my name is Zachary T Nelson and i make short films
In 2009 I stole my Dad’s mini DV camcorder and never gave it back. Since then I have been making short films and telling stories. I get paid to do it occasionally but that’s less fun.
I only put work on this page if it made me laugh out loud or cry while I was making it. It’s a low bar.
almost thirty
live performance | 2024
A small evening of poetry, original music, and short films. This is mostly an excuse to get a few friends to clap for my art.
parking downtown
short film | 2024
When South Bend City Church decided to move their main gathering space downtown, they needed help talking about navigation.
magic show
short film | 2023
I shot and edited this film about my grandfather. He is the best storyteller I know.
low bit rate
live performance | 2023
I rented a venue and pretended to be a famous comedian/storyteller/filmmaker for an hour. I convinced all of my friends to pay me $10 to be there.
not ones
parody | 2022
I hired a Sean Evans lookalike to recreate an interview from the famous internet show “hot ones,” but instead featuring my mom. She has since forgiven me.
nothing matters
live performance | 2022
I was invited to give a talk about Life in South Bend. I got permission from the committee to spend 15 minutes talking about nothing in particular.
i quit my job
Short Film | 2020
At the end of 2020 I quit my job and pursued fulltime freelance. I created this short film to share the news with my friends and professional network.