The L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival is back.
Organizers of the four-day event unveiled the lineup of short films that will be competing at this year’s festival. Among the big names starring in or directing the movies are Dax Shepard, Bob Odenkirk and Patrick Warburton.
The festival will be held in Los Angeles from April 15-18 at the Downtown Independent Theater.
In addition to screenings, the festival boasts industry panels and awards competition. Filmmakers will compete for $30,000 in cash and prizes in a number of categories including comedy short film, animated short film and "shortie" short (5 minutes or less).
Here’s a look at the festival’s schedule:
Opening Night will begin with a pre-reception at the Downtown Independent Theater, followed by a special presentation screening of shorts by celebrity festival participants:
-FunnyorDie will present world premieres and exclusive vintage shorts, including its first short film, "Big Dog," starring comedian Charlie Sanders with Bob Odenkirk, as well as "Crisis Counselors" with "SNL’s" Michaela Watkins, directed by Brad Schultz.
-LACSFF cirectors Gary Anthony Williams and Jeannie Roshar will present their film “Bun in the Oven,” written and directed by Gary and Jeannie along with Laura Merians and featuring Jeannie Roshar. (not in competition)
-“The Action Hero’s Guide to Saving Lives,” directed by Justin Lutsky and starring Patrick Warburton, who will be in attendance.
– “Russell Fish: The Sausage and Egg Incident” directed by Terence Heuston and starring Chris Colfer ("Glee").
– “Reunited” directed by and starring Dax Shepard.
-Afterwards, guests will gather for the Opening Night “Beefcake & Cupcakes” After-Party at the J Lounge.
Each day will begin with industry panels including:
-Famous People Talkin’ About Sh*t
Featuring: Bryan Cranston, Julie Bowen, Missi Pyle, Mark Hamill & others
-What…In This Economy? – Giving Management/Production Companies What They Really Want.
Featuring: JC Spink (Benderspink), Chris Prynoski (Titmouse), and others from Generate and Mosaic Media
-But I’m a CeWEBrity! – How to Translate Success on the ‘Net into Success in TV/Film.
Featuring Mike Farah (Funny or Die), Tom Hoffman (Fremantle Media) & others from Atom.com.
-I Write, I Produce, Therefore I Am – Tips on Creating Your Own Product by Comedy Writer-Producers.
Featuring Thomas Lennon ("Reno 911," "Night at the Museum"), Robert Ben Garant ("Reno 911," "Balls of Fury"), Laura Kightlinger ("SNL," "Lucky Louie"), Linwood Boomer ("Malcolm in the Middle"), Rodney Barnes ("Boondocks," "Everybody Hates Chris")
Films will be screened in the afternoons and evenings. See screening schedule at www.lacomedyshorts.com
