HollyShorts Institute Producing Bootcamp: How To Make a Short Film

Master Class Description:

A 6-week intensive virtual course for anyone with an idea to create a short film but needing a thorough understanding of the ins and outs of what making the film entails. Perfect for screenwriters and actors looking to transition into producing and first time directors. The course will cover everything from pre-production, budgeting, casting, to production/execution, post-production marketing and festival management/strategy.

From the organizers of the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, this master class will sharpen your short film creation skills. Completed short film projects following the course will be programmed at one of the festival’s Monthly screening series at the historic TCL Chinese Theater.

Week 1: Indie Filmmaking Vocabulary 101

Week 2: Film Budgeting 101

Week 3: Pre-Production 101

Week 4: No-Budget Production 101

Week 5: Funding & Film Festivals 101

Week 6: Marketing and Distribution 101

If selected, the fee for the Hollyshorts Institute will be $950* for 6 weeks of courses, personalized feedback, office hours with Institute experts, and the final screening. Selected filmmakers will be expected to pay a nonrefundable $200 deposit upon acceptance to secure their slot.

*fee subject to reduction as we bring on sponsors and partners

Shorts completed from the students will be screened at the HollyShorts Institute Graduate Monthly screening at the TCL Chinese Theater

- Submitted project must be an ORIGINAL concept for a narrative short film (*if the project is an adaptation, you must provide documented proof that you hold the rights to this adaptation).
- Projects must not have entered production or financing
- Project materials must be submitted in English but the project itself may be in any language (please indicate your project’s original language if it is non-English). Please note all related activities for winners will be conducted in English (efforts will be made to accommodate other languages when possible).
- Contestants retain all rights to their projects.
- Feedback cannot be provided on any submissions.
Once an application is submitted, new or updated versions may not be submitted.
- Entrants agree to indemnify and hold Hollyshorts Institute, including our employees, our officers, and our partners and affiliates, harmless against all claims arising out of entry or participation in the contest.
- Hollyshorts Institute classes will be held once a week for six weeks, with assignments associated with each lecture and personalized feedback provided; while participants are not required to attend all classes and will be given VOD access to all lectures for the duration of the Institute, any assignments handed in late (more than 1 week after assigned) will not be given feedback
- Cost of attending Hollyshorts Institute is separate from application fee; fee for the program if selected TBD
- Hollyshorts Institute will not be providing production funds or resources beyond education and community included during the 6 weeks of courses. Participants who want a screening slot in the graduation screening must produce their films and submit deliverables in a timely manner (TBD upon selection into the program) or they waive the right to the guaranteed screening
- No refunds will be given for applications, or for participation in Hollyshorts Institute if selected once initial deposit has been submitted

By submitting your application, you agree that you have read, understood, and agree to all the aforementioned contest rules and regulations. You also assert that you are the author and owner of the original work.

- By submitting to the Hollyshorts Institute, the applicant agrees to the following submission release rules:
- You own or control the content of your script and any produced version of it. You have the full and exclusive right to submit the script to Hollyshorts Institute and no other person or corporation has any right, title or interest in the script. The script is not defamatory and does not infringe upon or violate the privacy rights, copyrights, trademarks, publicity or other intellectual or proprietary rights of any third party.
- Hollyshorts Institute has the right to copy, use and distribute your submission package for the purpose of its evaluation and review. If selected, Hollyshorts Institute has the right to publicize the title and a description of the script as well as your name as the author and or director and or producer.
- Hollyshorts Institute, its representatives or assigns, including the jury and mentors for this contest, may already, or in the future, be developing materials similar to the script. You acknowledge they have the unrestricted right to use these similar materials and you will have no right or recourse against Hollyshorts Institute, its representatives or assigns for use of these similar materials.