For the past six decades or so, the short film has taken a back seat to its longer sibling, the feature film. Almost exclusively independent endeavors, the short film was and remains a vehicle for experimentation with new technologies and a freedom of ideas that cannot easily be realized in a longer format. In fact, many established and successful directors, including George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese, first began by making short films. It served as a way for them to hone their craft, and gain entrance into the industry.
Today, for the first time since the 1930’s, the short film has become a hot commodity. The shifting and changing media landscape has made short films one of the most relevant and malleable mediums available to filmmakers. Indeed, television, the internet, and mobile devices have all generated a market for shorts that goes beyond film festivals. What’s more, the widespread use of digital media and editing equipment has made the genre an economical and accessible way to articulate and experiment with ideas that might otherwise be deemed too challenging or untenable. At SVA, we view the medium as integral to the existence of an evolving, stimulating, and relevant film industry.
Our program spotlights the individual student’s personal journey and creation of a short film, from pre to post-production. Working directly with some of the most pertinent and noteworthy industry players, including writers, casting agents, directors, assistant directors, and editors, students cultivate original ideas for inventive films that communicate a narrative in an aesthetically interesting and innovative manner. Under the direction of highly trained professionals, whose role is to both guide and challenge their students, grads are given opportunities for hands-on experience in every aspect of short filmmaking: from the conception of an idea, to the creation of a shooting script, to casting, budgeting, directing, filming, editing, and marketing the final product. The program ultimately culminates in a competitive, thesis-based short film festival, hosted by SVA at their West 23rd Street theater.
The MPS Live Action Short Film program celebrates the truly independent art of filmmaking, honoring first-time filmmakers, instructing them about the history of short film, and outfitting them with the creative, technical, and critical tools needed to impart their artistic visions.
—Bob Giraldi, Chair MPS Live Action Short Film