This week the topic that peeked my interest was when were discussing short films being distributed through the Internet as a means for unknown directors to display what they can do in a short amount of time on fixed and often tight budgets.  The film Panic Attack in particular fascinated me when it was revealed to us that it was shot for like under $600, which to me is incredible since I just finished shooting a 45 min film that cost almost $2000, yet the difference in look is still very obvious.  But I digress my overall point is that short features have come a long way from what they were ten years ago.  With the right promotion and exposure a talented and resourceful director can receive international attention simply by posting his work in the right places on the Internet.

In 2004 I had the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Merideth, who at the time was a professor of animation at Columbia College, about his Oscar nominated animated short Stubble Trouble.  When his short was nominated for an Oscar in 2002 he was even shocked at the exposure he got.  “At the time I had only ever done one commercial for Coca-Cola, so when I herd I was just speechless, but I honestly didn’t expect to win.”  Sadly he really didn’t win, he lost to the Pixar short Mike’s New Car.  Truth be told I thought his was better but Disney and other film Dreamworks still dominate the market when it comes to animated shorts so in this media environment it goes to show that talent comes second to money.  In any case I will let you all decide how good Stubble Trouble is so even if you don’t comment on my post at least check out the link.

http://www.calabashanimation.com/dlink.php?preview=7