The last time we featured a Microbudget Film Lab video was back in October, and as good as that one was, we think this will be even more helpful. The info here isn’t just about indie film-making, it’s what everyone who writes just about anything (except maybe Ikea furniture assembly directions) needs to know.
The Microbudget Film Lab Channel is HERE
Frequent TVWriter™ contributor Bri Castellini’s latest interweb video masterpiece, for those who wonder what web series creators actually, you know, get out of being web series creators.
Remember the days when you could say “You go, girl!” and not sound like a jerk? Believe us when we tell you we’d be saying it now…but the “jerk” thing is, yeah, kind of problematic. >sigh<
Anyway:
Believe it or not, not only was an earlier version of this season’s latest breakthrough TV series a short film, it is far from the only show that started that way. Who says your short script has to be an end in itself?
Every now and then, I’m lucky enough to find a movie or television show with a new storytelling voice that blows me away. I had a moment like that last week when I watched the pilot of the new Showtime series SMILF. The half-hour dramedy, written, directed and produced by lead actress Frankie Shaw (MR. ROBOT), is a hilarious, fearless story about a single mother in South Boston, and her struggles to balance motherhood, family, career and a fulfilling sex life. It really hit me as something with a singular vision.
After digging online, I was surprised to learn that SMILF started as a short film. Shaw also wrote, directed and starred in the short, which tells the story of a single mom trying to have sex with her boyfriend – while her baby sleeps next to them in the same bed. The film won the 2015 Short Film Jury Award at Sundance, which got Showtime’s attention, leading to the show. And it all came from Shaw taking matters into her own hands.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Just got the following message from the ever-popular, omni-positive, multi-talented Bri Castellini:
Happy November, everybody!
Despite the exaggerated clickbait headline, this is in fact an interesting and helpful article. Remember, we told you first: YouTube is the future. (For better or for worse.) Check out this list of thoroughly professional type video series that you just might like:
Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu might be dominating the streaming wars, but never discount the original streaming site: YouTube. The video-sharing platform recently tossed its hat in the original content ring to vie for your attention and money with its own subscription-based service, YouTube Red.
Not ready to pony up yet? No worries. Over the years, tons of budding creators have used YouTube as a hub to post their passion projects — see: The Actress, Lemmings, Clark and Michael, The ‘Bu, The Outs, and Green Porno. For more solid, free watches, read on for nine of our other faves.