Resources
All the best online short film resources in one spot. Watch thousands of free online films, keep up on film news, and explore free filmmaker resources.
Curated Sites
Films are submitted by filmmakers and then selected by a group of individuals based on quality and volatility. * = ShortOfTheWeek recommends
Apollo Pony | Andrew Baron’s personal collection of online favorites.
*Atom Films | Still one of the premiere sites for viewing an amazing collection of fresh, shocking, award-winning films.
*BBC Film Network | All the best shorts from British filmmakers.
Best of YouTube | A daily videoblog featuring some of YouTube’s best.
CurrentTV | Stories from the real world, told by real people.
*The Flux | The good: doing a great thing by bringing well-received festivals shorts to an online audience—the bad: after six years of competing with larger corporate sites, they’re throwing in the towel.
Gotuit Music | A robust collection of music videos.
*iFilm | A worthy site featuring bizarre categories such as comic books, spoofs, vintage education, and LEGO films.
New Zealand Short Films | Check out some interesting shorts from New Zealand filmmakers in a variety of formats (like on your iPod).
Newgrounds | As many comic Flash animations as your sanity permits.
On The Lot | This Fox reality show began with an online competition where viewers vote on their favorites. Luckily all the submitted short films are still available for viewing.
Rooftop Films Blog | Dan Nuxoll’s film festival blog features an online film every few days.
Student Films | Featuring (yep, you guessed it) loads of student films—some good, many not.
*Summer Shorts Online | IFC and Rooftop Films are bringing a new film to the small screen every day this summer.
Switch.tv | Although not as extensive as other sites, SwitchTV still features some dynamite shorts that can’t be found anywhere else. Spend your time with the top-rated films as well as their “Fast Flicks” under 3 minutes.
Tiscali | The UK’s Comcast, Tiscali devotes a section of its site to some B-rated shorts.
Webby Awards | Featuring online film & video nominees and winners from 2007.
Community Sites
Anyone and their puppet can post a video/film—prepare to do some digging. * = ShortOfTheWeek recommends
*Brightcove | Quality, one-of-a-kind videos. Take a look at their Films & Shorts category.
ClipBlast | Search for clips via numerous categories such as film, history, inspiration, how-to, personal finance, etc.
Grouper | Zany collection with an emphasis on music videos.
*OurStage | Films are posted by eager filmmakers (including some seasoned pros) and then voted on by community members. Try out their unique “tournament style” judging.
Metacafe | Attempting to focus on film through a producer rewards program (good luck getting 20,000 views). A good place to go for how-to videos on film production.
*mtvU’s Best Film on Campus | A platform for student filmmakers and a great way to see some unique films.
Revver | Anyone can upload a video and receive a 50/50 split of advertising revenue based on number of views. Even sharers receive a small percentage.
StumbleUpon Video | All the videos from all the sharing sites that all the people of world have found interesting.
Veoh | Another hefty share of user submitted content including a healthy collection of Bob Ross painting programs.
*YouTube | Everyone knows it but few know it hosts some high-quality short films with great original content. You can spend hours at YouTube, so be well-prepared before diving in.
Filmmaker Sites
These filmmakers host many of their own short films. Learn more about them and watch for new releases.
Chris Harding | Independent animator and creator of Learn Self Defense. He also documents his creative process online.
Cube Creative | French film studio served by a handful of directors (including Louis Clichy) specializing in animation.
Eat Pes | Responsible for breathing life back into stop-motion animation repurposing found objects.
Hillman Curtis | A new media designer in New York City with a collection of short films such as his films on films, artist series, RollingStone interviews, and other short scenes of everyday drama.
It’s JerryTime | True tales from the life of Jerry, an ordinary guy who finds himself in unusual situations.
Jib Jab | The two brothers made their bones with viral political shorts featuring to the tune of catchy folk songs. Now they’ve opened their doors to the online community featuring original comedy and a Joke O’ The Day.
Matt McCormick | Portland filmmaker who balances experimenting with found footage (like old TV discards) and well-played music videos.
Run Wrake | English animator with a fine taste for vintage imagery.
Zumbakamera | Jossie Malis, an animator from Barcelona.
Filmmaking Tools
WithoutABox | Without a doubt, the ultimate tool for searching and submitting to film festivals around the globe.
