Short films are often the entry point for filmmakers looking to flex their directing chops before embarking on a feature. While the commercial life of shorts is almost non-existent, a successful short film can get you noticed.

Film Independent is pleased to welcome award-winning filmmaker Jesse Atlas (Record/Play). He’ll cover strategies for how to craft impactful short films that showcase your creative voice and align with your long-term career goals. Topics will also include short-form storytelling techniques and expanding shorts into features.

About the presenter

Jesse Atlas is a writer/director known for crafting high-concept, character-driven genre thrillers. His time-travel love story Record/Play exploded onto the festival circuit with screenings at Sundance, LA Film Festival and Fantastic Fest, among countless others. The film was quickly snatched up as a feature adaptation. Jesse’s latest mind-bending sci-fi short, Let Them Die Like Lovers, was a festival favorite at Tribeca Film Festival and Urbanworld Film Festival and is currently in feature development.

Before moving into narrative, Jesse made the award-winning documentary At The Green Line, filmed on location in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The film profiles several Israeli soldiers struggling with their roles as an occupying force. In addition, Jesse co-wrote the upcoming feature documentary Angels In Exile, produced and narrated by Charlize Theron, about homeless youth in Durban, South Africa.

In addition to his writer/director credits, Jesse brings years of experience as an in-demand editor for high-profile commercials, music videos and documentary features.

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