What to Do With a Short Film?

What to do with your short film?

1. Show it to your Mom & Dad.

2. Show it to your friends.

3. Show it to the world.

Why did you do a short film in the first place? There is no money in short films. There is no career in short films. There is no future in short films.

Or is there...

No money? - Wrong! Depending upon the length, subject matter, (and whether or not you had your actors sign release forms), there are many outlets that may be willing to pay you for a short film. Particularly with so many cable and satellite channels, there is ample opportunity for fill-in programming. HBO, Showtime and anybody who shows movies are always looking supplemental programming. Money? Not tons, but it is there...

No career? - Wrong! Are you kidding me? What do you think a music video is? What do you think a commercial is? What do you think a promo is? These are short films. In fact, there is tons more work in the short arena than in the longer form so if you are looking for a career, short form is your shot. Short form content is harder to do than longer stuff. It takes more editing and more concise and precise work. Get good at this and you eat well. Especially if you can do comedy. Especially if it is fairly clean.

No future? Wrong! How do you think you are going to get noticed to do music videos or commercials or promos? You need to show those who hire for these jobs that you have the chops. Post your short film on YouTube or on your blog or anywhere that will allow you to post. This is your calling card. This is your resume. Make 'em good. Make 'em often. Spread 'em around.