We all make shorts at some point - whether as a part of film school, proof of concept, a training tool, or because it is, in fact, the perfect length for the story you want to tell.
Short films can be a wonderful way to launch your career, introduce yourself to an audience, work with a brand or partner or to create impact. All the same rules from “Your Essential Preparation” apply to your short, and your short film distribution strategy should be based on your goals.
Shorts are an increasingly versatile opportunity as more and more platforms emerge. It’s easier to fund them (they cost less), easier to deliver them to an audience (they don’t take much time or bandwidth) and this space is way less gate-kept than with feature films.
The best short-form distribution deals allow you to retain some independence for opportunities down the line, but have a built-in audience specifically interested in your kind of content and will allow you to reach more of them (Film Shortage, Short of the Week; special interest press). Keep a close eye on any distribution contracts for your short film that they don’t assume the rights to future works based on your short (TV shows, feature films) unless they’re paying you handsomely for them.
First and foremost, shorts are a great way to build relationships with film festivals, and film festivals are a great way to get in front of industry and spend time with your peers. What many filmmakers don’t know is that the length of a short film is very important to festival programming. Most festival program shorts in blocks of 60 to 80 minutes (typically 8-10 at a time) or as a special spot before a feature film (typically under 10 minutes). That means for a festival, an ideal length for a short film is under 15 minutes - it allows them to program as many as possible within a short block, and the longest films typically get programmed at the end of the block.
So let’s quickly do this math:
Use your festival run for help promoting any distribution opportunities you receive by reaching out to the programmers and local press for help amplifying your film’s new home.
A non-exhaustive list of short form distribution platforms including free, wide distribution, Video-on-demand and curated, promotional platforms.
Pro-tip for choosing a platform: are there other things like yours on the platform? Do they seem to have performed well there? Find a short film that you admire and that has found distribution you aspire to and ask them!