Lights, camera, action! KQED presents ImageMakers a half-hour weekly series that has been showcasing short films by the moviemakers of tomorrow since 2001.
Each episode allows viewers to see for the first time short narrative works by emerging filmmakers who could become the next Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola. The films represent a wide array of genres, including some of the most creative comedies, cutting-edge animations, intense thrillers and gripping dramas produced by independent filmmakers. Many of the filmmakers have gone on to make feature films including Jason Reitman (Thank You for Smoking, Juno, and Up in the Air), Cary Fukunaga (Sin Nombre and Jane Eyre), and Neill Blomkamp (District 9) and have since won a wide-range of international awards. In addition to films from the United States, the series features shorts from Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and Scotland.
“I’m looking for films with a strong visual style, tight script and high production values,” says Series Producer and KQED Public Television Program Director Scott Dwyer. “Twilight Zone was one of my favorite television series. The creative and concise way it told a story and its impact is something I try to replicate with ImageMakers. My goal is to inspire future filmmakers and provide viewers with films that will leave a long-lasting impression.”
The online destination for the series, kqed.org/imagemakers, offers detailed descriptions of each episode, and opportunities for viewers to leave comments, vote for their favorite films and view some of the films again online.
ImageMakers airs Saturdays at 7:30pm on KQED 9 as well as part of KQED’s independent film block IndieNOW on Mondays at 10pm. Repeat broadcasts can be seen on KQED’s digital channels.