Short Cuts

4.9•205 ratings

About us

Ready your cameras!

Short Cuts is a group of independent filmmakers challenging themselves to create short films every ~3 weeks following a number of randomly drawn rules. Each meeting, filmmakers have the opportunity to show off their films and watch others, as well as draw the rules for the next film challenge. This group welcomes any experience level, from those who have never touched a camera, written a script, or acted in a film to seasoned veterans looking for a challenge.

Short Cuts has 7 Core Values:

Inclusion and Respect: Our filmmaking community values inclusion and respect for all members, regardless of their background or experience. We strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
Community of Creatives: We believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of a creative community. Our goal is to bring together talented individuals who can support and uplift each other in their artistic pursuits.
Learning Environment: We believe in the importance of ongoing learning and growth. Our community provides a supportive environment where members can experiment, take risks, and improve their craft. We strive to ask questions and help one another.
Everyone is Equal: We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute and should be treated with equal respect and consideration. Everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion, and so on, has the potential to create something beautiful.
Perfection through Practice: We believe that the key to success in filmmaking is through practice and perseverance. We strive for excellence through getting our reps in and never stop learning and improving.
Collaboration and Experimentation: Our community provides a space where members can come together to share ideas, try new approaches, and push the boundaries of what's possible. We tackle the unknown through collaboration and in turn strive to try new things for every project.
Have Fun: Filmmaking should be fun and enjoyable! Our community values a positive and lighthearted approach, and we encourage our members to enjoy the creative process and not take themselves too seriously.

Happy Filmmaking!

Upcoming events

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[FILM MEETUP] Season 3 (S3C1) Screening!
Sat, Feb 21 · 1:00 PM EST
The Town School Theater, 540 East 76th St, New York, NY, US
Join us on Saturday, February 21st, as we return to The Town School's theater for the screening of our very first challenge of Season 3! We'll be watching the incredible short films made for this challenge, kicking off the official start to our third season, which will run the entirety of 2026.

Note that no food or drink are allowed and that the theater is inside of an elementary/middle school, so please be mindful and respectful of the space and arrive promptly at 1:00pm.

In order to keep the group going as it grows into new spaces, we are accepting donations at a suggested price of $10. Our mission to keep filmmaking free and accessible to all remains the same, so these funds go strictly towards operating costs. This donation is not required to attend, but your contributions go towards a great cause.

Submit films for Challenge 1 HERE Deadline to submit is Thursday, February 19th by 11:59pm.
Challenge Rules for S3C1 (December 6 - February 21):
- Rule 1 (Form): Silhouette
- Rule 2 (Wildcard): Required Line: "No One Understands"
For S3C1, you have until February 19 to shoot a short film that utilizes at least one silhouette (get creative!) and includes the required line (spoken or written, but prominently featured), "No one understands". Do your homework! Get creative with the line. How can you subvert expectations with these elements?
- NOTE: If these guidelines are not met there is a high probability that your film will not be shown. Short Cuts is a learning community so you MUST learn what these rules are before planning for your film. We prioritize films that are submitted on time, are 5 minutes and under, and have the director present. Films that are submitted on time and follow the rules will be shown in ascending runtime order, and then everything submitted late will be after. No generative AI films or films largely enhanced by generative AI.
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At the end of the event, we will provide everyone with two randomly drawn rules from a hat as guidelines for participating in future challenges. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to create short films following these rules. At the next meeting, you will get the opportunity to show off your film, watch what others have made, and receive the next challenge's randomly drawn rules!
Note that no experience is required, and all you need is a camera and a way to edit and upload your film.

Short Cuts is a group of independent filmmakers challenging themselves to create short films every ~4 weeks following a number of randomly drawn rules. Each meeting, filmmakers have the opportunity to show off their films and watch others, as well as draw the rules for the next film challenge. This group welcomes any experience level, from those who have never touched a camera, written a script, or acted in a film to seasoned veterans looking for a challenge.

DONATE: https://www.nyfa.org/projects/project-info/?id=CA2043
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shortcutsny/
DISCORD: https://discord.gg/XQud4Hqeen
WEBSITE: https://shortcutsnyc.com
40 attendees
SEASON 2 WRAP PARTY + FUNDRAISER!!
Sun, Feb 22 · 3:00 PM EST
1445 1st Ave, New York, NY 10021, New York, Ne, US
Announcing the Season 2 wrap party!

Come celebrate our second season at The Pony Bar and help us fundraise for our third season for 2026!

At this event, we'll announce award winners for our Season 2 films and filmmakers, hand out frames to all the frame recipients, play some Short Cuts Trivia, order food from our hosts, The Pony Bar, and more!!!

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Nominate your favorite films and filmmakers here before February 15: https://forms.gle/Ms1faNoJYjc9peAQ9

Final nominees will be narrowed down by Abdullah and Caleb, so being verbose in your answers will greater your chances of being nominated! Winners will be announced at this event and given trophies designed and manufactured by our very own Jack Billet.
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This is also an effort to fundraise for Short Cuts's third season. Our greatest (and most crippling) expense is our screening space and we rely on your donations to keep us afloat! We are asking for a suggested donation of $50 at this event to help keep Short Cuts a bastion for making filmmaking accessible in one of the most competitive cities for film in the world. Of course, any amount helps! Donate here:
Donate

See you there!
22 attendees