Making it Big in Shorts: Shorter, Faster, Cheaper: The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films

by Kim Adelman

Each year 8,000+ short films compete to fill 60 slots at the Sundance Film Festival. On an average day, 792 film and video projects vie for funding on Kickstarter. And every minute 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube. In this competitive environment, a short filmmaker can no longer invest time, money, and dreams of glory in the theory that “if you build it, they will come.” The challenge is making the right kind of one that will make a splash. Covering the nuts-and-bolts of production while stressing the importance of artistic expression, this invaluable handbook shows a first-time filmmaker how to make a buzzworthy little film that could launch a lucrative Hollywood career. Packed with over 75 photos and insider advice from dozens of high-profile professionals, including Sundance and Tribeca festival programmers and Academy Award® winners and nominees, Making It Big in Shorts puts the emphasis on making films shorter, faster, and cheaper.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I’ve been contemplating and planning my first short film, this was a simple, approachable guide.

I have sticky notes everywhere.

[Fatima A. Alsaif · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a fun and very light book to read. Besides, this book is excellent whether the reader needs guidance and tips before directing and producing their first short film or motivation before getting back on their feet and returning to the film industry/community.
And for me, the book gave me a lot of motivation, and I learned a lot about film festivals and film screenings.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s short, punchy and tells it like it is. I read it because I’m writing a script for a short - having read it I’d now love to actually make the film! Never did I imagine that!

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Taught me much, and it puts me ahead of my immediate competitors in vying for an Oscar later on, down the road! I recommend!