Short Cuts

4.9•200 ratings

New York, NY, US

1,353 members · Public group

What we’re about

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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Sat, Dec 6 · 1:00 PM EST
[FILM MEETUP] Season 2 Finale (S2C20) Screening!
The Town School Theater, 540 East 76th St, New York, NY, US
Join us on Saturday, December 6th, as we return to The Town School's theater for the screening of our 20th and final challenge of the season! We'll be watching the incredible short films made for this challenge, celebrating the end of a fantastic season, and kicking off the next one.

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 20 HERE Deadline to submit is FRIDAY, December 5th by 11:59pm.
Challenge Rules for S2C20 (October 4 - December 6):
- Rule 1 (Form): Cut - Jump Cut
- Rule 2 (Wildcard): Pick a director and make a film in their style
For S2C20, you have two months until December 6 to shoot a short film that utilizes at least one jump cut (get creative!) and is made in the style of a particular director of your choice. Do your homework. Study your chosen director's techniques, visual language, thematic preoccupations, and storytelling approach. Inspiration doesn't have to be visual so go wild!
- 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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Join us for Season 2 Challenge 20 screening at our venue in Manhattan! At this event, we will screen Season 2, Challenge 20 films and celebrate the end of our season. We will provide everyone with two randomly drawn rules from a hat as guidelines for participating in future challenges. After the event, 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.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shortcutsny/
DISCORD: https://discord.gg/XQud4Hqeen
WEBSITE: https://shortcutsnyc.com
19 attendees