Your First Steps Into Filmmaking

Shortcutz Greenlight is an initiative designed to give first-time and second-time filmmakers the chance to create their short film.
If you’ve got a bold idea but not the gear, resources, or connections to bring it to life, this program is for you.

Supporting Partners:

Featured
Canon
Canon

As the Founding Partner of Shortcutz Greenlight, Canon Netherlands plays a central role in empowering the next generation of filmmakers. Through access to cutting-edge tools like the EOS C400 camera and a selection of Canon’s new RF video-first lenses — 24mm f/1.4L VCM, 35mm f/1.4L VCM, 50mm f/1.4L VCM, and the versatile RF 70-200mm f/2.8L Z — selected filmmakers will be able to shoot their projects with industry-leading image quality from their very first steps.

Aputure
Aputure

Aputure provides Shortcutz Greenlight filmmakers with a complete professional lighting ecosystem, enabling them to create cinematic images with precision and creativity. The gear includes the 1200x, 80c, LS 600d Pro, MC Pro 8-light kit, INFINIBAR PB12 8-Light kit, INFINIBAR multishape kit, Spotlight Max 19, Light Dome III, Lantern 90, CF12 Fresnel, and CF12 Barndoors. With this wide range of fixtures and modifiers, filmmakers can explore light in all its forms, from subtle storytelling nuances to bold visual statements.

Filmmore
Filmmore

Filmmore supports Shortcutz Greenlight by providing professional color grading for selected projects. As one of the Netherlands’ leading post-production houses, Filmmore ensures that emerging filmmakers can give their films a polished visual finish, learning firsthand how professional grading enhances storytelling and elevates their work to industry standards.

Vocas
Vocas

Vocas strengthens Shortcutz Greenlight by providing essential logistical support and technical solutions that help filmmakers bring their projects to life. By ensuring professional gear is available and accessible, Vocas plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between ambition and execution, making it possible for first-time and second-time filmmakers to work under real industry conditions.

MiMM
MiMM

MiMM supports Shortcutz Greenlight by providing mentorship for emerging music composers. Selected filmmakers and their teams will receive guidance from experienced professionals on how to create original scores that enrich storytelling and give each project a distinctive emotional identity. This ensures that young directors not only complete their films, but also learn how music can elevate cinema to a higher artistic level.

What We Offer

Professional Gear Access – Selected projects receive two weeks of free equipment from our partners to shoot their films.

Visibility – Your project will be highlighted on Shortcutz Amsterdam’s channels and shared with our film community.

Industry Connections – Pitch your film idea to a professional jury and get direct feedback from producers and directors.

How It Works

- Apply by filling in the application form with your film idea.

- Every six months, 5–6 projects are shortlisted.

- The selected filmmakers pitch their ideas live to a jury.

- 2–3 projects are chosen to move forward into production.

Who Can Apply?

First-time and second-time filmmakers.

Directors must be born in the Netherlands or living in the Netherlands for more than 5 years.

Open to both live-action and documentary projects.

No film school degree required, just a good idea and your passion.

Ready to take your first step?
Fill in the application form below and tell us your idea.