Making Crappy Videos Definitely Makes You Better: If You Let Them

Embracing The Imperfection In Your Creations Is A Crucial Step Toward Becoming a Better Filmmaker.

When I created this short film I knew it wouldn’t be an oscar winning production. That wasn’t even the goal. I am always looking to improve as a creator and sometimes going out having some fun and making mistakes is the best path to improvement.

So here are a few of the steps I embrace when taking on projects like this:

I acknowledge imperfection:

You know, I meet a lot of video creators, actually, I meet a lot of people in life who can’t recognize their flaws. If you can’t see your flaws, how can you get better? The truth is, you won’t. We all need to recognize that imperfection is a natural part of life and the creative process. So, I haven’t made a short film since college, so I understand that now that I am trying to get back into it, my first initial creations won’t be perfect. But the most important part is that I am able to see the flaws I made so I can work on ways to improve those skills.

I started small:

For this project, I tried to come up with a few simple ideas and concepts. Initially, my first idea/script involved just one actress and was set entirely within a single trailer. However, we ended up losing that actress (she got another project), prompting me to develop a new idea, which became "The Collector." My main focus was not to create a big production but rather to gain experience, prioritizing this over striving to produce a perfect 10- to 20-minute short film immediately. And yes, because I make YouTube videos, some people may say, 'Man, that is trash.' But so what? I will keep pushing forward, and after 5 to 10 films, I will be much further along than I am now.

I embraced experimentation:

Through-out this process (Pre-production, production, post-production) I experimented with different filmmaking techniques, color grading styles, and sound design. I was to allow myself to experiment freely without the pressure of perfection. This is all trial and error and it was a valuable learning process for myself.

I learned from my mistakes:

This is expounding on what I said about acknowledging imperfections but instead of dwelling on my mistakes (Lighting, sound, color grading etc..). I will use them as opportunities for growth. I can now look at the completed project analyze what went wrong and how I can improve in future projects.

Seek Feedback:

Listen, YouTube can be a harsh place when sharing your work, but I LOVE IT! You just need to separate the haters/evil people from real solid constructive criticism. Most likely 99 percent of my audience are video creators so I can’t think of a better way to get feedback on my work than posting it online. I just toughen my skin and take the jewels that some people will give me. I also shared this project with other filmmakers I knew and told them that I welcomed their constructive criticism. Feedback from peers and mentors can provide valuable insights and help us all identify areas for improvement.

Practice Consistently:

I tell people this all the time: continuously hone your skills by consistently creating and refining your craft. I film every single week. Sometimes I just go around my property and film birds, then bring it into Davinci Resolve and practice a new color grading technique I learned. Embrace each day as a chance to learn and grow as a filmmaker.

Celebrate Progress:

Now as I move on to another project I will recognize and celebrate the progress I made, no matter how small. Embracing imperfection is a journey, and every step forward is an achievement.

I hope you found these steps helpful, and now you can embrace the imperfection in your creations and take crucial steps toward becoming a better filmmaker.

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Short Film