Creative incubator for fresh new voices.
MIDPOINT Smash Cut 2024
Series
Previous Edition
Benefits
An initial step for filmmakers who would like to learn the craft of episodic storytelling. The short-form series has established themselves as the great modern incubator of fresh, new voices of a generation of creators with something different to say.
Thanks to its diverse approach, the program caters for independent indie projects of solo creators as well as projects of creative teams.
The program provides you with all the necessary tools on how to write top-level storytelling for episodes ranging from 1 to 20 minutes.
For solo creators as well as creative teams
- experience the most efficient series storytelling format on the current market.
- develop your series concept, outline of the pilot script and season under the guidance of an experienced tutor.
- gain a deeper understanding of the creative aspects involved in the work, as well as insights into financing, and distribution strategies.
- access inspirational lectures and the possibility to receive tailor-made feedback from tutors during individual consultations.
- project presentation at Serial Killer International Series Festival
Projects
Four promising short-form series projects
Clean
New Year’s Eve 2021. Zoya (21) arrives from Ukraine to Warsaw. She plans to take her mother Lesia (43), working in Poland as a cleaning lady, home for (orthodox) Christmas, against mother’s earlier ...
MIDPOINT participants:
Aleksandra Chmielewska
Not My Circus
NOT MY CIRCUS is a tragicomic miniseries set in Berlin, blending episodic stories with an overarching narrative. The series centers on "Lapinski and Son," a jazz music store run by Lukasz Lapinski, ...
Outsider
In Athens, Greece, jaded advertising creative GIANNIS (37) and his optimistic wife LEAH (35) are on a weekend retreat with friends when Giannis receives fertility results - he’s sterile. On a walk ...
Slavic Science
When a Dora (29) learns, that her father Igor (66) disappeared under strange circumstances, she returns to her small hometown in order to find out what happened. Dora’s only clues are hidden in ...
Participants
Tutors
Inspirational professional with a passion for sharing experience
Group Leader
Sullivan Le Postec
France
Sullivan Le Postec has had a lifelong passion for TV series. He started out as a TV critic and journalist before becoming a TV writer himself, penning episodes for French series Dernier Recours and ...
Complete bio
Producer Tutor
Hyppe Salmi
Finland
Hyppe Salmi is working as an executive producer in Yle’s Drama department, specializing in young adults. Hyppe is ...
Complete bio
Guest Tutor
Gerhard Maier
Germany
After working in the film and TV industry for over a decade, where he escorted movies and series through their life ...
Complete bio
Structure
Three-phase short-form series development program
4 short-form series projects working in a group, each project’s development is overseen by experienced tutors, as well as ongoing peer-feedback by fellow participants.
References
MIDPOINT provided a variety of both professional & personal insights into our development process. Being able to discuss our script with other writers & producers from different cultural backgrounds gave us valuable perspectives while keeping it all in a playful & friendly working environment. The program definitely pushed us several steps ahead and we grateful for being part of it.
Igor Smitka
Director, Smash Cut 2023, Alumnus
We had enough time to both develop our series idea with my partner and discuss the idea with the mentors and other participants. Really helped to advance our project. Networking lunches are a great idea.
Petra Koivula
Writer, Smash Cut 2023, Alumna
I absolutely loved the Smash Cut program. It was the bite-sized push I needed to get more of a handle on how my project should flow. It was nicely personalised to each team, as well.
Vivian Sade
Writer, Smash Cut 2022, Alumna
Smash Cut workshop is unique in its approach. It encourages you to think outside the box and find the very best path for your project.
Zane MacDonald
Writer, Smash Cut 2022, Alumna
Gallery
FAQs
You may ask...
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What is a short-form series?
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What is the length of a short-form series episode?
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I'm developing a 10-minute per episode online show. Am I eligible?
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I have an idea of a series but it's still early development. Can I apply anyway?
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Can I apply with an animation or documentary series project?
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Does MIDPOINT offer scholarships?
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What exactly is a "series pitch" or "statement of purpose"?
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I'm a writer. Can I apply myself?
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Can I apply with more than one project?
Contact
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Meet MIDPOINT alumni—writers, script consultants, and development executives ready to bring stories to life!