Finally, a TV Showcase for Short Films

About three months ago, a gem of a weekly television program called Shorts Showcase began airing on KVCR. The brainchild of Producer/Director Leanna Bonamici, the program is exactly what the title says - a showcase for short films.    Bonamici says the show, hosted by Filmmaker Christian Sesma, now reaches 18 million homes twice a week. It's terrific exposure for short films that rarely receive featured presentation outside of film festivals, and brings extended life to the films after filmmakers have exhausted the festival circuit.  Although youtube and other online video sites have download and screening opportunities, Shorts Showcase offers a place to screen without having to sort through millions of personal entertainment videos, a big plus for agents, producers, directors and film enthusiasts seeking festival quality short films.  The half-hour shows average two to three shorts, and include Insider Tips, Inside Biz and/or Calendar segments in the final four-or-so minutes. After the shows air, they can be viewed online at www.shortsshowcase.com and viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorites.  The top voted films are given awards and screened at The Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs twice a year.   "The Lifter Upper" Some of my favorites so far are "The Lifter Upper" by Micah Chambers-Goldberg, "Anything You Can Do" by Evan Wolf Buxbaum, the score by Sigur Ros on "Breadwinner," and the entire Show #13 featuring the excellent films, "The Big Sayonara" by Don Hamilton and "The Election" by Padraig Reynolds, plus an interview with actress Lin Shaye (from "The Election") at the end.  Actor Ray Wise, Director Padraig Reynolds, "The Election" The show seems to be getting better and better with each episode.  It airs on PBS SoCal station KVCR Tuesday evenings at 10:30 p.m. and again on Friday at 12:30 a.m. For info on how to submit a film, and to watch all the shorts you desire, go to www.shortsshowcase.com.  Here are the first 2-1/2 minutes of the 15 minute film, "The Big Sayonara:"