Submissions

For Authors
Submitting a Manuscript: What We're Looking For

We are looking to create short narrative interpretations, a “story” no matter the length of the short – 60 seconds, 3 minutes, 15 minutes – that both leaves the viewer with a true sense of the book upon which the short is based and that can stand alone as a short film. We do not want to produce BookShorts as commercials with overt “sales scripts,” nor do we want to create “trailers” that tease without telling a story.

We believe any book can inspire a BookShort. However, at this point our development, we feel the genres most likely to be developed are humor, non-fiction, special interest titles, or titles written by or about people that will have a broad appeal to a general audience.

Interpretations can be conceived as animations or live motion, or a combination of both. Books can be for children, young adult, or adult audiences. If you or your author has ideas or story treatments, feel free to submit along with the title. It is not mandatory for the authors to write their own scripts; in fact, in many cases this will be the creative mandate of the director and/or scriptwriter.

The best time to submit a title is while the book is in manuscript stage. That way we can co-ordinate production of the BookShort at the same time as the book production, and have the BookShort ready for the book publication date.

Checklist for Book Submissions
• Manuscript, Galley or Finished Book
• Biography of Author (note previous scriptwriting if any)
• Profile of Publisher
• Ownership of rights (specifically film and digital media)
• Additional information you feel would be helpful in connection with building creative teams and / or sourcing development funds
• Reading fee of $15 for each title submitted

For Filmmakers and Screenwriters

BookShorts is looking to establish a network of creative talent that shares our vision to bring good entertainment to a wider audience, through the medium of film and of books. If you are a director, screenwriter, musician, animator or other creative talent that has an appreciation for the printed word, we want to know you. Simply send along the information on the checklist below and we will contact you when we have a BookShort that matches your interests.

BookShorts is also looking for films that are already completed. The content of existing films must adhere to the editorial and creative mandate stated above, and be wholly based on a published book, or a book about to be published. We will discuss distribution and revenue with the holder of the film rights, and create opportunities that are mutually rewarding.

Checklist for Directors and Screenwriters
• Reel(s) or DVD
• Biography and Filmography
• Statement of Interest with regard to the genre of book that best matches your interests and style
• For existing films, all information with regards to ownership of rights (espec. film and electronic)

For Composers and Musicians

What’s a film without a soundtrack! If you are a composer or a musician that writes music with an interest in screen media, simply follow the checklist below.

Checklist for Composers and Musicians
• CD or DVD
• Biography and Discography
• Statement of Interest with regard to the genre of book that best matches your interests and style
• For existing music, all information with regards to ownership of rights (espec. film and electronic)

For Interactive Media Artists

So of the most interesting screen media created to support book publishing has come from the interactive arena. Children’s literature is especially ripe with opportunities to create non-linear entertainment and engaging experiences. The BookShorts model is to make media that can live on as many delivery platforms as possible, from the Web to wireless, broadband and interactive television as well as the traditional media.

If you are an interactive digital media specialist looking for a forum in which to play, send along your information and BookShorts will keep an ear to the wires for projects that best match your interests.

Checklist for Interactive Media Artists
• Links to online interactive projects or DVD
• Biography and Credits
• Statement of Interest with regard to the genre of book that best matches your interests and style
• For existing content or software programs, all information with regards to ownership of rights (espec. film and electronic)

Address for Submissions
Please send your submissions via snail mail to the following address:

BookShorts Inc.
701 King Street West, Suite 1104
Toronto, ON M5V 2W7 Canada