Master Classes are in-depth, interactive learning experiences focused on craft and career building and led by renowned industry experts. Topics include fiction and documentary filmmaking, TV writing and production, and navigating and succeeding in the entertainment industry.
What do Bottle Rocket, Whiplash, and Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul have in common? All three films started out as shorts before being reimagined and expanded into feature-length films. One of the best ways to showcase your craft as a filmmaker is to write and direct a short film. Over the years, many independent filmmakers have used their short as a proof-of-concept and learning opportunity for a feature-length project. But how do you make that leap from short to feature? What should you consider creatively? How do you leverage the success of your short to find opportunities for financing? In our live, interactive three-hour Master Class, twin sisters/filmmakers Adamma and Adanne Ebo will guide you through the journey from short to feature, sharing the journey from award-winning short film to their critically acclaimed feature film Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul (SFF ‘22) as a case study.
Topics covered include:
- Crafting your short film as a proof of concept for a feature
- Understanding each format’s strengths and weaknesses
- Expanding your story and character arcs (and letting things go)
- Financing your feature
- Building an audience through your shortlist of donors
- Evaluating attachments for cast and crew
- Production considerations when setting up your feature
Please download recommended resources here.
Table of Contents
0:05 - Introduction to Master Class
5:41 - Adamma and Adanne Ebo introduction
6:49 - A Brief Timeline of Our Short to Feature Journey
18:21 - Our Short Film as a Proof of Concept
20:35 - Short vs. Feature - Key Similarities - Gum clips discussion
25:22 - Short vs. Feature - Key Similarities - Thrones clips discussion
37:28 - Short vs. Feature - Key Similarities - Always Make it Work clips discussion
42:01 - Short vs. Feature - Key Similarities - Maurice/Monterius clips discussion
50:07 - Short vs. Feature - Key Similarities - Miming clips discussion
1:01:12 - Expanding Story & Character Arcs - Amen/Knuck If You Buck clip discussion
1:08:49 - Expanding Story & Character Arcs - Lawyer Call clip discussion
1:17:11 - Expanding Story & Character Arcs - Basketball clip discussion
1:27:23 - Expanding Story & Character Arcs - Sumpter Standoff clip discussion
1:35:22 - Expanding Story & Character Arcs - Perfect Man clip discussion
1:44:50 - Q&A
1:59:30 - Building an Audience and Capitalizing on the Short’s Success
2:03:17 - Attaching “Name” Talent
2:06:36 - Financing
2:12:17 - Setting Up Our Feature
2:21:02 - Setting Up Our Feature - Festivals, Marketing, Distribution
2:29:54 - Final Q&A
2:47:30 - Closing Announcements