SHORT ANSWERS

We are in the middle of a cultural revolution as short films have grown, in just a few years, from lost orphan status to pride and joy of the cinema family.

Wondering how to get in on the action? Or to enhance you involvement to date? This could well be the book to help you.

One interesting point: it has fully a dozen contributors, all very experienced short filmmakers, so you can be fairly certain that everything you need to know is covered and covered intelligently.

Indeed, the book arrives from Shooting People who, if you know anything about filmmaking, you will know is an online community that know a huge amount about filmmaking!

The book also stands out for its attractive design mixing lots of photos, graphics, diagrams, spread sheets, scripts and what nots to make it an interesting and fun read.

The cover has gone for a very practical look which may not appeal to everyone. If it is not your style, don't let it put you off. Dive inside quickly and you will find a near definitive guide to making shorts, including not just the usual production tips but also oddities like advice on filling in funding applications and dozens of handy contacts together with a raft of interviews.

A few short quotes will give you a hint of the jaunty prose style and nuggets of wisdom.

"Many filmmakers try to cram a feature length movie into a short film model, and the result is most often miserable." Too true, even features only have one or two ideas!!!!

"If you can't sum up the basic story of your film in ONE sentence, then either you don't really know what your story is yet or it is simply too complicated for a short film." Too true, on both counts!!!!

"Generally speaking, sending out your short pitch with a plea for money to the top 100 in the rich list is not going to work." Too true, it has been done too often!!!

In truth, the book is such a jolly collaboration that, even if you don't want to make films, it is a pleasant way to understand how to look at and enjoy watching short films.

You can find more details on www.shortsbook.com. The retail price is £23.00

Filed September 19, 2007