Stage 32 2-Part Class: How You Can Write, Direct & Distribute Your Short Film

Almost every successful filmmaker today—from Ava DuVernay to Rian Johnson to Chloe Zhao to Ryan Coogler—got their start by writing and directing their own short films. It’s so common of a springboard for creatives that most managers and executives actively incorporate scouting short films as part of their recruitment model when looking for new talent or new ideas. If you're an aspiring writer or director ready to make a living as a filmmaker, mastering the art of crafting a short film can be the perfect launching tool for your career.

Simply putting together any short film isn’t going to be your instant ticket into the industry, however. Tens of thousands of filmmakers produce new short films every year. With so much competition, how do you make your own film stand out? How can you avoid the mistakes that riddle the writing and directing process of making a short film? Once your film is made, how do you get it out to the world aside from just uploading it on YouTube and hoping people view it? And what can you do to convince investors and producers that you're ready to make the leap into bigger projects?

James Kicklighter is a multi-award winning writer and director whose work has been recognized by the world’s press, including The Hollywood Reporter, The Times of India, Film Courage and FilmInk Australia. He has directed nine short films that have found success at film festivals around the world as well as through distribution. He is currently developing projects with Richard Saperstein (THE MIST, SE7EN) and Beau Turpin (COUNTERPUNCH). His latest feature film THE SOUND OF IDENTITY, about the first transgender woman to perform as Don Giovanni in a professional opera, was released this year and is produced by Emmy Award-winning producers Russ Kirkpatrick & Andy Kinslow and executive produced by Golden Globe-winner and Academy Award-nominated Josh Bachove (MINARI, THE LITTLE HOURS). 

In this 2-part exclusive Stage 32 On-Demand Filmmaking Class, you will learn:

• How to write, direct and distribute your own short film
• The art of writing a short screenplay
• How to develop strong characters that will attract top acting talent, while working within a budget that the average aspiring filmmaker can afford.
• The process of directing your first short
• How to get the cast and crew that you want
• How to raise money and setup the budget,
• How to select the right camera and technical equipment,
• How to work with locations and your actors to maximize your production value.
• Insider tips for distributing and marketing your final product - a step that most filmmakers never learn.
• Hw to target film festivals, cultivate relationships with media, and create a launch strategy that will best serve your film in the present while preparing you for the future.

PRAISE FROM JAMES'S TEACHINGS:

“His experience and expertise as a writer and producer of film were greatly enhanced by his enthusiasm and energy as a speaker. He presented a series of workshops in the production of film, and also was the keynote speaker at our Young Writer's Conference. In both cases, he was able to inspire and connect to many different age groups including several professors in attendance.” - Gareth Jones, Brewton-Parker College

“I think James is a rare breed of artist that combines his business and marketing skills with a cohesive artistic vision. ” - Jason Winn, Film Director

“James is sharp as a razor, quick to grasp an idea, and like mercury when it comes to social media.” - Lilly Lee, Co-Founder, UNICEF Chinese Children’s Initiative

“James exceeds your expectations and helps turn your ideas into reality.” - Susan Woolf, Director of Operations, National Student Leadership Conference

“James is an extraordinary individual. He represents to me, the best of what this business holds in the next few decades.” – Gemma Puglisi, Assistant Professor, American University

I have been recommending the Short Film Master Class to filmmakers since I completed it. It is entertaining and contains so much information. Not only does he cover "how" but includes the "why". James is phenomenal. --John Garrett

Insightful, informative, and entertaining! A must for the rookie and the pro alike. Hames hands you tools to utilize in today's viral distribution market. After the course, you'll feel empowered and prepared to shoot, distribute, and publicize your next project. -- Jaye Lowe