My step-by-step process for making a cinematic video

Introduction

Creating a cinematic short film is an intricate journey that begins with a mere idea and travels through several phases until the final cut is achieved. In this article, I’ll guide you through my entire creative process, from conception to completion, highlighting vital steps along the way. This breakdown aims to provide you with a fresh perspective on the filmmaking process and offer practical tips that you can apply to your projects. Additionally, I’ll introduce you to a useful tool that has significantly enhanced my work.

The Initial Spark of an Idea

Every project begins with an idea, but where do they come from? One year ago, while reading a chapter from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act: A Way of Being," I experienced an epiphany. A connection formed in my mind between the creative process described in the chapter and the act of making a cup of coffee. Although I initially dismissed it as a common concept, a month passed, and I found myself still fixated on this idea. This persistence was a sign that it was worth pursuing.

Pre-Production: Gathering Ideas

The first step in my pre-production phase involves a brain dump onto a scratch pad. No idea is too small or too rough; whether it’s a shot suggestion, a lighting setup, or a powerful line, everything gets noted down. Capturing these initial creative sparks is crucial before they fade.

Once I have my ideas down, music often plays a key role. During pre-production, finding the right track can help inspire visuals and influence shot sequencing. For this project, I needed music that embodied a light and playful sense of creativity, which took hours to find but became the emotional backbone of the film.

After securing music, I begin to whip my ideas into a rough shot list. This is where I organize my visual narrative while also starting to lay down the framework for my script. Writing the script consists of connecting lines from my scratch pad and refining them into coherent dialogue. I often use tools like JBT to assist in tweaking lines, without replacing my personal touch.

Crafting the Shot List

The next step involves revisiting the shot list with a refined script, ensuring that each shot serves a purpose in conveying the story while building tension or improving pacing. My disdain for extensive equipment setup encourages careful selection in my shot list.

I embrace the chaotic back-and-forth process between the script, shot list, and music, allowing for flexibility and creative growth. The messy nature of creation is pivotal for me to refine the project thoroughly.

Production: Bringing Ideas to Life

Preparation is key before hitting record. The voiceover will drive the narrative, and I initially planned to use my voice. However, when I discovered Artlist’s new AI voiceover feature, everything changed. This tool generated incredibly lifelike narration that elevated my film.

On the production day, I adhered closely to my plan using controlled lighting with a black backdrop and specialized lights for various setups. I employed techniques such as low-angle shots by using a glass coffee table and implemented high-risk methods to achieve unique shots, such as spinning beans, which added dynamic visuals.

Editing: The Puzzle Piece

Once shooting ended, the editing begins. I carefully select the best clips, aiming to choose moments that resonate with emotions, like the swirling smoke or fluid camera movements. I utilize two versions of my shot list: one for shooting order and another for editing order, which help streamline the process.

During editing, I tighten the pacing by trimming redundant script lines and adjusting the music to match visual beats. Often, I tweak the music to set the rhythm, ensuring that everything flows cohesively.

Visual Effects and Color Grading

Next, I enter the realm of visual effects using After Effects to clean up any mistakes and bring the visuals in line with my vision. Color grading is guided by moodier references rather than the typical warm tones associated with coffee videos.

Lastly, sound design takes center stage in my production. Drawing inspiration from experiences with sound on social media, I challenge myself to use nature sounds to amplify the viewing experience. This approach created a cohesive feel throughout the project.

Summary

Creating a cinematic short film is a multi-step process involving idea generation, thorough planning, effective shooting techniques, and thoughtful editing. Each phase is intertwined, allowing creativity to flourish and resulting in a polished final product.

Keywords

• Cinematic Film
• Creative Process
• Pre-Production
• Brain Dump
• Music Selection
• Shot List
• Script Writing
• Production Techniques
• Editing
• Visual Effects
• Color Grading
• Sound Design

FAQ

1. How do you come up with ideas for your films?
Ideas can come from various sources; in my case, a connection from a book inspired my latest project, which became an obsession worth pursuing.

2. What tools do you use for script writing?
I typically use a combination of scratch pads for rough ideas and tools like JBT to refine my lines.

3. How important is music in your projects?
Music is crucial for setting the tone and emotional undercurrent of the film, so I spend significant time finding the right track.

4. What is your approach to shooting?
I like to prepare thoroughly in advance and keep lighting and setups controlled to maintain my creative vision.

5. How do you handle post-production?
I edit in phases, first selecting the best takes, trimming unnecessary lines, and then focusing heavily on sound design to create an immersive experience.