The PROOF Film Festival

"From Half Nelson to Whiplash, Bottle Rocket to Short Term 12, making a short film as a feature proof-of-concept has been a time-tested independent film strategy to generate screenplay interest and secure feature financing. But, in the past, the "proof-of-concept" part of a short's identity is usually hidden to audiences, revealed only by the filmmakers as they then circulate their screenplays and pitch decks. More recently, though, the proof-of-concept short has come into its own as a sub-genre worthy of its own consideration and showcase."

""It's even easier when you [can say], 'This is what I want to do. This is a little bit of it. You can help make the full thing happen, especially if you already like this little bit. I just need more money to make the longer version of it.'" Davis collaborated with Hanna Mason, PROOF film festival manager, to come up with ways to support the festival's filmmakers. In addition to screening their shorts in blocks, PROOF features panels with managers and agents as well as producers who champion first-time filmmakers."

Making short films as feature proof-of-concepts has long been a strategy to generate screenplay interest and secure financing. Proof-of-concept shorts traditionally hid their pitching intent from audiences, revealed later to industry via screenplays and pitch decks. The PROOF Film Festival in Los Angeles programs these shorts and highlights their industry potential, supporting emerging filmmakers through screenings, panels, and networking with managers, agents, and producers. Organizers emphasize concise, character-driven, contained shorts that rapidly convey dynamics and tone. Programming and mentorship at the festival aim to convert short-film proof-of-concepts into financed features and champion first-time filmmakers.

Read at Filmmaker Magazine