ShortFest Forum
The ShortFest Forum includes 3-days of roundtables, interactive events, panels, classes and pitching opportunities for filmmakers, while attending Palm Springs ShortFest. Over 50 industry professionals lend their knowledge and expertise to attending filmmakers to these unique events. Topics cover emerging trends, industry best practices and technical know-how from leading producers, creative execs, agents, actors, press and more.
Passes accepted for entry
Filmmaker and Market passes grant access to all Forum Events
Industry, Media, Chairman's, Insider, Sponsor, and Student passes accepted for entry to Panels Only
Tickets | Individual tickets may be purchased for Panels only
Roundtable: Production Ins and Outs
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Indie to studio and everything in between! This “reverse” roundtable will have creative executives, producers and on-set gurus answering your questions about all things production from acquiring crew to webisode production.There will be 10 tables with 9 openings for filmmakers at each that will rotate every 20 minutes! Find a... Read More
Class: How to Pitch Like a Pro #1
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We know you have another idea or script you’re ready to pitch - feature, episodic, VR or short form, all are welcome! Our industry guests will show you the ropes to a successful pitch, and share stories on the do's and don'ts. They will share some insight and then break in to groups to workshop some of your pitches. This is a... Read More
Interactive: Funding a Filmmaking Career
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The industry is a business - but it is a business full of creation and collaboration. From the time a project is greenlit in your head or in a creative executive's office, the planning begins. One of the most important aspects of planning is budget and management - the business. Making every dollar count on a production is an... Read More
Panel: The International Landscape
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We’ll take a quick tour to major festivals around the world! Our global festival programmers will give an international bird’s eye view of opportunities abroad to showcase your film. Considering major festivals outside the US will open your films to new audiences and gives a fresh take on the festival circuit. Audiences around... Read More
Roundtable: Festivals, Strategy, and Programming, Oh My!
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There are new festivals and opportunities for your short film around every year! Why should you pick a certain festival, platform or journalist to bring your film to? Find out at this “reverse” roundtable, where programmers and industry will pitch you their best opportunities.There will be 10 tables with 9 openings for... Read More
Class: How to Pitch Like a Pro #2
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We know you have another idea or script you’re ready to pitch - feature, episodic, VR or short form, all are welcome! Our industry guests will show you the ropes to a successful pitch, and share stories on the do's and don'ts. They will share some insight and then break in to groups to workshop some of your pitches. This is a... Read More
Interactive: Speed Pitching #1
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It’s time to test out those pro pitching skills! Our diverse group of industry professionals - agents, studio executives, financiers, producers and filmmakers - are ready to meet with you one-on-one. You pitch. They respond. Make sure you leave some time for valuable feedback! After 10 minutes it's musical chairs.All projects... Read More
Panel: The Release Relief: Releasing Your Film to the Audience
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There are more opportunities than ever to release a film to your audience. Festivals, theaters, streaming, and distribution each offer options for more people to put eyeballs on your film. Learning the ropes with your most recent short film will be valuable when strategizing for your future projects. What choices and... Read More
Roundtable: Victory Lap: Film Postpartum
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After the festival run and premieres, where do the best opportunities lie for your film and your next project? Ask our agents, press, platform programmers and acquisitions specialists the best way to get opportunities for your film to live on and be your calling card for your next project.There will be 10 tables with 9 openings... Read More
Class: Networking Like a Seasoned Pro
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Your network is not only who you know but who knows your network. Chances to build a network can sometimes be elusive - we take the guesswork out of it! Build a new network at ShortFest forum. Whether it's approaching actors to read your new script or attracting coverage of your current short film, let our industry guests tell... Read More
Interactive: Speed Pitching #2
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It’s time to test out those pro pitching skills! Our diverse group of industry professionals - agents, studio executives, financiers, producers and filmmakers - are ready to meet with you one-on-one. You pitch. They respond. Make sure you leave some time for valuable feedback! After 10 minutes it's musical chairs. All projects... Read More
Panel: Meet the Programmers
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Let’s take a quick trip to top festivals and meet their programmers. Our panelists will provide candid insights into the programming process, deciding which festivals are best for your project, and making sure you make the most of your festival experience.Always a favorite panel at ShortFest and a can’t miss event! Read More