Shatterbox

Overview

Shatterbox is a short film anthology program developed by Refinery29, the digital media company, to commission original short films by women directors. Launched in 2016 as the Shatterbox Anthology, the program was created in direct response to the persistent underrepresentation of women behind the camera in Hollywood and independent film. Shatterbox provides both production funding and a distribution platform, commissioning a slate of short films from women directors across a range of experience levels -- from first-time narrative directors to established filmmakers working in a new format.

The program operates from a clear thesis: that the shortage of women directors in mainstream film is a pipeline problem, and that commissioning short films provides a mechanism for women directors to demonstrate their feature potential to the wider industry. Many Shatterbox alumni have gone on to direct episodes of major television series and feature films.

What It Funds

Shatterbox provides production funding for short narrative films commissioned from selected women directors. The production budget covers development, production, and post-production of each short, with Refinery29 serving as the distributor and platform for the completed works. Selected directors work with the Shatterbox team on story development before the short enters production.

Because Shatterbox is a commission-based program rather than an open grant, the selection process involves a creative development phase rather than a straightforward application and award cycle.

Eligibility

Shatterbox is open to women directors at various career stages, from emerging filmmakers to more established directors looking to work in the short form. Projects must be narrative short films. The program has historically been US-focused, though the specific eligibility criteria for each commission cycle may vary.

Filmmakers interested in Shatterbox should monitor Refinery29's programming announcements for open commission calls, as the program has operated in waves rather than on a fixed annual cycle.

Who Should Apply

Women narrative directors at any career stage who are interested in the short film format and who want both production support and immediate distribution to a large digital audience. Shatterbox is particularly valuable for directors who want to build a narrative short credit that demonstrates their storytelling range to feature film producers and television development executives.

See Also

For understanding how short film production connects to a feature film career, see Film Grants and the Development Pathway. For planning a short film production budget and timeline, use the Post Production Timeline Calculator.