
In the creative industry finding a sense of belonging can feel like striking gold. The Shorts 2 Features community has become a gathering place where we can share, connect, and, help each other through the struggles of bringing our stories to life. Some below.
👨🏻🏫 1. Sharing Struggles, Not Just Successes and holiday photos.
There’s a temptation on social media to highlight only the wins: festival selections, awards, red carpets. We're lucky to have a space to also share the challenges: long nights, budget headaches, creative blocks, and the exhaustion that comes from projects and life. When someone posts about a struggle, we don't feel alone.
✍🏼 2. Offering Constructive Feedback
We’re not just here to give pats on the back; we’re hre to help each other improve. That means when someone shares a rough cut or a story idea, offering constructive feedback can be invaluable. It’s always tricky to give (and receive) critique, but within a trusted community, this feedback can be transformative.
🙌🏼 3. Resource Sharing: Skills, Contacts, and Knowledge
From technical tips on sound editing to contacts for festivals and grants, one of the strongest ways is sharing resources. Filmmaking often feels like a mystery box of “who you know” and “how to get there,” but within this group, we have decided to be different. Need a contact at a festival? Chances are, someone here can help. Curious about budgeting for your next short? Someone’s likely done it before and can advise. This is priceless.
📡 4. Showing Up Online: blogs, Makers Club, celebrating and Feedback.
Even though we’re separated by screens, showing up for each other’s online screenings and feedback sessions creates a sense of togetherness. Watching each other’s films, participating in Q&A sessions, and engaging with the creator’s journey helps build a deeper connection. It’s also a way to understand each other’s styles, strengths, and areas of growth: everyone feels valued and understood.
🎢 5. The Mental Health Toll and Paying it Forward
From burnout to creative blocks to financial pressures, sharing the impact this industry can have on our mental health allows us to support each other in an authentic way.
If someone helped you with a festival submission, share the knowledge. By keeping this cycle of support going, we build a foundation that’s strong enough to weather any storm.
#Shorts2Features is about building relationships that extend beyond the screen. In an industry known for its challenges, knowing we have each other’s backs makes all the difference.
📆 Our next #networking will be The special, on the 9th December. Watch out for the promotion and the link.
🔌 #Makersclub will be Thursday 14th November and it will be a PRODUCTION SURGERY - 5 minutes each to tell us what you are struggling with. Links below.
Photo credit: my Hero - hashtag#AkiStudio hashtag#London