In the Wake TV Producers Shayna and Julia explore why short films remain one of the most powerful tools in a filmmaker's arsenal—and how Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.proves that the short-to-feature transition can work brilliantly when done right.
The Honk for Jesus Success Story: Unlike Your Monster, which Shayna felt stretched thin when expanded to feature length, Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.demonstrates the ideal path from short to feature. Director Adamma Ebo's original short film wasn't just a proof of concept—it was a strategic creative process that allowed her to envision a natural continuation of the story. Starring Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown, the feature film maintained the sharp satirical edge of the short while expanding the narrative in ways that felt organic, not forced.

Why This Matters: The difference between a successful adaptation and a diluted one often comes down to intention. Did the filmmaker always see a larger story, or are they stretching a complete short to meet industry expectations? Shayna and Julia's comparison highlights a crucial lesson for emerging filmmakers: shorts aren't just calling cards—they're laboratories where you test ideas, refine your voice, and determine if your story has legs for a feature.

Watch the full conversation as our producers break down what makes a short film work as a stepping stone, why Honk for Jesus got it right, and how Black filmmakers can use shorts strategically to build sustainable careers.

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