Next Steps: From A Short to Feature or Series

ABOUT THE EVENT:

You’ve completed a proof-of-concept short film—what’s next? This panel will dive into the challenges and strategies of transitioning from a short film to a feature-length project or series. These filmmakers will discuss their own journeys expanding their narratives, finding the right partners, securing funding, and navigating the development process. If you’re looking to adapt your short into a longer form, this panel will provide insights and actionable advice to help you do so.

PANELISTS INCLUDE:

Karen Maine

Karen Maine directed the pilot and first season of Rose Matafeo’s series STARSTRUCK (HBOMax/BBC3) and the 20th Century feature film ROSALINE starring Kaitlyn Dever. She wrote and directed the feature film YES, GOD, YES, which premiered at SXSW and was later named one of The New Yorker’s Best Movies of the Year. Before that, YES, GOD, YES the short film premiered as a Vimeo Staff Pick and received over 3 million views. Karen co-wrote OBVIOUS CHILD, which premiered at Sundance and was distributed by A24. She also directed episodes from the forthcoming Netflix series NOBODY WANTS THIS starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, releasing in September. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son, and their dog Albert Brooks.

Danny Madden

Danny Madden is known for directing BEAST BEAST (Sundance 2020), David Gilmour’s “The Girl in the Yellow Dress” (2015), and for his animation work on EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022). He grew up in Georgia, making films under the moniker ORNANA. He has directed 11 Vimeo staff picks, including ‘Krista’ which won the inaugural Staff Picks Award at SXSW in 2018 and inspired BEAST BEAST, his debut feature film which premiered at Sundance. He worked as Creative Director with Jim Cummings on the 2018 film THUNDER ROAD, and has also directed video shorts for PBS, HBO’s ‘Random Acts of Flyness,’ and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour.

Morgan Cooper

Morgan Cooper is a Los Angeles-based writer and director with a unique voice, clear vision, and a passion for every aspect of storytelling. Cooper’s influences range from fine art, jazz, and hip-hop, to the works of photographers Gordon Parks and Roy DeCarava. His Midwest roots and experiences growing up in Kansas City, Missouri also resonate throughout his work. Cooper is the creative force behind the series BEL AIR, which made a critical and commercial splash when it premiered in 2022. The series, which is a dramatic reimagining of the beloved ‘90s sitcom THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR, was born from a visionary short film Cooper released in March 2019 that quickly took the internet by storm. After garnering the attention of millions across the world, Will Smith and his production company Westbrook Studios came on board with Cooper as collaborators and together led the pitch to a historic two-season pickup at Peacock. It’s third season recently premiered on August 15th on Peacock.

KD Dávila

K.D. Dávila is an Oscar-nominated Mexican-American writer/director. She won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her writing on EMERGENCY, the Amazon Studios feature film based on the award-winning short film of the same name. She directed the Academy Award nominated sci-fi short “Please Hold,” which she co-wrote with her frequent collaborator and life-partner Levin Menekse. She is an alumna of Princeton University and USC School of Cinematic Arts, as well as the Universal Pictures Emerging Writers Fellowship and Film Independent Project Involve Fellowship.