Filmmakers, take note because this is the kind of story that fuels our creative fire.
Back in 2021, a twisted little short film called Stuffed premiered as a proof of concept. Written and directed by Theo Rhys, it was a bold, bizarre, and genre-bending musical horror-romance that dared to be different. Fast forward four years, and Stuffed is now rolling cameras as a full-length feature—with none other than Jodie Comer and Harry Melling leading the cast.
Yes, you read that right. A short film, born from pure creative vision, has evolved into a feature debut with A-list talent and international buzz. This is Theo Rhys’s first feature as a director, and it all started with a short that proved the concept, tone, and ambition of the story.
This is why we make shorts. Not just to practice, not just to showcase—but to plant seeds. To show the world what’s possible. To say, “This is the story I want to tell, and here’s how it could look.”
If you’re sitting on a wild idea, a genre mashup, or a story that feels “too risky” for the big screen—make the short. Shape the vision. Let it speak for itself.
Because Stuffed just proved that even the strangest, most daring ideas can grow into something extraordinary.
Here is the link:
https://deadline.com/2025/09/jodie-comer-harry-melling-musical-horror-mo....
Let’s keep creating. Let’s keep proving.
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"If you’re sitting on a wild idea, a genre mashup, or a story that feels “too risky” for the big screen—make the short. Shape the vision. Let it speak for itself." Great advice, Sandra Isabel Correia! I've heard of directors making short films to test out ideas and to raise funding, then making feature films of them. I do that when I write scripts sometimes.
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That's my rule. Maurice Vaughan, and it's why I directed The Misstep. Thank you. This news made me really happy :) What do you do? I didn't understand it. Sorry :(
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You're welcome, Sandra Isabel Correia. I write short scripts to test out ideas, then turn them into feature scripts.
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Ah! Ok, now I understand it, Maurice Vaughan. Yes, that's a fantastic strategy. Like that, you can test them. Writing a short is much easier and quicker than writing a feature. I was so taken with this director's journey that I wanted to share it with everyone because it inspires us.
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I made a proof of concept for my now feature film The Luring (available on YouTube and Tubi) and I couldn't agree more. It's used as leverage to show potential investors what the bigger picture will look and sound like. It's a great calling card. If anyone watches my film the first scene right up to the title is what my proof of concept was. I left my audience with a hook and thankfully it worked.
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You have that experience Christopher Wells and it’s an amazing open call. I saw The Luring and I loved it. And now, what will be your next project? Thanks for sharing :))
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I would love info on how a writer-only can access the network to create a short for my pilot.
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Sorry Darrell Pennington, I didn’t understand your question, can you please rewrite? Thank you.
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I am not a film maker, 'just' a writer so I have no technical experience or real understanding of how to get a short produced so I wonder if there is guidance or some sort of infrastructure that exists where a writer could present a pilot, a screenplay or a concept and have a short created to reflect that creative work.
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Thanks, Darrell Pennington . Your message was really clear, which helped me a lot since English isn’t my first language.
First, I believe screenwriters are filmmakers. Your words shape the story, and that’s the heart of filmmaking.
There’s no single path to getting a short made. I chose to direct mine with guidance from Stage 32. I wrote the script, built a crew, shot it, and now it’s in festivals.
You can also submit short scripts to contests like those on Stage 32’s Global Contest Hub, which sometimes lead to production. Or post at Stage 32 Your Stage Lounge, to connect with directors and producers looking for new material. I hope this helps you:)
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Thank you!!
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You are welcome Darrell Pennington.
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Darrell Pennington I agree with Sandra Isabel Correia that screenwriters are filmmakers so don't sell yourself short and it's okay to not know all the ins and outs of filmmaking as we all, no matter what level, are still learning. I think what may be helpful is for you to take your smart phone and shoot a few narrative short films. See how your short script can hold up as most likely you'll learn what works and what doesn't as the page is very different than what is being said in front of the camera so take advantage of having a device you can use to shoot a film.
If you look at my profile I have a few short films I shot on my iPhone, one of them is 'Hey It's Just Jim,' which was just me and my phone, no cast or crew. My point is, you can learn so much by producing your own short films and that I think will really be helpful to you and your screenwriting.
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Sandra Isabel Correia Thank you for the kind words. And thank you for watching my film The Luring.
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Thank you Christopher Wells for enlightening Darrel and for your suggestions. They are real value. You are welcome and pleasure was mine :))
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Sandra Isabel Correia Thank you. This is great to see. It does prove the point I have been making for years on POCs - no one can unsee it, so it has to have the cast you want, the look you want, etc. for the larger project. If it has that, it can succeed.
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You are welcome. Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg, and I am happy that resonated with you. Yes, sometimes A-list stars like Jodie Comer only need to feel an emotional connection to a project, and in this case, it resonates with a dream she had: to do a musical. So, if all the stars align, it can succeed. It is also what I believe.
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Sandra Isabel Correia What an incredible reminder of the power of short films as proof of concept! Stuffed is exactly the kind of project that challenges expectations and proves there’s an audience for bold, unconventional storytelling.
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It's Ashley Renee Smith , and I'm reviewing myself as a future version of myself:)
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I’m thinking of shooting/producing one scene from my feature, thriller project… a scene overflowing with emotion, yet also pivotal to the story. I would go full-on with quality, from pre to post.
Thoughts?
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Jack Vincent Do it. I did it with my film The Luring so I'm not just saying it to sound good. A proof of concept is the best way to move forward because you also see what dialogue works, sets the stage for the "look" and no matter if it's a stand alone or a true cliff hanger POC, you have a short under you belt.
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Love hearing these kind of successes. I often wonder which short films will make it to a future of a tv show or film.
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Hi Jack Vincent. As Christopher advised, one of the most effective approaches is to create a proof of concept, whether that’s a short film or a reel, depending on what feels most natural to you. I personally directed a short as my POC, and it's now making its way through the festival circuit. Beyond gauging audience reactions, I'm using this opportunity to connect with potential producers who might co-produce the feature version of The Misstep with my company. There are countless strategies you can explore, but the key is to take action. Just go for it!
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Thanks, Xochi Blymyer! I wonder the same thing. There’s something magical about seeing a short evolve into a full-blown series or feature. You can almost feel the potential in some of them, like they’re just waiting for the right moment (and team) to grow. It’s exciting to think about what stories will make that leap next! I am excited about the one I shared. :)