Q: How can I attend the Comedy Short Cuts Showcase?
A:The finalist showcase in Los Angeles is by invitation-only and is primarily for industry guests however, the New York semi-finalist screening is open to the public and free tickets are available through the New York Television Festival.
Q: Why should I submit a short to the Comedy Short Cuts Showcase?
A:Comedy Short Cuts Competition will provide an opportunity for television/film makers to screen their original short(s) directly for movie industry, network and cable executives looking for the next hit show/film. In addition, the competition will give aspiring writers, directors, producers and actors a platform to showcase their talent to the managers, agents and other industry figures in attendance. At the end of the competition, the showcase will hold an award ceremony honoring the shorts and artists that stand out.
Q: Do film industry executives attend? If so, who?
A:Yes. Besides NBC Universal, there will be a call out for all industry to attend.
Q: What if I can’t afford to make my short look like shows that are already on television/film?
A:Obviously, a polished short is more impressive than one with low production values, but the Comedy Short Cuts supports the idea that talent will be the determining factor in what entries are selected as finalists. The showcase organizers and the industry figures attending understand that an independent producer putting together a short does not have the same budget as a studio, so an innovative idea bolstered by strong writing and good performances will be far more important than an expensive-looking short.
Q: Can I expect my short to air on television immediately or get a deal to do a full length version of it following the showcase?
A:The executives are primarily scouting for creative people with whom they would like to work in the future. Though The Sundance Channel will screen select films on-air the majority of films are being evaluated as sample material for future projects.
Q: Does a producer or production company submitting to the showcase retain the rights to the short?
A:Per our release agreement, the producer retains rights to the material but NBC Universal may elect to use selected films in promotions for Comedy Short Cuts or the Diversity Initiative. Filmmaker will be a free agent in taking meetings and negotiating with any producer or company following the finalist festival screening however NBC will not screen any films for which the submitter or producer do not hold the rights.
Q: Is the Comedy Short Cuts also looking for original teleplays/scripts?
A:At this time, the Comedy Short Cuts is only accepting comedic short(s) and NBC YOU is solely seeking promos for select NBC shows.
Q: Is there a separate category for Student films?
A:There is no category, student shorts are shown with the rest.
Q: What if I have more than one short that I would like to showcase?
A:An applicant may submit multiple entries: however, those must be all individually registered with WithoutABox.com.
