short film review

Reviews and news about short films, short film festivals, reviews, links and guides to short films online,images from short films,directors,writers,cinemaphotographers. Copyright 2005, 2006 by Allan Maurer. All rights reserved.

Friday, March 31, 2006

Danica McKellar (Winnie Cooper) makes short films

Photo copyright 2006 by Allan Maurer ARR.

Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper on "The Wonder Years" TV show that I and so many other baby boomers recall for its bittersweet portrait of growing up in the 1960s, accompanied her short film "Broken" to the RiverRun film festival in Winston-Salem, NC, in March.

"Broken" is an exquisitely filmed (on 35mm widescreen)six minute short that explores a woman's drastic attempt to heal her broken heart. It opens with superb piece of expository filmmaking, getting everything you need to know across with a few opening images as the credits roll. It's an impressive piece of work and I hope to see her other two shorts.

McKellar answering questions after the event said she's just learning the craft of filmmaking and storytelling, but this one certainly shows some mastery of the essential elements. Though shorter than many we see, it nevertheless manages a complete beginning, middle and end. If there's a single fault we see most often, it is the lack of same that scuttles many an otherwise fine short film effort.

Danica says she would be interested in making a film about a woman scientist or math whiz--which she is herself, having majored in math and managing to prove a theorem as an undergrad. She impressed us with her at ease courtesy despite her admission during the Q&A that she has a somewhat "dark" take on thing in "Broken."

I'd bet real money that Danica McKellar, now 30, will make an impressive feature film debut, but in the meanwhile, her short films are worth seeking out.

Pinwheel Short Film Festival April 1


North Carolina State University presents its annual Pinwheel Short Film Festival Saturday, April 1st at the Witherspoon Student Center on the Raleigh campus.

They feature short films from regional filmmakers, most from North Carolina, annually.

If you're a filmmaker in the Carolinas, add this one to your list. There's submission info on the site.

Free and open to the public, Pinwheel schedules 26 short films between 12 noon and 5 pm.
For the complete lineup, visit:
Pinwheel Film Festival

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Century City Shorts Fest Gets Attention

3rd Annual CENTURY CITY SHORTS & SCREENPLAY COMPETITION:
www.CenturyCityFilmFestival.com/

The festival says previous winners have had their projects optioned and landed representation. They include testimonials on their site link.

Each screenplay and short is reviewed at least two times. Our 2005 1st place winner received a YES and NO prior tomaking the Top 30.

Prizes valued at over $10,000include: Cash, FujiFilm, Digital Sound License, Final Draft S-ware, etc. Awards party for Finalists where you'll meet agents, managers, production company repps, etc.

REGISTER ONLINE at:
http://www.CenturyCityFilmFestival.com

Largest Short Film Festival in America Coming

The largest short film festival in America comes to Palm Springs this August. Here's the early buzz:

The 12th annual PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF SHORT FILMS AND FILM MARKET will be held August 24 - 30, 2006.

Palm Springs ShortFest features over 300 short films on three screens and film market facilities presenting over 2,200 shorts. More than 20 awards of cash and/or film stock are given in 10 categories.

All submitted films are eligible for market participation for no additional fee. Winning films in live action and animation are automatically qualified for nomination consideration by AMPAS.

Special student film section with awards and reduced entry fees. Fee $30 - $50 (Early Entry, April 7, 2006; Regular Entry, May 12, 2006) E-mail: info@psfilmfest.org;

Web site: www.psfilmfest.org for more info.