Next Steps: From a Short to a Feature

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:

Michael Vlamis

Actor and Filmmaker, Dark Greek Productions 

Michael is an actor/filmmaker from Chicago best known for starring in the network series ROSWELL, NM, and recently wrapped filming Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY. His Mac Miller biopic BLUE SLIDE PARK made the 2019 Blacklist and was named one of the year’s best unproduced scripts. Vlamis made his feature directorial debut with the upcoming psychological thriller CROSSWORD (Staff Pick – Austin Film Festival, Best Writing – Baton Rouge Underground), which he co-wrote, produced, and starred in opposite Aurora Perrineau and Harvey Guillén. He’s currently developing a half-hour comedy with Sony and stars opposite Odessa A’zion and Mason Gooding in POOLS (Audience Winner – SXSW Sydney). His first produced feature 5 YEARS APART (Best Ensemble – LA Indie Fest), which he also stars in, is now streaming. When Vlamis isn’t working, he’s probably eating one of his mother’s famous desserts.

Caroline Lindy

Writer and Director

After growing up in New York City, and earning a B.A. from Kenyon College, Caroline Lindy moved to LA to pursue her passion of filmmaking. She first gained experience at The Groundlings, followed by helming some branded commercials and a series of award winning festival short films. Her directorial debut, YOUR MONSTER, starring Melissa Barrera (In the Heights, Scream), Tommy Dewey (Casual) and Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus), premiered at Sundance 2024 kicking off the year’s Midnights program to overwhelmingly positive reviews and was picked up by Vertical and released theatrically in October 2024. The film won the Audience Award at the 2024 Sundance London Film Festival and made its streaming debut on Max in January 2025 where it debuted on the Top 10 in movies.

River Gallo

Filmmaker and Actor, Jersey Girl Pictures

River Gallo (they/them) is a Salvadoran-American filmmaker, actor, writer and intersex advocate. Their feature film PONYBOI premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, winning the Grand Jury Award for Best U.S. Feature at the NewFest LGBTQ+ Film Festival. River also earned Best Performance at the Torino Film Festival. They wrote, produced and starred in PONYBOI, the first narrative feature created by and starring an out intersex artist in cinema history. The film is based on their 2019 short of the same name, executive produced by Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. In 2023, River was featured in the acclaimed documentary EVERY BODY, directed by Julie Cohen. They have also directed commercial campaigns for Facebook, Maison Margiela and MTV. For their contributions to film and activism, River was named on the 2025 OUT 100 list, received a GLAAD Rising Star Media Award, and was recognized by IndieWire as one of the “10 LGBTQIA+ Film and TV Creators on the Rise.” PONYBOI was released theatrically by Fox Entertainment Studios.

Jim Cummings

Independent Filmmaker

Jim Cummings is a Sundance and South by Southwest Winning independent filmmaker behind Thunder Road. He runs The Short to Feature Lab in Malibu.