How to Make a Movie As a Kid

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

You've decided to make a movie, which can be a lot of fun! Keep in mind, though, that you will need to do a lot of things to get to a finished movie. You'll need to create a story, find people to act in your movie, set up scenes, take footage, and edit your movie. Don't worry, though, if you take it step-by-step and do it with people you like, it will definitely seem more like fun than work!

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Creating the Story

PDF download Download Article
  1. What do you want your movie to be about? Do you want an exciting adventure? Do you want a fantasy story? Do you want a love story? You could also try action, mystery, or science fiction.
    • If you're not sure where to start, think about your favorite movies. You don't want to copy them, but you can make a similar movie.
    • You can also mix and match ideas. You don't have to choose just one! But, try not to let it get too crazy. Save some ideas for the next movie.
    • You can even make a movie based on one of your favorite books or stories!
  2. The main character is the person who leads the story. For instance, in the film Brave, Merida is the main character. She's the hero, and the story is all about what happens to her and what decisions she makes.
    • You can have more than one main character, such as Nemo and Marlin in Finding Nemo.
    • Basically, your main character will drive the story forward. Your movie is all about them and what they do.
    Advertisement
  3. "Story" is also known as "plot." Basically, it's just what happens. Writing it down in a few short sentences can help keep you focused.
    • Think about what happens to your main character. Maybe you want them to go on a journey to find treasure. That's the end of the story, so your sentences could be: "Jessie finds a map in her attic with a mysterious place marked on it. She decides to find the place! Along the way, she meets Robbie, a very smart young boy in the neighborhood, and they follow the map and find treasure."
    • You can also write it as "What if?" statement, such as "What if a girl finds a map in her attic that leads her to a buried treasure?"
  4. When first starting your story, your character is going through normal life. They need something to set them off on a journey, such as the map in the example. They need to be working towards something, which results in the high point of the story, called the climax. [1]
    • The climax is the most exhilarating part of the story. It's the point where a suspect is about to get caught in a mystery, or in our case, it could be the point where Jessie finds the treasure on the map... or finds out there's nothing there.
  5. A scene is a smaller section of a movie. One scene is usually made up of unbroken time and action. In other words, each scene stands by itself, kind of like a chapter in a book. [2]
    • For instance, say your character starts out hanging out downstairs, bored, with her mom. That's 1 scene. Then, she is searching the attic and finds a map, scene 2. Downstairs again, she asks her mom if she can go see her friend, scene 3.
  6. Try writing a couple of sentences for each scene you want to create. You're writing out your story from start to finish. Just describe each scene one by one.
    • For instance, you might write:
      • Scene 1: Jessie is hanging out downstairs looking bored and watching the clock. Her mom tells her to do her homework, but Jessie says it's already done. Her mom tells her to go find something to do, so she sighs and goes upstairs.
      • Scene 2: Jessie is in the attic of the house, moving things around and looking in boxes. She's looking in the bottom of an old wardrobe when something catches her finger at the bottom. She peels up a board and finds the treasure map.
      • Scene 3: Jessie is downstairs, asking her mom if she can go talk to her friend. Her mom says yes and she runs down the block.
  7. Script format is a little strange. Start by listing where the scene is. Then, you can add a description of the room and anything that's happening in the scene.
    • For example, for scene 1 and 2, you might write it like this:
      • Scene 1
        Living room, mid-afternoon.
        The living room is cozy with a sofa and 2 arm chairs. Light streams in from large windows. Jessie, 12, is lounging in a chair, looking bored, while her mother looks on from the kitchen.
      • Scene 2
        Attic, a few minutes later.
        The attic is dusty and filled with boxes and other random stuff. Jessie, 12, is digging through boxes and moving around the room.
  8. The dialogue is what the characters say to each other. Sometimes, a character can even talk to themselves if no one is around. Dialogue can sound a little off if you just write it, so try saying it out loud! Think about how you talk to your friends and how you'd talk to your parents or teachers. It's different, isn't it? That should be reflected in your dialogue. Use italics to show that some lines aren't spoken, but rather, performed by the actor instead. Keep going through the dialogue and action notes until you finish with the scene. [3]
    • For the first scene, you might start out writing:
    • Jessie: I'm so boooored.
      Jessie sighs and leans on her arm.
      Mom: If you're that bored, go do your homework.
      Jessie rolls her eyes.
      Jessie: I already did my homework.
  9. You need people to play each character. That means you need to know how many you have first. Write down each character and something about them, such as their name, age, and personality.
    • For example, you might write, "Jessie is a 12-year-old kid who likes books and plays soccer. She is always getting into trouble because she goes off on adventures."
  10. Write out dialogue, description, and action for each scene in your story. Once you're done, you can get started on the next part!
    11. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Getting Your Cast, Locations, and Rehearsals Together

PDF download Download Article
  1. If this is your first movie, keep it simple. Choose 1 or 2 places where you can shoot your movie, not more. It can even be just inside your home with props borrowed from around the house! You can shoot in your backyard or at your local park. [4]
    • If you want to shoot in a building, ask the owner if you can use it first.
    • Pick a place that fits your movie. For instance, most scary movies aren't filmed outside in bright sunshine, and an adventure story may need more than 1 location.
  2. See if your friends want to play parts. Let them know they'll have to memorize lines which can be a little hard! Your parents or siblings might also want to get in on the action.
    • For instance, you could say, "Hey, I'm making a movie! Do you want to be in it? You'd have to memorize some lines, but it could be a lot of fun!"
  3. "Casting" means putting people in different roles. Once you gather everyone together, have them read different lines. That way, you can see which person is best for each character in your story. Then, decide who you want in each role based on how they read and whether they fit the part or not.
    • You can always change your characters around if no one fits a character exactly. Be flexible.
    • Give each person a copy of the script to read. You can highlight their parts to help them out.
    • Make sure you give each person who's interested something to do. If they don't want to act, have them help set up scenes or assist people with memorizing their lines.
  4. "Stop-action" just means you use small figures and take pictures of them. Each time you take a picture, you move the figures a little. When you put the pictures together in a movie format, it looks like the figures are moving. [5]
    • For instance, you could use dolls, action figures, clay, or even building blocks as your stop-action figures.
  5. Start by having everyone sit around and talk through the script. That is, you can read the description and action, and each other person can read their lines out loud. This helps them get an idea of how the movie will work. It also lets you make changes if things aren't quite working.
  6. Work in the location you're going to be using, and go over the lines in each scene. As you do, set up blocking. Blocking is where the actors will move while they're being filmed. Blocking is important because you want them to stay on camera. You also want to make sure they face the camera most of the time.
    • For instance, you might rehearse how Jessie's mom will come in from the kitchen in the opening living room scene, always facing the camera.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Shooting the Movie

PDF download Download Article
  1. These days, it's pretty easy to find cameras to shoot movies. You can use a smartphone, a tablet, a digital camera, or, if you have one around, a better quality film camera. It should be able to record audio, as well. [6]
    • Make sure you know the camera really well before you begin shooting. Play around with it first or look at tutorials online if you don't know how to use it.
    • Just remember movies take up a lot of memory. You may need to download your videos to a computer with more memory from time to time so that you have enough space to keep shooting.
    • Always ask before you borrow a camera or smartphone! Also, be very careful with borrowed equipment.
  2. Props are things that you use in your movie, like swords, cups, books, or anything object that moves the story along. Costumes are what the people in the story wear. You can use everyday clothes or pull out old Halloween costumes. Try to make them fit the story and your characters.
    • For instance, a 12-year-old girl who likes adventure might wear sturdy but fun boots, a long pair of shorts, a colorful t-shirt, and her hair up.
    • Look around your house for props you can use. Remember to ask before borrowing them.
    • If you need something extra, try asking your parents if they have what you need, borrowing from a neighbor, or asking your parents to take you to a thrift store.
    • Props don't have to be "real." For instance, if you need a sword, you can make one out of cardboard and foil.
  3. When you first go in to shoot a scene, look around. Is the lighting good? You should be able to see your characters pretty well. Is everything in the room that you need for the scene? If you need a coffee mug for the scene, make sure it's there.
    • Think about how the room or area will look on screen and adjust the room. It can help to hold up your hands in a square (to show you how much you'd see) or simply look through your camera without recording.
    • If the lighting is bad, adjust as needed. Turn on lights or open curtains. Try not to blind your actors, though!
    • For instance, if you have 2 characters talking to each other, you may want to be able to see them in one shot. That means you may need to move chairs around so they're closer together.
  4. After each person has memorized their lines for a scene, you can start filming. You say "Action" to start the scene, and then it begins. Your characters should move around like you've written in the script and say their lines to each other.
    • You can change things if the scene isn't working.
    • Try to help people out if they seem a little lost. For instance, if someone doesn't know how to act in a scene, try to give them motivation. You could say, "How would you feel if you just found a treasure map? Wouldn't you be a little curious first and then get more and more excited? How would that make you act?"
  5. Repeat the action of setting up each scene. Look at each one carefully to make sure you've got it set properly. Then, shoot each scene as you set it up.
  6. Acting involves more than just saying the lines. Your actors need to react to each other like they would in real life. If someone says something mean, the person they're saying it to will look angry or hurt, for instance.
    • So if you notice an actor is smiling after another character says something mean, stop and talk to them. You could say, "When that person says something mean, react like they're saying it to you personally. Wouldn't you frown or look upset?"
  7. Kids and adults can have short attention spans, and they may not want to act for hours on end. Try shooting a single scene in a day, for instance, so you don't overwhelm your actors.
    • If they want to do more, that's great. Just make sure you're listening to what they're saying. If they're bored with it for today, stop and do something else!
  8. When you cut down your movie, you'll need more footage than you think. It takes lots and lots of footage to get the shots that you want. Then you can pick and choose to create your perfect movie. [7]
    • For instance, try shooting the same scene at least a couple of times. That way, you can pick the best shots if something goes wrong in the scene at some point.
    • It can help to shoot the scene from different spots in the room. That way, you can cut between different shots. For instance, if you shoot from the perspective of the stairs, then from the kitchen, you can move between those two perspectives as your characters are talking. Plus, if you need to use footage from different videos, you can do it without making the movie look like it's jumping by switching to a different angle.
    9. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Editing the Movie

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use movie-making software to edit your film . Most computers come with movie-editing software, like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. You can use the software to take out parts of your videos and put other parts together. You can also use it to add transitions, music, and credits. [8]
    • You can also try apps like Magisto, Toontastic, GoAnimate, or Animoto.
    • If you don't know how to use the software you have, try looking up tutorials online.
  2. You probably shot some scenes over and over. Start by moving what you don't need out of your main movie. Try to pick the videos where your actors did the best. You can even pick parts from different videos and put them together in the same scene.
    • For instance, maybe someone spilt their drink in one video, but the actors did the best on their lines early on in the scene. You can use part of the first video and replace the second part with shots from another video.
  3. Now that you've taken out what you don't need, make sure your scenes are in the order you want them in. They should have a logical flow from start to finish so that your viewers can follow your story.
  4. A transition is how you get from one scene to the next visually, such as fading, cutting, or dissolving. You can add different types of transitions, depending on the scene.
    • For instance, a cut goes directly from one scene to the next, replacing the image instantly. A fade slowly goes down to black, and then brings up the next scene. A dissolve is when the scene slowly disappears as the next one slowly appears.
    • For instance, when moving between scenes 1 and 2 in your movie, where Jessie goes upstairs, you might try a cut since not much time goes by.
  5. Pretty much all movies use music to set the mood. You can use your favourite songs, but make sure they fit the scene. You can also use instrumental music (music without words) to help create a mood.
    • For instance, maybe when Jessie is looking around the attic, you can play quiet music with a good beat that makes you think of someone being curious.
    • Your video-editing software should let you add music.
    • Make sure your music doesn't overpower the dialogue. If you have it playing in a scene with dialogue, it should be much softer than what's being said.
  6. At the beginning of the movie, you should have the title of your film. Usually, you add it over the opening scene, which you can do in movie-making software. You can also add the names of the main characters and actors if you want. At the end, you can include rolling credits with all the actors' and characters' names.
    • At the end, include anyone else who helped with the film. List any music you use to give credit for it. Put the date in, too.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you make your own movie for free?
    Kendall Payne
    Writer, Director, & Stand-up Comedian
    Kendall Payne is a Writer, Director, and Stand-up Comedian based in Brooklyn, New York. Kendall specializes in directing, writing, and producing comedic short films. Her films have screened at Indie Short Fest, Brooklyn Comedy Collective, Channel 101 NY, and 8 Ball TV. She has also written and directed content for the Netflix is a Joke social channels and has written marketing scripts for Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Astronomy Club, Wine Country, Bash Brothers, Stand Up Specials and more. Kendall runs an IRL internet comedy show at Caveat called Extremely Online, and a comedy show for @ssholes called Sugarp!ss at Easy Lover. She studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and at New York University (NYU) Tisch in the TV Writing Certificate Program.
    Kendall Payne
    Writer, Director, & Stand-up Comedian
    Expert Answer
    Write for the locations you have access to. For instance, you'll likely have access to a bedroom, a kitchen, a sidewalk, or a park, so you could write scenes that can be shot in those places. You might also have friends who work in an office or a restaurant where you can shoot for free.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 37
  • Question
    Can I do this if I'm 10?
    Community Answer
    Sure! You're a kid, aren't you? These instructions are for you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 37 Helpful 342
  • Question
    Can I use my phone camera?
    sayyida rania
    Community Answer
    Yes. If you can upload your video and pause the video, you could use your phone camera.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 47 Helpful 361
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Things You'll Need

      • Camera
      • Props
      • Costumes
      • Script
      • Location
      • Movie-editing software
      • Computer or tablet


      Reader Videos

      Tips

      • If you're an only child and can't have friends over, you can put on costumes yourself and talk differently to act out lots of characters.
        Thanks
        Helpful 36 Not Helpful 6
      • Use a tripod while filming to help keep your camera steady. You can even use a small one and set it on a table.
        Thanks
        Helpful 24 Not Helpful 7
      • If you have pets, you could use them as the actors. Just keep in mind that they might get rowdy and knock things down in the set, potentially breaking them.
        Thanks
        Helpful 12 Not Helpful 17

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • After writing your screenplay/script, you can do a storyboard. This is like a comic book version of your screenplay/script, and it can help you see which perspective to write from. Do this before getting your cast and crew.
      • Green screens aren’t the only way to create backgrounds. For example, you can use a blue screen if one of the actors is wearing a green t-shirt.
      • Keep your film simple and focused. It’s more important to have a clear idea of what you’re making than to use any fancy equipment.
      • If you have friends who dance or do gymnastics, ask them to do stunts.
      • For good quality free fx, the app Action Movie Fx is amazing!
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Do not use real knives or guns for movies, as someone could get hurt.
        Thanks
        Helpful 30 Not Helpful 5
      • Don't do anything dangerous while trying to shoot the perfect scene! Getting a good scene is not worth the risk of getting hurt. Use good judgment.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 5
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Create an Adult Movie
      How to
      Use a Green Screen
      How to
      Attach Subtitles to a Movie
      How to
      Draw Storyboards
      How to
      Create a Storyboard
      How to
      Make a Movie
      How to
      Do Chroma Key on Adobe Premiere Pro
      How to
      Make a Short Film
      How to
      Make a Cartoon Movie
      How to
      Make an Animated Short Film
      How to
      Create a Good Documentary Film
      How to
      Make Your Own Movie
      How to
      Make a Horror Film
      How to
      Make 3D Videos
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/how-to-structure-a-story-the-eight-point-arc/
      2. ↑ https://www.mensaforkids.org/teach/lesson-plans/writing-a-screenplay/
      3. ↑ https://www.mensaforkids.org/teach/lesson-plans/writing-a-screenplay/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2YeFs0Vn6c&feature=youtu.be&t=83
      5. ↑ http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/how-to-help-your-kids-make-amazing-movies-on-tablets-and-phones
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2YeFs0Vn6c&feature=youtu.be&t=26
      7. ↑ http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/how-to-help-your-kids-make-amazing-movies-on-tablets-and-phones
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2YeFs0Vn6c&feature=youtu.be&t=33

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 220,866 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        May 9, 2023

        "This helped me with what I had to do and how to do it. I finally found an editing platform, a good place in my ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement