks for this
I don't have any intention of filming a short film. I am here because I enjoy your content. Keep it up, man!
your energy cracks me up. also amazing video, lots of great info here!
The Resemblance of you looking like Marco Cirillo is Uncanny!!
Thank you so much for this this is probably one of the best videos I've ever watched I'm just starting out and this really helped
NEEDED THIS VIDEO, love you bro
I always say: Victory offers affirmation; Defeat offers education. Learning from your mistakes is how you grow and get better. Don't fear mistakes. Look at your first film as a learning experience. You're learning the art. Nobody grabs a paintbrush for the first time and creates a masterpiece. Embrace the process, and it will serve you well... :)
I just got F... ing hooked to your channel... Great !!!
Your example story was heartbreaking.Thank You for the video❤
Bro, your channel and video style is really awesome, thank you for all your work :D
This is excellent. Concise. Useful. Informative. Some great resource tips. Thanks!
Brilliant .. I’ve been making short documentaries for 3 decades, but I’m going to use lots of what you suggest in the rest of a series I’m making now. Biggest compliment I can pay you is: This is REALLY USEFUL 🎥🎭🌹
A semester of filmmaking in 8 minutes. Brilliant, dude. This is going to help a lot of people.
OMG your short idea...hits right n the feels!
Really good advice, found the section on audio really helpful, thanks!
Very practical advice you have given.
Your short film about the dead dad got my eye teary 🥺
THANKS so much for the INFORMATION I LEARNED A LOT FROM THIS VIDEO THANKS
Fantastic video. Tons on great advice and information. Cheers!!!
Thank you thank you. This is just what I needed even though I didn't realise it. Great info, great drip feed of information at the right time. Great everything. Great length. Just... great. I guess. I tend to be overly critical at everything, despite having created very little. This, I _am_ impressed with. Very, very impressed. Thanks again.
Awesome information 👏🏼 thank you sir!!
There goes my idea. That’s just wild to me. Literally plucked it out of my head.
@BookApocalypse
Жыл бұрын
ouch
best Tutorial I've seen on KZread! Thank you
Crucial stuff. Cut to the chase. Excellent!
Damn, dude, this is so helpful. Thanks for this no BS video.
Thank you! This was great and really motivating to me to make my short film this week!
It’s really hard to make shorts if you’re the only character and the only writer in the movie. Oh, and when you only record everything on your phone. But what can i do? That’s my hobby.
Dude, this is insane 😂 you are the winzip of short films. Great Long content in short film. Loved it. Thanks.
Wow, you packed a lot of good stuff in this short video.
This video was of a great help thank you ❤️
Hella inspirational my guy. Great video I can tell you worked hard on it.
Wait... you made Will "The Machine" ?? Dude, I'll listen to anything you say. Awesome film!
I found you yesterday and have already learned so much… All that’s left is to apply it 😂 We’ll see how that goes
Very very very practical and simply insightful. Thankssssss!!!!!!
I need to make a short film with my friend for a project and this certainly helped a lot, Thanks!
This is exactly what I was looking for. I was too caught up in not knowing how to use screenwriting software, or not having a better camera than my phone, and it helped me realize I just need to do it.
Thanks for the upload. That helped a lot.
thank you bro really helped me a lot because I didn't know where to start.
Short and sweet. Thank you for this encouraging video 💜
this is ur 1st video, and.. i love ur content, thanks man.. u help so many people
👍🏻 " The spice is in the brevity!". Good tips, suggestions and everything "well brought to a common denominator" (summarized). THX.
Thank you for this, after watching this our first shoot will be posted soon.
Thanks for all the help😮
This is actually amazing, thank you !
this is the best video I've seen in a long time!
Thanks for sharing the advice.
Thanks bro I appreciate your time & knowledge.
This video is a big help at first I was stuck on something on my project but this really was a big help.
My new favorite youtuber now...Thank you
mind blowing suggestion... thank you.
Perfect insights. Thank you