Create a film that conveys an idea in 1 to 6 seconds.

Project Description

You’ll come up with your own idea for a short film lasting no more than 6 seconds. Your project will combine both humor and essential storytelling principles to deliver an experience that delights your audience.

Milestones

Collect inspiration to find your idea
Sketch out your story
Test your idea
Make your short film

Project Specs

Your film should be 1 to 6 seconds that loop.
It should integrate sound to tell the story.
You should share stills of your film in your Skillshare class project and a link to it on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Byte or Vimeo.

Tools & Materials

Whatever objects you’ll be using for your idea
A DSLR, point and shoot, or camera phone
Audio clips (one of my favorite sites is Sounddogs.com)

Sample Project

Check out the project I made for this Skillshare class.

Collect inspiration to find your idea
Write down all of your ideas. Find objects around you for inspiration. What ideas are bugging you in your head? Feel free to play around and be open to inspiration in your daily life.

Share: A list of 5 to 10 ideas for your film.
Sketch out your story
Select one of your ideas to move forward. Which one speaks to you the most? Which one would you want to come across in the world yourself?

Remember to keep it short. Your goal here is to bottle your idea and express it in its pure form. Even though it’s super short, be sure to identify your beginning, middle, and end.

Share: A storyboard or written version of your story and what you’ll be communicating and showing onscreen.
Test your idea
It’s important to ask “is my idea communicating?” when working on your film. Ask your friends for feedback. Click the “Ask for Feedback” button on your own project page for the Skillshare community to help out too. Be hard on yourself.

Share: Feedback you received from friends. What did your friends say? What was the most impactful comment you got on Skillshare about your idea? Will you alter your idea?
Make your short film
Now it’s time to figure out how you’re going to shoot it. What’s the most effective and direct way to capture your idea? How are you going to edit it together to keep it direct and short? What sounds help to tell your story in the best manner?

Share: Stills of your film in your Skillshare class project and a link to it on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Byte or Vimeo.

Max Poelzer

--

4