Upcoming and established filmmakers discuss on panel the importance (or debatable non importance) of short filmmaking in the independent director's career. 

Panel entitled 'Moving From Shorts To Features' at The Circle Conference in Abu Dhabi ADFF 2010

Chair Chris Newbould from Digital Studio Magazine interviewed to the challenging eerie sound of an interrupting overhead speaker saying: 'Attention! Attention! Please stay in your seats. The emergency has now been taken care of. Please stay in your seats' repeatedly and translated in Arabic to boot. But Chris and his panelists remained poised and gracious under pressure despite the constant surreal overhead interruptions.

Panelists included: Anthony Chen (Director of Fisheye Pictures); Ali Jamal (Emirates Pictures); Vicky Jewson (Jewson Films); Michel Kammoun (Roy Films) and Anne Parent (Clermont Ferran Short Film Festival).

So, final word on the importance of short films. Yes, short films can be a tantamount necessity on the road to becoming a professional filmmaker. That said, if a director makes a great short film that does not necessarily mean that same director will make a great feature.

If any of you have a finished short film and are looking for distribution, please send screener to Anne Parent at Clermont Ferrand Short Film Festival.

Or send to me and I can forward.

Good luck to all short filmmakers!

written by Vanessa McMahon October 20, 2010