Proof-of-Concept Short Films as a Strategy
In today’s ever-changing independent film landscape, the proof-of-concept short has become one of the most powerful calling cards a filmmaker can create. Oftentimes more than just a teaser, a short film demonstrates tone, style, and world-building in a way that a pitch deck alone cannot—making it an invaluable tool for catching the attention of producers, financiers, and buyers in a crowded market.
This workshop, presented in collaboration with PROOF Film Festival, explores how proof-of-concept shorts have propelled filmmakers from the festival circuit into the marketplace, and how they continue to do so. If you’ve been curious about proof-of-concept films and what it takes to be successful with one, this is the workshop for you.
Panelist:
Imani Davis, Film Programmer & PROOF Film Festival Founder and Lead Programmer, American Cinematheque
Hanna Mason, PROOF Film Festival Manager, American Cinematheque
Speakers
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Hanna MasonPROOF Film Festival Manager, The American CinemathequeHanna Mason is the PROOF Film Festival Manager, powered by the American Cinematheque. PROOF is a short film festival dedicated to showing the best in proof-of concepts and empowering the next generation of cinematic storytellers. Previously, Hanna was the Operations Manager and Associate Programmer at the BendFilm Festival in Bend, Oregon, where she oversaw all daily operations of the festival and the Tin Pan Theater. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in History and Cinema Studies. Hanna is originally from Denver, Colorado and currently based in Los Angeles.
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Imani DavisFilm Festival Founder and Lead Programmer, The American Cinematheque
Imani Davis is film programmer at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles. At the American Cinematheque, a 501c3 nonprofit boasting over 1,600 film screenings a year, Imani has worked to put on events with A-list filmmakers and talent such as Sofia Coppola, Spike Lee, Sean Baker, Jordan Peele, Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Damien Chazelle, Christopher Nolan, and many more. Imani is also the founder and lead programmer of the American Cinematheque’s newest short film festival called PROOF, which is the only festival completely dedicated to proof-of-concept short films.