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.

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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.

[flightriskclevo]

That’s a hell of a story for your short film, deep‼️

[storiesneverforgotten]

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.

[michaelgroves]

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

[trevscribbles]

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.

[Chromedbustop]

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.

[skeletonfilms]

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

[cocoable]

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 -

[Yessentuki]

Dang! I just went through every emotion of a movie in 30 seconds due to his short film!! 🤯

[HOOLIGANSSSSss]

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!

[milkn]

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.

[signalzero]

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.

[BryanBarboza]

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 🙏🏽

[jessicapease]

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.

[TotalTyTalks]

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 👏

[Sidiann]

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.

[The_Darius_King]

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. 💪🏽

[deeznerdz]

Even though I literally have no actors besides myself, and am bad at writing scripts, this video inspired me to make a short film!

[JohnBradydoesstuff]

This is brilliant. You’re absolutely a genius. This is exactly what I needed. Much love and appreciation. Thank you!!!

[AyanaTaylor]

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!

[bleachedout]

Really great tips! Your positivity is infectious. Thank you!