Shorts2Features is a strand of the Encounters International Film Festival that celebrates the achievements of short filmmakers who have made the difficult transition from shorts into feature-length films, and provides opportunities and advice to aspirants who wish to learn more. Through a collection of film screenings, panel discussions, Q & A’s, and events, the series provides valuable insights into the industry for budding filmmakers, and established short filmmakers alike.

In this discussion the panel shared invaluable industry information, gave tips to aspiring filmmakers, and revealed their experiences of first time filmmaking. The panelists were;

James Mulligan is the Creative Director for Shooting People, an organisation that supports the production of independent film by networking people.

Maggie Ellis is Head of Production & Talent Development at Film London, and she manages the micro-budget feature film fund, as well as FLAMIN (The Film London Artists' Moving Image Network).

Dan Geesin is a musician, filmmaker, and visual and performance artist, who composed the soundtrack to the award-winning feature film, Can Go Through Skin.

Ken Wardrop is a director who made the transition from shorts to features with his film His & Hers, which was selected for the Sundance Film Festival 2010. He is co-founder of the production company ‘Venom Film’ and his films include the award-winning shorts Dampened Spirits, Love is Like a Butterfly and Useless Dog.

Joe Lawlor & Christine Molloy are a writing/directing team who have worked together for over twenty years, and whose low-budget first feature, Helen, was met with critical acclaim. They won the Edinburgh Film Festival Best Short Film Award in 2004 for Who Killed Brown Owl.

Related Links:
encounters-festival.org.uk
shootingpeople.org

Posted on Sat 20 Nov 2010.

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