The trend at the moment for indie film makers seems to be the YouTube/Vimeo shortcut. The directors of District , Mama and the Evil Dead remake caught Hollywood's attention through their superb short films being noticed. None had any serious film making CV. These shorts were uploaded to YouTube/Vimeo and word got out.
This, being opposed to the festival circuit where many shorts end up playing niche short film festivals and then being stuffed away on the director's hard drive. I guess the benefit to that route is networking and the opportunity to discuss your film with likeminded people.
Maybe both routes can be taken at the same time. I'm perhaps of the opinion the YouTube route would be better suited to shorts with a gimmick or hook - Mama and District 9 were effects heavy and impressive for amateurs which is probably how they whipped up attention. A short about your grandma's experiences working in a World War 2 era post office probably won't attract that level of attention but could perhaps fit just right into particular niche short festivals.
Opinions?
This, being opposed to the festival circuit where many shorts end up playing niche short film festivals and then being stuffed away on the director's hard drive. I guess the benefit to that route is networking and the opportunity to discuss your film with likeminded people.
Maybe both routes can be taken at the same time. I'm perhaps of the opinion the YouTube route would be better suited to shorts with a gimmick or hook - Mama and District 9 were effects heavy and impressive for amateurs which is probably how they whipped up attention. A short about your grandma's experiences working in a World War 2 era post office probably won't attract that level of attention but could perhaps fit just right into particular niche short festivals.
Opinions?