Isaac Carlton

Content Creator and Filmmaker

Isaac Carlton is a YouTube content creator and filmmaker who has built a dedicated following by challenging himself to create movies under unusual constraints and circumstances. Born in 1996 in a small town in northern Minnesota, Carlton has transformed his passion for filmmaking into a successful YouTube channel that showcases the creative process behind movie-making on a budget.^[1]^[2]

Carlton's YouTube journey began in earnest around 2013-2014, though he and his brother had been experimenting with video content since 2009. What started as simple sketches and collaborative projects with his sibling has evolved into a focused channel dedicated to filmmaking challenges and behind-the-scenes content.^[3]

Unique Filmmaking Approach

Carlton's content stands out for its experimental approach to filmmaking. Rather than following traditional production methods, he creates videos that document his attempts to make movies in unconventional ways. His projects have included making films underwater, recreating expensive Netflix movies at home, and attempting to complete entire short films within 24-hour timeframes.^[4]^[5]

One of his most popular concepts involves using extremely cheap or unusual equipment to create films. Carlton has made movies using Amazon's cheapest cameras, including a $9 children's camera, demonstrating that compelling storytelling can emerge from limited resources. His approach often involves embracing the limitations of low-quality equipment as creative storytelling devices rather than obstacles.^[6]

The creator's underwater filmmaking project exemplifies his willingness to push creative boundaries. Carlton spent time in multiple swimming pools and ocean locations, using specialized equipment like the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 camera, which features a "pure video mode" designed for low-light underwater environments. The project required significant physical endurance, with Carlton performing extended breath holds while maintaining focus on shot composition.^[7]

Professional Background

Beyond YouTube, Carlton works as a filmmaker for a church, where he creates various types of video content. This professional experience has provided him with technical skills and equipment knowledge that he applies to his YouTube projects. He has also worked on weddings and other commercial video projects, though he has expressed mixed feelings about wedding videography specifically.^[8]

Carlton's formal filmmaking credits include several short films listed on IMDb, including "The Barbershop" (2021), "Jumper" (2020), and "It's About Time!" (2019). These projects demonstrate his capabilities beyond YouTube content creation, showing his work as a writer, director, and editor in more traditional filmmaking contexts.^[9]

Channel Growth and Success

Carlton's YouTube channel has grown to approximately 230,000-250,000 subscribers as of mid-2025, with his content regularly receiving hundreds of thousands of views. His most successful videos have garnered millions of views, including his filmmaking challenges and recreations of popular movies.^[10]^[11]

The creator's estimated monthly earnings from YouTube range from $1,800 to $2,600, with individual videos earning between hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on their performance. His content strategy of creating both longer-form documentary-style videos and shorter films has helped maintain consistent viewership across different types of content.^[12]

Carlton's success has been recognized within the filmmaking community, with his work being discussed in filmmaking forums and featured in photography and filmmaking publications. His approach to making high-quality content with minimal resources has resonated with aspiring filmmakers who appreciate his transparent documentation of the creative process.^[13]

Content Creation Philosophy

Carlton's approach to content creation emphasizes experimentation and learning through practical application. He often begins projects with only a basic concept, developing the story and technical solutions as he progresses. This methodology, while sometimes stressful, allows him to document authentic problem-solving in real-time, which has become a hallmark of his content.^[14]

His willingness to take on seemingly impossible challenges, such as recreating expensive Hollywood productions with minimal budgets, demonstrates a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Carlton frequently collaborates with friends and fellow creators, including visual effects artists who help bring his ambitious concepts to life through post-production work.^[15]