Filmmaking / Directing

I’m sharing my experience with the recent ReelShort contest because I’m genuinely trying to understand whether I’m missing something.

I entered the contest hoping to catch ReelShort’s attention and potentially pitch an original series. That’s why I submitted projects across different genres.

Although there was a public voting phase, the rules stated that the final decision would be made by a professional jury.

Some of you supported my entries here—thank you. For those who haven’t seen them:

https://tinyurl.com/16suspense

https://tinyurl.com/49beyondgenres

https://tinyurl.com/48beyondgenres

After reviewing the final results, I noticed that the top entry in the Suspense category violated two stated rules: it wasn’t vertical, and it wasn’t a complete work—it was a pilot episode.

Judge it yourself: https://tinyurl.com/1suspense

Meanwhile, my project Shadows of the Departed was rejected twice for being a pilot, forcing me to rewrite and change the ending just to be accepted.

While my entries placed 48 and 49 in Beyond Genres, I was surprised to see very amateur submissions ranking higher—such as the 16th-place entry, which consisted of a camera set against a computer monitor displaying a PowerPoint presentation as a background, with simple paper cut-out figures mounted on sticks moved in front of the lens. The result felt almost like a narrative device one would expect in a comedy script, where the protagonist puts in genuine effort only to be outperformed by something deliberately absurd.

See for yourself: https://tinyurl.com/16beyondgenres

More than a month after the winners were announced, the prize I was told I had won still hasn’t been paid, which only adds to my concerns. I also contacted ReelShort’s PR department and have not received a response so far.

I genuinely want feedback. If you think I’m wrong, tell me. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Here are 50 tips I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to help you work and survive in the film and television business today:

31. Maintain an Open Mind: Embrace curiosity as a lifelong learner and seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. Continuous learning keeps your skills sharp and your work innovative.

32. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Stay optimistic and resilient, even when facing challenges and setbacks. A positive attitude can help you build strong relationships and maintain motivation.

33. Network Strategically: Form meaningful connections with industry professionals at all levels. Attend film festivals and seminars to meet potential collaborators, mentors, and investors. Networking strategically can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

34. Never Lose Sight of your Dreams: Despite the challenges and obstacles you may face, let your passion for filmmaking fuel your ambition and drive you toward your goals. Your dreams keep you motivated and focused on your long-term vision.

35. Nurture Industry Connections: Through networking events, film festivals, and online platforms. Relationships are crucial in the film business, and knowing the right people can open many doors.

36. Persistence is Crucial: Keep pitching your ideas, applying for grants, and seeking funding. The film industry can be challenging, and rejection is common, but persistence can lead to success.

37. Practice Clear Communication: Ensure everyone on your crew is working towards a common goal. Effective communication is essential for collaboration and leadership in filmmaking.

38. Prioritize Self Care: Such as exercise, mindfulness, and time off to recharge and prevent burnout. The demanding nature of filmmaking can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being.

39. Promote Your Work: Use social media, personal websites, and film festivals to showcase your work. Effective self-promotion helps you build an audience and attract potential collaborators. A strong online presence and engaging with your audience can significantly enhance your opportunities.

40. Protect Your Work: Ensure that you have the necessary legal protections for your work, including contracts and copyrights. Seek legal advice when needed to safeguard your intellectual property. Protecting your work preserves your creative rights and future earning potential.

Next Article: 50 Tips on How to Work and Survive in the "Business" (pt5)

Sundance Institute

Announcing the 2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Program, presented by Ketel One. The Short Film Program showcases projects across fiction, nonfiction, and animation, globally. Get online access to a curated collection of Festival short films with the Short Films Pass, available for purchase now.

https://festival.sundance.org/program/films/category=5fa7d17c0329c105a03...

I never thought I’d end up creating dramatized content in vertical format, but it’s clearly gaining serious traction. According to recent reports, vertical dramas have generated over $6 billion in the last two years — and it’s just getting started.

For the ReelShort contest, I produced two short dramas and one short film. One of them is a fan-made anime adaptation of the platform’s most popular drama. I edited and finished 8 one-minute episodes in just 30 hours with no sleep — my goal was 10 (since the prize for over 10 episodes is $50K), but I had to lock it at episode 8 and submitted it 7 minutes before the deadline.

Because I joined the contest on the last day, my entries don’t have as many public votes compared to others that have been live for months. The voting closes on October 27, so if you could check them out, tap the heart to vote, and share your feedback from filmaker’s perspective, I’d really appreciate it.

8 Episodes – Fated to My Forbidden Alpha (Fan Adaptation): https://www.reelshort.com/episodes/episode-1-fated-to-my-forbidden-alpha...

3 Episodes – Jackpot Love: https://www.reelshort.com/episodes/episode-1-jackpot-love-68eee67e125c9a...

Short Film – Shadows of the Departed: https://www.reelshort.com/episodes/episode-1-shadows-of-the-departed-68e...

California just awarded $116.2 million in tax credits to 28 new films, part of its expanded $750 million annual fund to keep Hollywood productions local. It was announced that 38 films were part of the tax incentive but we now have an in-depth breakdown of which independent and non-independent films are receiving the grant!

Some studio headliners include a Snoop Dogg biopic (Universal, $17 million), Ang Lee's "Gold Mountain" ($7.6 million), a Glen Powell-produced film (Sony, $9.9 million), and Gina Rodriguez's "Guerrero" ($4.4 million).

The state estimates this round will generate over $562 million in spending and create thousands of jobs. It's California's major play to stop productions from leaving for other states and countries.

Read more about the incentives here! https://deadline.com/2025/12/california-tax-credits-films-1236650657/

Here we go, the first trailer for Spielberg’s new film, ‘Disclosure Day’, which takes him back into the world of aliens and UFOs!

Set for a June 12th, 2026 release, I will be eager to see this film. How about you?

https://youtu.be/UFe6NRgoXCM

I believe that to be successful in this business, you need to fully understand the Business of film; the Politics of film; the Differences between film and television; and who the Power Players are - and how to deal with them.

For example: Here is the major difference between working on a feature film and a television series: Television is a Producer's medium and Feature films are Director's medium. This fact alone will give you a distinct advantage when it comes to surviving in the film and TV industry!

Here are 50 tips I believe you need to have, learn or nurture to help you work and survive in the film and television business today:

21. Embrace Feedback: Welcome constructive criticism and use it to improve your work. Learning from feedback helps you grow as a filmmaker. By actively seeking different perspectives, you gain valuable insights that can refine your storytelling, technique, and creative approach.

22. Encourage Teamwork and Cooperation: Filmmaking requires a collaborative spirit by valuing and respecting the contributions of every member of the production team. Open communication and mutual support ensure that everyone works together toward a shared creative vision.

23. Expand Your Skill Set: Diversify your skills to include screenwriting, cinematography and editing. Being versatile makes you more valuable and opens up more opportunities. Actively participate in productions, whether through making short films, attending film school, or offering your services for free on sets.

24. Express Your Creativity: Explore your unique talents and perspectives, embracing experimentation and innovation in your work. Everyone has a special gift; discovering and honing yours can set your work apart.

25. Familiarize Yourself with Industry Norms: Understand the unwritten rules, expectations, and standards that govern film industry interactions. Knowing the politics of the industry helps navigate it more effectively.

26. Flexibility is Key: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, trends, and industry shifts, and be willing to pivot your approach or skill set accordingly. Flexibility allows you to stay relevant and innovative

27. Keep Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in filmmaking. Attend workshops, take courses, and read industry publications to keep your skills sharp. Continuous learning keeps you competitive and innovative in the industry.

28. Learn to Manage Budgets and Secure Funding: Understand the business side of filmmaking, including budgeting and financial planning. Effective financial management ensures the sustainability of your projects.

29. Leverage Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media to distribute your work and gain exposure. These platforms can help you reach a wider audience and build a following.

30. Listen to Feedback: Particularly from those with greater experience, to continuously learn and grow as a filmmaker. Constructive feedback can provide valuable perspectives and improvements.

Next Article: 50 Tips on How to Work and Survive in the "Business" (pt4)

As we close out the year, a final, exciting batch of Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) for 2025 is now live and seeking your best work. These opportunities span animated series for young audiences, high-stakes sports dramas, and culturally resonant thrillers.

This batch offers an extended submission window of 3 weeks, giving you more time to polish and submit your best work. With deadlines extending into early January, this is your chance to start 2026 with incredible momentum.

Here are the latest opportunities:

1. For Engaging Animated Series

A Producer and Showrunner is seeking animated short-form series for young female audiences (ages 2-5 and 5-10), inspired by the spirit of Brave, Frozen, and Kim Possible.

2. For Innovative Animated Projects

A Manager of Development at a TV production company seeks animated projects with unique, innovative twists and strong points of view, in the vein of Gravity Falls, Over the Garden Wall, and The Wild Robot.

3. For Contemporary & Elevated YA Drama

A Producer and Director seeks contemporary projects, including elevated YA and emotionally resonant character pieces, comparable to Didi, One Battle After Another, and How to Blow Up a Pipeline.

4. For High-Stakes Sports Stories

A Producer and Showrunner, working with top-tier talent, seeks sports projects with the intensity of F1: The Movies, The Smashing Machine, and The Iron Claw.

5. For True-Crime Features & Manuscripts

A Manager/Producer at a literary management company seeks crime features or manuscripts, ideally based on true stories, with the impact of Reality, Killers of the Flower Moon, or Monster.

6. For Culturally Specific, Universal Dramas

A Producer and Director seeks elevated, character-driven dramas and thrillers focused on culturally specific stories with universal resonance, like Christy, Woman of the Hour, and Spotlight.

Don’t miss this final extended opportunity of the year to get your script on the right desk. These OWAs are your direct path to producers actively looking for their next project.

Submit Today: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room

Hello I’ve created a musical play — a prequel to Peter and the Wolf. Here’s the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLjYb0CW9IM I’d like to propose it to production companies and eventually release it. I'm looking for advices on how to find those companies and how to pitch to them Thanks Christophe