NanoFlick — Shot-by-Shot Video Guide
Short Film
Use this guide to quickly create a video for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, etc.
9 shots 01:30 NanoFlick
🎥About This Video Story
Here’s the basic structure of a short film. Go ahead and add shots to fill out the plot points.
How to Make a Great Video
Shoot each of the shots and keep the duration to the bare minimum. We've included instructions for each shot to create a short, fast-moving video your friends and followers will love. When you're finished shooting, just combine all the shots and you're done.
Find this template in the free NanoFlick app.
Video Shot List
ShotDescriptionLength
1
Introduction
00:10Show the main characters going about their normal life.
2
Build Empathy
00:10Show the hero’s flaws, vulnerabilities and what makes them human. It can be a physical or mental limitation, a weakness, desire or difficult circumstance.
3
Inciting Event
00:10Something unpredictable happens that turns things upside-down for the hero.
4
Call-to-Action
00:10The hero is compelled to react to the turn of events, seeking help & advice from allies.
5
The Quest
00:10With purpose and a goal, the hero begins the journey. Things get complicated with unpredictable twists and turns.
6
Crisis
00:10Things keep getting more difficult. The hero faces a big setback that leaves them hopeless.
7
Personal Growth
00:10The hero learns something about themselves or their situation that brings new hope and purpose. They transform, and a previous personal flaw now provides advantage.
8
Showdown
00:10The newly-invigorated hero faces off against the bad guy.
9
Resolution
00:10The hero celebrates with allies and friends. We see the transformation that has occurred that allowed them to prevail.
Top Video Tips
Keep it short...
...then cut it even shorter. Usually under 90 seconds for a serious video; under 30 for a fun one.
Keep it moving
Make sure each shot has a point...and get to it fast! No fluff or filler.
Tell a story
Stories need structure. Make sure you've got a beginning, middle and end.
Know the audience
Family will watch a 2:00 video. Everyone else gets bored after 45 seconds.
Focus on people
Go easy on transitions, filters, etc. The best content is people relating.
Time passages
Use transitions like Dissolve or Dip-to-Black to indicate passage of time
Multiple angles
Using multiple short shots with different angles is better than one longer shot.
Start wide...
...then move closer on subsequent shot for the scene.
Video Timeline
Timeline
This story template (and hundreds more) is built into the free NanoFlick iOS app. Download now for the fastest, easiest way to get this done. It'll coach you through every shot and automatically assemble your video for instant sharing — no editing required.
