Short Film Distribution

Short films are not generally shown at mainstream cinemas, most short-film makers rely on the internet to distribute their films and reach their audiences. The most accessible these days is youtube, anyone with the internet and a camera can upload a video to youtube!

Another website that is becoming popular among film-makers is Openfilm. This online film community enables film-makers of all levels to share the work and recieve advice from and advisory board made up of James Caan (The Godfather), Robert Duvall (The Godfather, Apocolypse Now), Scott Caan, and Mark Rydell (Director).
Itunes also devotes a section of its online store to short films which is updated every month, it includes all the nominations for the Academy Awards Best short film too.

But some short films are actually distributed by companies just like feature films are and there are some independent cinema's around the UK that will soley screen short films; but its a very niche market.

When I think of short films, I instantly think of pixar. This summers blockbuster Toy Story 3 came with a short 6 minute animation, Day and Night, screened before the main feature. This is one of the main ways film-makers rely on to display their work to a public audience.
Short films are also a popular extra feature on DVD's. Pixar, Dreamworks and Warner Brothers have all distributed short films with major release fims that are a similar genre or have a similar theme.


Future Shorts, is a short film label that has been around since 2003. It is also a worldwide film festival as well as a distributor, sales agent, consultancy service and DVD label. Their catalouge is huge and includes Acadamey Awards and BAFTA nominated shorts. They have many partners around the world ranging from TV channels to airline companies. Future Shorts also promote films at culture festivals such as Glasonbury, The Big Chill and Benicassim in Spain, which attracts a whole new audience to Short Films