Q&A for How to Make a Movie As a Kid

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

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
Question

What if no one I know wants to be in the movie?

Community Answer

Keep asking around or maybe meet some new people. Maybe there is a drama class or community theater group in your area with actors who would be willing to help out.

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 46 Helpful 201
Question

What should I do if I want adult actors in my film?

Community Answer

See if your teachers, parents, friends' parents, or other relatives are willing to be in your movie.

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 32 Helpful 146
Question

Should you get a parent's permission first?

Community Answer

Yes. Trying to make a movie would be difficult for anyone, even famous directors. Being a kid and wanting to make a movie would have it's own challenges. Share your plan with your parents. They may be able to help you out with some of your plans or offer assistance with whatever your require to make your movie.

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 57 Helpful 270
Question

Can I make the movie outside?

Community Answer

Yes! If you are filming in an area where you think someone might bet in the way, try to clear the area and say that you are working on a movie.

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 55 Helpful 269
Question

How do you get actors and crew members?

Community Answer

If you want actors and crew members, all you need to do is look around and ask. You can ask friends and family to be actors or crew members. You'll be surprised how many people will be keen to get in on the action!

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 60 Helpful 268
Question

Do I have to have actors?

Community Answer

If you are making a movie about people, then yes. But if it's purely about animals then you probably won't need people. And remember that you don't have to have professional actors.

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 163
Question

How much money do I need for a good camera?

Community Answer

You don't need that much money if you buy a used camera. You can look at yard sales to find a good one -- it would cost about 15 dollars (or more) if you did that.

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 67 Helpful 209
Question

How do I shoot If I have no actors and want to do this alone?

Community Answer

Keep pausing the camera, changing clothes, and you can play all of the parts that way.

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 46 Helpful 172
Question

How do I get girl actors when my group is all boys?

Community Answer

Ask them to join. Many girls would be excited to be involved in a move-making project. Ask siblings or cousins if there is nobody else left to ask.

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 35 Helpful 126
Question

What can I do if I don't have a lot of kids around?

Community Answer

School. You should have friends at school. If you're home schooled and live in a neighborhood, ask some neighbors.

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 32 Helpful 94
Question

What if I don't have a green screen?

Community Answer

The answer depends what kind of movie you're making. If it is more of a dramatic scene, then you can just use places like a park or other spots on the neighborhood to fit your theme. If you're going to make an action movie, in space for example, you're going to probably need one. Remember that green screens can often look fake and not work out the way you want it to. Make sure you know what you're doing before buying one.

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 27 Helpful 83
Question

I like the idea, but what would I do if it was both action and drama? Would I need two cameras?

Community Answer

Yes, it would be a good idea if you want to shoot the movie from two angles, and switch. Cheaper cameras are fine too; nothing will change.

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 22 Helpful 73
Question

Do I have to make a CD?

Community Answer

If you want to share copies with other people, or want to watch it on a different computer/DVD player, then yes. If not, and you only want to watch it on your camera/computer, then no.

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 10 Helpful 33
Question

What are the essential things I need to write in a script?

Community Answer

There has to be a plot. Start with something good to introduce the characters, but then suddenly, have everything backfire, the bad guys infiltrate the base, etc. Then your characters have to progress and try to get everything restored.

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 3 Helpful 24
Question

Could young siblings (5 or 6 years old) act in my movie?

Community Answer

Yes, kids of any age can be in your film, but realize that they might not be as cooperative as older individuals in a film, so have patience.

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 4 Helpful 20
Question

Can I use the same people for different characters?

Community Answer

Yes. Just make sure you change their costume/makeup and maybe have them change the way they talk.

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 1 Helpful 22
Question

Can I still make a movie without a computer?

Community Answer

You can, but it would be much more difficult as you wouldn't be able to edit the movie at all.

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 3 Helpful 21
Question

What can I do if I have no one that can act for me because I'm stuck at home?

Community Answer

Siblings. If they aren't good actors, ask friends. If you don't have friends, then cousins!

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 15 Helpful 34
Question

What's a green screen? What do I do if the author of the book I want to make a movie of has died?

Community Answer

It's a green background for photographs and video that allows special effects to be inserted during the editing process. If the author has died, you will need to contact the person who owns the rights to his book and ask for permission to use it.

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 20 Helpful 49
Question

How do I get a camera if I have an iPad?

Yoyomaster5636

Community Answer

You can use the camera on your iPad. Or, if it’s a first generation iPad and it doesn’t have a camera, go use an old camera or buy an affordable new one.

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 6 Helpful 23
Question

How can I make a green screen?

Community Answer

You can order green sheets online for cheap and then tape it down with green duct tape to make sure its perfectly smooth. Or, see How to Use a Green Screen for more information.

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 8 Helpful 20
Question

Will not writing a script or screenplay affect how good or bad the movie is?

Community Answer

Some movies are not scripted, particularly documentaries, and it's okay to let your actors make some stuff up as they go along, but you probably want to have a basic script for them get an idea of what the movie is about.

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 2 Helpful 14
Question

How do you burn discs?

Community Answer

Get a blank disc or CD and then open up Windows Media Player. Then click "Burn Disc" on the top right-hand side corner.

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 4 Helpful 9
Question

What if I want to make a movie about a book, but none of my friends have read it or even heard of it?

Community Answer

If you think the book would make a good movie, then make the movie. It's not as if you need to have read the book that a movie is based on in order to enjoy it. Hopefully your movie will inspire your friends to read the book.

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 4 Helpful 15
Question

How do I make a movie look professional?

Community Answer

Use a special effects application.

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 4 Helpful 25
Question

What if nothing works?

Community Answer

Just keep trying, pretty much nobody makes an excellent movie on their first try. It's a learning process, and the more you work at it, the more you'll improve.

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 2 Helpful 18
Question

Can I use iMovie as an editor?

Community Answer

Yes, iMovie is a great editing platform.

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 2 Helpful 20