What We Do: Created in 2001, The Three-Minute Picture Show is a 30-day, 3-minute filmmaking project that exists solely to inspire uncritical creativity. By providing a goal, encouragement and a deadline, we act as a catalyst for creative innovation. Anyone ages 6 and up, regardless of experience, can sign up to take part. Participants have the month of July to create a cinematic masterpiece, 3 minutes or less, and send it to 3-minute HQ. They also receive encouraging emails throughout July, and for those who can make it to a screening in Portland or San Francisco, get to see their films on the big screen in front of a live audience at our glamorous, faux-Oscars style screenings. The Black-Tie Gala & Film Screening is for adults and The Twinkling To-Do is for films made by kids ages 6-17.

The Impact: Sure anyone can make a film now and put it on Youtube, but The Three-Minute Picture Show provides the encouragement to finish projects and a space for a community to gather together to view the results.

 

I went for the Three-Minute Picture Showl because it got me to be creative in a time when I felt my creative energies were low. It forced me to make something, shoot something, say something... I liked what I made, and looking back - the last minute editing, the nervous excitement of not knowing how your film would look on the big screen, coupled with audience cooing and screaming, and the red carpet, the black ties and dresses - it was a grand night of much fun.

Sandhya Kumar, Filmmaker 2009

 

I wanted to let you know how much impact the experience of Alex participating in the 3 Minute Picture Show last year has made for him.  Since creating this movie for your festival, we have submitted it to others and it was accepted into several screenings. Thank you for giving him this opportunity. If he didn't answer your call for a movie last year, this wouldn't be a reality today.  He is so much more confident, inspired and motivated as the result.  I am not sure if he will become a filmmaker as he grows up, however this is such a positive experience; I cannot be thankful enough!

Mother of 2010 Twinkling To-Do Participant

 

The Three Minute Picture Show has become a yearly ritual we look forward to every summer. We drop whatever we're doing, call up friends and family, and force them to participate in whatever ridiculous scheme we've cooked up. Where else can you shoot a film, then a couple weeks later, watch it on the big screen surrounded by an audience of San Francisco's finest?

Alona Davis, 2-Time First Place Champion

 

The Three Minute Picture Show is the krazy glue that keeps our marriage together. 

Dave Pursell, 2-Time First Place Champion

 

My daughter and I worked on our individual pieces and we had a blast! Creating a short film and producing it is just another way to teach my daughter leadership skills. It's a way to build her confidence by sharing her creativity. I, myself, learned so much; For example, being flexible to every shot I imagined so to make it doable is important. It's all about making it work with what we got! And having fun! To the staff and all involved in the 3 Minute Film Festival, my daughter and I thank you for creating this opportunity!

Kimy Martinez, 2010 Participant

 

Our Goals: For the last 10 years The-Three Minute Picture Show has run as a generally self-funding labor of love on 100% volunteer power.  With the addition of our kids screenings and Portland screenings in 2010, our workload has quadrupled and it is time to seek some help to keep things running smoothly (and so we dont get fired from our day jobs!).

 

$5,000: Web Development and Maintenance

$1,600: Marketing & Advertising for 2011 Season

$600: Technical Assistant for Screenings

 

Other Ways You Can Help:

Help us reach out and spread the word about The Three-Minute Picture Show:

Join our mailing list and share our website with others: http://threeminutepictureshow.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Make a film! Attend a Three-Minute Picture Show screening: 2011 screenings take place in Portland at The Clinton Street Theater on August 20 and in San Francisco at The Victoria Theatre on August 27.