Some directors aren’t content with simply making a few movies and developing future projects. People such as Ridley Scott and JJ Abrams want their fingers in as many creative pies as possible. So, in addition to his seemingly bottomless inbox of possible movies and his flourishing production company, Scott is now working with YouTube channel Machinima to create new sci-fi short films.
Given how many directors seem to be getting their start making shorts these days, it’s not exactly a surprising move that someone would start farming content that could conceivably lead to movies themselves or the discovery of talented new filmmakers.
Working with Ridley Scott and Associates, the commercial arm of Scott’s company, Machinima will commission 12 sci-fi shorts to be released on its channel to see which draw the biggest reactions. Initially, people already within Scott’s company will make all the shorts, but if it’s successful that will hopefully expand to anyone. After all, when you run a popular filmmaking challenge, you’re always going to find talent.
"RSA has always been at the forefront of creating innovative work. With new media transforming the way audiences connect with films and filmmakers, Machinima is a great partner for us as we embark on this new model of delivering original content to fans. It's a tremendous opportunity for pushing the creative boundaries for both our filmmakers and the audience," Scott says in a statement.
The director himself, meanwhile, will next release Michael Fassbender-starring crime pic The Counselor on November 15.