Make a Silent Film
Make a short silent film by planning scenes, acting without speech, creating title cards, using simple props, and editing footage to add music and effects.
Step-by-step guide to make a silent film
Using short, silent films for teaching- an example
Step 1
Pick a simple fun story idea and split it into three short scenes.
Step 2
Write one short action line for each scene that explains what happens without any spoken words.
Step 3
Make a big title card for your film and a smaller title card for each scene using paper and coloring materials.
Step 4
Gather the props and costume items you listed and set them in a box or tray so they are easy to find.
Step 5
Set up scene one by arranging the props and costumes and placing your camera on a steady surface so the whole action fits in the frame.
Step 6
Rehearse scene one once or twice using big facial expressions and movements and do not speak.
Step 7
Record scene one by pressing the record button and performing your actions from start to finish.
Step 8
Set up scene two by arranging its props and costumes and adjusting the camera framing if needed.
Step 9
Rehearse scene two silently until you feel confident with the actions and timing.
Step 10
Record scene two by pressing record and acting out the scene without speaking.
Step 11
Set up scene three by arranging props costumes and the camera so the last scene looks ready.
Step 12
Rehearse scene three silently and practice any funny or dramatic gestures you want to show.
Step 13
Record scene three by pressing record and performing the final actions of your story.
Step 14
Edit your clips to put the title cards between scenes add music and simple effects then export your finished silent film.
Step 15
Share your finished silent film on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
I don't have a camera, fancy props, or lots of paper and coloring materialsāwhat can I use instead?
Use a smartphone or tablet propped on books for the step 'place your camera on a steady surface', substitute cardboard or index cards and crayons for the 'big title card' and scene cards, and collect household items or stuffed animals for the 'props and costume items' box.
What should I do if my actors move out of frame or the footage is shaky when I press record?
Fix shaky or out-of-frame shots by redoing 'set up scene one' with the camera secured on stacked books or a tripod, mark actor positions on the floor during 'rehearse' so movements stay inside the frame, and then press record again.
How can I change the activity to suit younger kids or older kids who want more challenge?
For younger children simplify the story to two very short scenes, use bigger props and parent help during 'set up' and 'rehearse', while older kids can expand to more scenes, add complex gestures in rehearsals, and handle the 'edit' step to add music and effects themselves.
How can we make our silent film more creative or personal after we've recorded the three scenes?
Personalize your film by designing illustrated 'big title card' and scene cards, creating a custom end credit in the 'Edit' step, adding hand-made sound effects and music, and letting each actor design a costume from the 'props and costume items' box.
Watch videos on how to make a silent film
A Beginner's Guide to Silent Cinema
4 Videos
A Beginner's Guide to Silent Cinema
The Making Of Silent - A Short Film | Behind The Scenes | Dolby
Dolby Presents: Silent, a Short Film
"Late For Class" - A Student Silent Film
Facts about filmmaking for kids
š¤” Charlie Chaplin used exaggerated expressions and body language so audiences could understand his stories without any spoken words.
š¬ Silent films were the world's first movies ā the silent era ran from the 1890s until the late 1920s.
š¶ Silent movies were usually shown with live music ā a pianist, organist, or even a small orchestra often played along.
š°ļø The Jazz Singer (1927) helped start the age of "talkies," which rapidly made most silent films obsolete.
š Title cards (intertitles) were used to show dialogue and explain scenes ā many were hand-lettered and styled to match the film.
How do you make a short silent film with kids?
What materials do I need to make a silent film at home?
What ages are suitable for making a silent film with children?
What are the benefits of kids making a silent film?
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