Developing Digital Short Films

Written by Sherri Sheridan, a practitioner and educator, this text offers step-by-step advice for anyone who has a desire to tell a story, think one up and execute it visually.

Fully revised and updated practical and inspirational guide for students and independent film-makers, describing and explaining the whole process - from creating an original or adapted script, through producing, directing and editing, to finance and distribution.

The advent of affordable filmmaking equipment and software, combined with the popularity of websites such as Youtube—which encourage the submission of user-created short films—add up to interest in making and viewing shorts being higher than ever. Experienced professionals are interviewed on all aspects of short film production process in this filmmakers' resource that covers screenwriting, casting, shooting formats, location scouting, soundtracks, computer effects, and how to get the final product distributed. Five award-winning short films from distributor Dazzle Films—including Being Bad and BAFTA-nominated Hotel Infinity—discussed as case studies in the book are featured on a bonus DVD, along with layouts for budget spreadsheets, release forms, contracts, and more.

This work looks at the history of the short film and its current role. It focuses on contemporary short-film producers and directors, and its role as a training opportunity for new talent. It also covers issues of distribution, funding, exhibition, festivals, training and publications.

"This workbook is designed to be used with the 20 hour "Writing a great script fast" DV story class available at Amazon.com or MyFlik.com. Some people prefer to use this workbook as a stand alone story roadmap guide, and refer to the DV sections when they need more information. Use this workbook in whatever way it helps you to create the best story possible!"--p.5.

Making movies is the most exciting way to earn a living and it is not surprising that media and film studies remain the most popular courses at colleges across the western world. A short film provides an opportunity for elliptical, poetic, condensed story telling. Shorts can take risks rarely seen in features. It is the arena where a strong voice or individual vision is possible; an invitation for experimentation and originality. Making Short Films, 3rd edition is entirely revised and restructured, providing a much more complete and detailed guide to filmmaking, with more information on new technology, illustrations and ideas for best practice.