Buffalo Rising Shorts Contest 2020

One of the best things you can do when looking to achieve any goal is…START.

Sketch an outline, consider necessary materials, maybe create a team to help you. Beginning a task can feel overwhelming. Sometimes having the opportunity to do a mini-version of that task or goal can help us move forward with confidence. 

When it comes to the film world, write down that concept you’ve found interesting. Research screenplay format. Always find people who know how to do things you don’t, i.e camera operators, sound designers. Film a well-designed short! Not everyone begins by making a feature or mini-series and shorts are a great way to get your work and personal style noticed by those who can help you move to the next stage. 

Enter- The Buffalo Streaming Shorts Contest. My hometown is a burgeoning force in the film world and this contest is a great way to get involved and gain confidence in the filmmaking process. I’m thrilled to be one of their judges. Buffalo Rising magazine is teaming up with Lukia Costello from the MicroMania Film Festival to help curate a series of Buffalo shorts. While the MicroMania Film Festival is heavy on films submitted from all over the world, (check them out online and on social media if you are outside of the Western New York area) this hyperlocal version will be heavier on Buffalo films. That means that they’re looking for filmmakers from WNY to submit their works that will fall into two timing categories – under 5 minutes and under 15 minutes. 

I know that starting can feel overwhelming. There’s issues of confidence, time, even the basic questions of how to accomplished something. But there are many people to ask questions to in your film community, online, and through educational services. This is great way to hone your skills and become a part of the WNY film community and beyond.