A NEW PLATFORM FOR SHORT FILMS - BY FILMMAKERS, FOR FILMMAKERS.
The goal of Exquisite Shorts is to create an alternative type of curation and distribution for short films and filmmakers. It is an online shorts program that re-imagines the role of the gatekeeper in film, while still allowing filmmakers to engage critically with each other’s work. The program will be run entirely by filmmakers, and will showcase new perspectives bi-weekly rather than just a single curator's. The concept and name of this program comes from the surrealist method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled by a string of collaborators. This program seeks to provide an encouraging atmosphere for filmmakers to share their own work with an online audience while also engaging with one another's.
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HOW IT WORKS
Filmmaker 1 → Picks a short film from a pool of submissions that they love, that inspired them, or that they feel could use a platform. The filmmaker making the selection will record a video introduction that will play prior to their selected film, which will detail the reasons behind their choice.
Filmmaker 2 → They are the filmmaker that was selected by filmmaker 1! They repeat the same as above, and select the next film in the program.
And so on...
BI-WEEKLY SCREENINGS
1 short film will screen every 2 weeks. Each short film is selected by the filmmaker of the previous screening. The filmmakers will make their selection from a pool of short film submissions. Films will be screened on a dedicated Vimeo page and will be hosted on an Exquisite Shorts website, and on social media. The success of this campaign will allow screenings to be free to view by the public.
FILM SUBMISSIONS AND FILMMAKER CURATION
This program will run differently than most film festivals, so the rules for submission will also be different. Just a few examples: there will be no such thing as premiere status, the films being submitted could have been made in any year and from anywhere in the world, and, most importantly, the fee to submit a film will be just $5.
Filmmakers who are selected to show their work will be using the pool of submissions to discover a short film they wish to highlight. This decision will be outlined in their introduction video that plays prior to their selected short film. This provides an opportunity for the participating filmmakers to platform work by other filmmakers, and to express their unique perspectives on their selections.
It is my hope that this model will result in highlighting interesting work by filmmakers from around the world and provide a space for unique and diverse perspectives. The submission guidelines will strongly encourage anyone who self identifies as an underrepresented demographic to submit their work.
WHAT WILL THIS CAMPAIGN FUND?
Here is where you come in. I strongly believe it should be the standard that all filmmakers and artists are compensated for their time and work. Therefore, the main goal of this campaign is to allow for this program to pay all participating filmmakers a fair screening fee as well as a curation fee.
This campaign will also support:
- Website development to run the program
- Graphic design to promote the program and filmmakers
- Basic overhead to manage submissions and uploads
- Low and accessible submission fees ($5)
- Most importantly, fair payment for all filmmakers involved
FINAL NOTE
As a filmmaker myself, I talk to a lot of filmmakers about what is currently lacking in the film industry. This program seeks to address just a few of the most common concerns I have heard. This is an opportunity to consider alternate options for online distribution, specifically for short and emerging filmmakers. I believe giving filmmakers the freedom to choose work they believe in platforming will result in undoubtedly unique outcomes.
If you want to help provide an exciting new option for emerging filmmakers, please consider supporting this campaign.
(Poster illustration by Cait Macintosh, who is also a Sound Editor and Mixer https://www.caitmacintosh.com/contact)
*Exquisite Shorts is looking to partner with other artist institutions/sponsors. Please contact me through the campaign if you are interested in getting involved!*
