I just want to say, you’ve helped me so much on the road to creating my first short film. It’s still in the script phase, but anyway it’s my dream to become a real director. I appreciate your videos so much so thank you sir.
I'm so glad you cleared up the story rewtites. I recall the original story description, and while it was great, it felt like the twist was the focus. Giving more attention to the character motivation certainly adds depth to it, you're going in the right direction.
This is so true. I'll never forget on my first movie I helped produce on there were so many script holes and then they were magnified during filming. Literally just having an extra month would've made the move ten times better.
Great video. Last night I just finished a short film script that I believe turned out better because I went back and looked at what the main character wanted. While the short was originally planned as a single character short, so I could shoot it without additional cast and crew, as a result of focusing on the character's wants I did end up adding more characters and a completely different ending than I originally envisioned. So, while I cannot shoot this right away, I feel great knowing I have a script I will be thrilled to shoot in the future. I have to thank you for your Instant Short Film Blueprint course for enabling me to improve my writing skills and choices. Many thanks!
Great video as always. Could you maybe do a video on the importance of Foley? I've seen so many short films on UA-cam that looked interesting visually, but the audio, and most notably the lack of Foley, really let them down. A scary film, for example, is way scarier with the right sound effects. It'll take longer, but it'll be worth it.
Great advice and eventually if I hear it enough it'll sink in :) Getting across what is motivating your hero right from the start is just so important.
Thanks for the video! I always get super excited to watch when you post. I've taken so many notes on your videos that help me anytime I'm writing/shooting.
I noticed these problems in ALL my short films, but I didn´t know what to do about it, it just seemed odd. But now I can easily spot some of those flaws and far-fetched details. Thanks a lot, Kent. 👍
While we see Oliver's motivation for what he's doing, I still think this feels incomplete because we don't know what the Otter spirits motivation is. Given they are the two main characters, and it's clear the otter god is doing this, Why did he choose Oliver over anyone else, and Why is he helping him hoard the gold? It would be one thing if the Otter just cursed him to search for gold for eternity, but he's curse him to kill these intruders in the process. Perhaps the otter really was looking for a minion to help carry out his goal of preserving his forest or maybe the Otter wants the gold for some reason if it's own. Anyhow, I just thought I would toss out some thoughts on the second main character.
Glad you dropped the mummified foot. When I read the first script version the foot stuck out like a sore thumb. I think the re-write is a big step forward and I can't wait to view the finished film.
Oh man, after you told us the initial draft, I immediately thought of why you didn't think of something like the Aquila Rift, where he's basically trapped by this spirit. Then was happy to see you guys eventually came to the same conclusion I thought of.
Also, as an aging with mounting health issues wannabe solo filmmaker with no budget and other related restrictions, resorting to a sort of near animation like sequence of still images may be my best option. So, if you'd be so kind, maybe in a future lesson extension for Wrapped you could explore that technique and share some pointers. Many thanks, Mark
I think you can use AI to do that. Create images through AI as per your story requirement, transform those images into videos and add sound design to it. You can search "how to make short films through AI" on youtube and that would give you all the directions to do that. Best of luck with your film :)
I agree with some other commenters here: drop the otter. A specific folklore-based supernatural being overshadows anything else - the viewer will think this is a story about the otter, or at least, that the man pissed off the otter and so was doomed to be a ghost in the cave. Instead it's just a name given to a source for the visions that lead the man to find more gold. Why not just cut the otter, have no source for the supernatural, just show that the man has visions? Today's audience has seen plenty of paranormal in all kinds of settings and will have no problem accepting that. Ancient Otter gods, on the other hand...
Super hype to see this thing come to life! Question, are you planning to submit it exclusively to film fests or are you gonna drop it here on YT too for your subscribers to see?
For a great example of how character wants and needs make a character and their story much more vivid, listen to the Beatles song Paperback Writer. We wouldn't care about the character if he had a job as a writer, and was just talking about his latest book. In the song, though, he's pleading with a publisher to look at what he wrote because he NEEDS a job and he WANTS to be a Paperback Writer.
Incredible stuff here in this on going case study. But I'm also blowing up with questions. Like, will this be a live action film? All these amazing visual images presented here. Are they photos? Paintings? Paintings on photos? The images are so interesting, I thought they would become the movie, sort of a sequence of stills. Now as I'm typing I hear you talk about the Montana location, so it's more likely a live action. Still curious about the gorgeous imagery of the tent, the river, etc. Where'd all that come from?
This might be abit too late to suggest but what if instead of his father telling him his gold is in danger what if it's his wife that appears and tells him something like my love our gold is in danger. I feel like that would be a more emotional cause that's his main motivation for gold digging
Interesting story, 25k is not expensive, but I supose with vfx and sets it’s hard to get cheaper. Had to watch your previuos for details, but find a good vfx producer to co-produce as a demo for them and it could be brought down in price
Wanted to reach out and say I am filming my first short film this weekend and I learned much from your videos and wanted to say thank you. Would I be able to send you a copy, I'm sure you are busy but whenever you have a chance love to know what your thoughts are, either way thank you for sharing.
I know my feedback is unsolicited here, but as far as I can tell, the otterman isn't doing anything for your story anymore. Like, instead of being manipulated by an otter spirit into staying, what if he just had a tragic reason he wanted to stay? Like, he needs to prove to his future father in law that he's wealthy enough to given his daughter the lifestyle she's always had before he can marry her? And that desire turned to madness. Then you can spend all the otterman exposition time on story beats with actual emotion payoffs. Then, when you get the supernatural payoff at the end, its more impactful because it's unexpected, since you don't even know the story is supernatural at that point. Also, the whole "everything the native americans have touched is evil now" troupe isn't really a good look in 2024. Also, why is my favorite painting youtuber suddenly in my favorite filmmaking channel?
Your feedback is intelligent and merits serious consideration. However I would say that an added and surprising but of color, like the Otterman, would save this from being too normal and a to z.
Hey , I’m Jack and I’m an amateur actor and writer, mostly working on short films for fun. I love learning from others and creating new projects, so if anyone’s interested in collaborating or sharing ideas, I’d be happy to connect!
And IF, the modern treasure hunters at the end,turn around and see Oliver, and one of the utters the words, “great grandpa?” we’ll know Oliver already had more treasure than he could get from the river. 😉
I just want to say, you’ve helped me so much on the road to creating my first short film. It’s still in the script phase, but anyway it’s my dream to become a real director. I appreciate your videos so much so thank you sir.
Become a “real” director dude if you’re directing your first short film you are as real as it gets! Congrats 🎉
@@officialfilmreations thanks man I appreciate it!
hands down best filmaking channel
Absolutely
This video was so easy to follow and understand!
I'm so glad you cleared up the story rewtites. I recall the original story description, and while it was great, it felt like the twist was the focus. Giving more attention to the character motivation certainly adds depth to it, you're going in the right direction.
I am not kidding this might be the best video on this channel so far🙏
This is so true. I'll never forget on my first movie I helped produce on there were so many script holes and then they were magnified during filming. Literally just having an extra month would've made the move ten times better.
Great video.
Last night I just finished a short film script that I believe turned out better because I went back and looked at what the main character wanted. While the short was originally planned as a single character short, so I could shoot it without additional cast and crew, as a result of focusing on the character's wants I did end up adding more characters and a completely different ending than I originally envisioned. So, while I cannot shoot this right away, I feel great knowing I have a script I will be thrilled to shoot in the future. I have to thank you for your Instant Short Film Blueprint course for enabling me to improve my writing skills and choices. Many thanks!
Glad to hear it, good luck on the film!
His dog should be the otter man too
Great video as always. Could you maybe do a video on the importance of Foley? I've seen so many short films on UA-cam that looked interesting visually, but the audio, and most notably the lack of Foley, really let them down. A scary film, for example, is way scarier with the right sound effects. It'll take longer, but it'll be worth it.
Ohhhh I love Chris’ painting channel, and yours too. So cool that you’re buddies and collaborators.
Great advice and eventually if I hear it enough it'll sink in :) Getting across what is motivating your hero right from the start is just so important.
Nice! Fixed the narrative both logically and emotionally. That setback was a blessing 🙏🏾
Thanks for the video! I always get super excited to watch when you post. I've taken so many notes on your videos that help me anytime I'm writing/shooting.
Im working on a script right now and this is totally inspiring! Love to see youre process, thank u, and a shout out from Argentina.
It sounds so much stronger now 🙌
The Nicolas Cage painting is amazing!!!!
Go Kent Go!!! Wishing you all the best.
I noticed these problems in ALL my short films, but I didn´t know what to do about it, it just seemed odd. But now I can easily spot some of those flaws and far-fetched details.
Thanks a lot, Kent. 👍
Thanks Kent! Hands down best channel on UA-cam
Great point i think ALL beginner writers need to accept: writing is rewriting. This is the process. Dig in.
While we see Oliver's motivation for what he's doing, I still think this feels incomplete because we don't know what the Otter spirits motivation is. Given they are the two main characters, and it's clear the otter god is doing this, Why did he choose Oliver over anyone else, and Why is he helping him hoard the gold? It would be one thing if the Otter just cursed him to search for gold for eternity, but he's curse him to kill these intruders in the process. Perhaps the otter really was looking for a minion to help carry out his goal of preserving his forest or maybe the Otter wants the gold for some reason if it's own. Anyhow, I just thought I would toss out some thoughts on the second main character.
Glad you dropped the mummified foot. When I read the first script version the foot stuck out like a sore thumb. I think the re-write is a big step forward and I can't wait to view the finished film.
15:49 is so true lol. The writing brain and the writing rulebook are in two seperate parts of my mind
Oh man, after you told us the initial draft, I immediately thought of why you didn't think of something like the Aquila Rift, where he's basically trapped by this spirit. Then was happy to see you guys eventually came to the same conclusion I thought of.
Another great video. Thanks for teaching me about film. You really know your stuff.
I feel like the otter man is kinda negligable as well
Also, as an aging with mounting health issues wannabe solo filmmaker with no budget and other related restrictions, resorting to a sort of near animation like sequence of still images may be my best option. So, if you'd be so kind, maybe in a future lesson extension for Wrapped you could explore that technique and share some pointers. Many thanks, Mark
I think you can use AI to do that. Create images through AI as per your story requirement, transform those images into videos and add sound design to it. You can search "how to make short films through AI" on youtube and that would give you all the directions to do that. Best of luck with your film :)
Let's make some movies indeed, looking forward!
That rewrite made all the difference. Way to tweak some beats for ultimate impact!
That Nicholas Cage frame painting is a masterpiece
அழகான பதிவு வாழ்த்துக்கள் இந்தியாவில் இருந்து தமிழ் நாட்டு தோழி 🎉🎉 உங்கள் வீடியோ அனைத்தையும் நான் பார்த்த அருமை கதை தெரியும் நீங்கள் எடுங்கள்
I agree with some other commenters here: drop the otter.
A specific folklore-based supernatural being overshadows anything else - the viewer will think this is a story about the otter, or at least, that the man pissed off the otter and so was doomed to be a ghost in the cave.
Instead it's just a name given to a source for the visions that lead the man to find more gold.
Why not just cut the otter, have no source for the supernatural, just show that the man has visions? Today's audience has seen plenty of paranormal in all kinds of settings and will have no problem accepting that. Ancient Otter gods, on the other hand...
Super hype to see this thing come to life! Question, are you planning to submit it exclusively to film fests or are you gonna drop it here on YT too for your subscribers to see?
Not planning on submitting to fests, just want to put it on here!
For a great example of how character wants and needs make a character and their story much more vivid, listen to the Beatles song Paperback Writer.
We wouldn't care about the character if he had a job as a writer, and was just talking about his latest book. In the song, though, he's pleading with a publisher to look at what he wrote because he NEEDS a job and he WANTS to be a Paperback Writer.
Incredible stuff here in this on going case study. But I'm also blowing up with questions. Like, will this be a live action film? All these amazing visual images presented here. Are they photos? Paintings? Paintings on photos? The images are so interesting, I thought they would become the movie, sort of a sequence of stills. Now as I'm typing I hear you talk about the Montana location, so it's more likely a live action. Still curious about the gorgeous imagery of the tent, the river, etc. Where'd all that come from?
Very much in the vein of a “Twilight Zone” episode. Your changes work. Love the idea.
This might be abit too late to suggest but what if instead of his father telling him his gold is in danger what if it's his wife that appears and tells him something like my love our gold is in danger. I feel like that would be a more emotional cause that's his main motivation for gold digging
Great Video! Now, I'm curious: why are you not planning to submit it to fests?
I guess I'd have to read the script, but I am kinda wondering about whether the dog is also a ghost or somehow just a figment of his mind...
What Nicholas Cage painting??? 😮Gonna have to re-watch this for that.😊
When are you going to do a feature film; for distribution?:)~ Alot of Shorts.
The gold became his love.
youtube 1080p got worse...
Interesting story, 25k is not expensive, but I supose with vfx and sets it’s hard to get cheaper. Had to watch your previuos for details, but find a good vfx producer to co-produce as a demo for them and it could be brought down in price
Wanted to reach out and say I am filming my first short film this weekend and I learned much from your videos and wanted to say thank you. Would I be able to send you a copy, I'm sure you are busy but whenever you have a chance love to know what your thoughts are, either way thank you for sharing.
I know my feedback is unsolicited here, but as far as I can tell, the otterman isn't doing anything for your story anymore. Like, instead of being manipulated by an otter spirit into staying, what if he just had a tragic reason he wanted to stay? Like, he needs to prove to his future father in law that he's wealthy enough to given his daughter the lifestyle she's always had before he can marry her? And that desire turned to madness. Then you can spend all the otterman exposition time on story beats with actual emotion payoffs. Then, when you get the supernatural payoff at the end, its more impactful because it's unexpected, since you don't even know the story is supernatural at that point. Also, the whole "everything the native americans have touched is evil now" troupe isn't really a good look in 2024.
Also, why is my favorite painting youtuber suddenly in my favorite filmmaking channel?
Your feedback is intelligent and merits serious consideration. However I would say that an added and surprising but of color, like the Otterman, would save this from being too normal and a to z.
Folklore so hot right now!
Hey , I’m Jack and I’m an amateur actor and writer, mostly working on short films for fun. I love learning from others and creating new projects, so if anyone’s interested in collaborating or sharing ideas, I’d be happy to connect!
Better than film school. ... Which is great cause I can't afford film school.
Consice?
I was wondering why it was taking us so long
Come on upload a new video, it's been a month
And IF, the modern treasure hunters at the end,turn around and see Oliver, and one of the utters the words, “great grandpa?” we’ll know Oliver already had more treasure than he could get from the river. 😉
Dude! what´s your deal w- Nicholas Cage? 😳