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Create a Film Based on a Dream

Create a Film Based on a Dream
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Make a short film inspired by a dream: plan scenes, storyboard, film with a phone or camera, and edit a simple movie.

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Step-by-step guide to create a short film based on a dream

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What you need
A quiet room or comfy space, adult supervision required, coloring materials, index cards or sticky notes, paper, pencil, scissors, small props and costumes (old hats scarves toys), tape

Step 1

Close your eyes and pick the most interesting dream moment you want to turn into a film.

Step 2

Write one short sentence that explains what your dream film is about.

Step 3

Decide to tell that sentence with 3 to 5 scenes.

Step 4

Make a simple storyboard by drawing one box for each scene and writing one sentence under each box that says what happens.

Step 5

Choose and gather the props and costumes you will need for each scene.

Step 6

Pick a quiet spot for each scene and put a small marker where the actors should stand.

Step 7

Choose one camera angle for each scene such as close-up medium or wide.

Step 8

Rehearse each scene once so actors know when to move and speak.

Step 9

Film each scene with a phone or camera one scene at a time and do 2 or 3 takes for safety.

Step 10

Watch your recorded clips and pick the best take for every scene.

Step 11

Open a simple editing app and import the best clips you picked.

Step 12

Edit by trimming mistakes arranging the clips in order and adding one title and one short music track if you like.

Step 13

Export your final movie and share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a phone, camera, or a fancy editing app listed in the instructions?

Use a tablet, a parent's smartphone, a webcam, or a simple toy camera to film, replace costumes and props with household items like towels, hats, and paper cut-outs, and edit on a free simple app or website such as iMovie, Clipchamp, or Kapwing.

What should we do if a scene sounds noisy, the marker moves, or the footage is shaky while following the filming steps?

Move to a quieter spot from the 'Pick a quiet spot' step, secure the actor markers with tape, and steady the phone by placing it on a stack of books or a DIY tripod and shoot the recommended 2–3 takes so you have a stable clip to pick later.

How can we change the activity for younger or older kids while still following the storyboard and filming steps?

For younger children, simplify to 2 short scenes with picture-only storyboards and an adult handling the camera and editing, while older kids can expand to 4–5 scenes, write more detailed sentences under each storyboard box, rehearse more than once, and use advanced editing features during the 'Open a simple editing app' step.

What are easy ways to enhance or personalize the finished dream film beyond the basic editing and export steps?

Add a creative title and end credits during editing, record a voiceover or custom sound effects for specific scenes, try alternate camera angles from the 'Choose one camera angle' step, and decorate props or costumes to match the dream's mood before exporting and sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to create a short film based on a dream

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Facts about filmmaking for kids

🎥 Director David Lynch often says his films come from dream images and subconscious ideas.

💤 Most people have 4–6 dreams every night, so you've got plenty of scenes to choose from!

🐂 Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel's 1929 film 'Un Chien Andalou' is a famous example of turning dreamlike images into cinema.

🎬 The Academy defines a short film as 40 minutes or less — perfect for a dream-based story.

📝 Walt Disney helped popularize storyboards in the 1930s as a way to plan scenes — great for organizing dream sequences.

How do I make a short film inspired by a dream?

To make a short film inspired by a dream, start by jotting the dream’s main images and feelings, then write a short synopsis and break it into key scenes. Sketch a simple storyboard to plan shots and camera angles. Assign roles, rehearse, and film short takes with a phone or camera, keeping shots steady and audio clear. Edit clips in a basic app, add music or effects, export, and watch together to discuss what worked.

What materials do I need to make a short film based on a dream?

You’ll need a smartphone or camera, a tripod or steady surface, a notebook and pencils for notes and storyboards, and simple props or costumes that match dream images. Use basic lamps for lighting and an external mic or headphones for better sound if possible. Install a beginner editing app on a tablet or computer, bring spare batteries or a charger, and choose a safe, quiet filming location.

What ages is making a dream-based short film suitable for?

This activity suits many ages with different levels of support: kids 6–8 enjoy role play and need adult help with planning and filming; ages 9–11 can storyboard, operate a phone camera, and try basic editing with guidance; teens 12+ can direct, shoot, and edit more independently. Always supervise younger children, help with complex tools, and adapt tasks to each child’s attention and comfort level.

What are the benefits of making a short film inspired by a dream?

Making a dream-based film encourages creativity, storytelling, and sequencing as children turn abstract ideas into scenes. It builds communication and teamwork when planning and acting, and editing develops digital skills and attention to detail. The process can help children process emotions from dreams and boost confidence through sharing. It also supports language development, problem-solving, and imaginative play in a fun, project-focused way.
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Create a Film Based on a Dream. Activities for Kids.