This is how I shot a feature film in 5 days.

Feb 11

DIY Feature Filmmaking: How to Shoot a 100-Minute Movie in Your Bedroom

Creating a feature-length film like Upgrade Not Found doesn’t require a Hollywood soundstage; I shot the entire 1-hour and 40-minute movie right in my bedroom in just seven days. By utilizing a "screen life" vertical format designed for smartphone viewing, I embraced the power of mobile-first cinematography and single-location shooting. The secret to this rapid production was eliminating friction: I used a simple "black void" set design with black curtains to create high-end visual separation without the need for complex set builds. This approach proves that if you embrace your creative limitations, you can produce professional indie films using the space and gear you already have.

The Essential Indie Gear Kit: Cameras, Lights, and Teleprompters

The technical setup for this film was surprisingly accessible, centered around a Sony ZV-E10 and a Sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens to achieve a crisp, lifelike "AI avatar" look. To manage a 90-minute monologue, the PromptSmart Pro voice-controlled teleprompter app was the real MVP, allowing the script to scroll automatically as I spoke. For lighting, I used a budget-friendly Ulanzi 40W Pro as a key light, a bounced LED for fill, and a small hair light to complete the "high-fidelity" aesthetic. This setup demonstrates that affordable filmmaking gear—much of which I’ve owned for years—is more than capable of carrying a feature-length project when paired with a solid script.

Master Professional Audio on a Budget: Pro-Tips for Solo Creators

While you can get away with a "potato" for a camera, poor audio will ruin a film, which is why I prioritized a clean, processed sound for the AI Interface character. After experimenting with hidden lavalier mics, I landed on a more reliable solution: booming a Rode Interview Pro just out of frame and using Auphonic for automated leveling and noise reduction. By breaking the shoot into five distinct acts—matching the five stages of grief—I was able to manage the workload of a solo creator without burning out. Upgrade Not Found premieres this Valentine’s Day, serving as a blueprint for anyone looking to stop making excuses and start filming their own cinematic dreams.