Why Submitting Short Films to PR Agencies May No Longer Be Worth It

In recent years, short film coverage has declined sharply.

Major entertainment outlets have shifted focus to feature films, series, and high-traffic digital content. A 2023 report by Film Media Insights found that short film coverage dropped over 40% in the last five years, with only a handful of projects breaking through. With more than 10,000 short films submitted to top festivals annually, media space is limited, making it harder than ever for shorts to gain meaningful attention.

Many PR agencies, including ours, are no longer accepting short films for publicity campaigns due to this decline. Even a well-executed campaign often results in minimal exposure, and the ROI simply isn’t there. A typical campaign can cost thousands, but the payoff—usually a few online mentions—rarely justifies the expense. Agencies are now focusing on projects with broader appeal, longer shelf life, and more opportunities for sustained media coverage.

That said, we may consider campaigns for select short films with significant substance — such as those seeking an Academy Award campaign after screening at qualifying festivals , short films that are backed by high-profile financing, or shorts featuring recognizable talent. If your film falls into one of these categories, reach out to discuss the possibilities. Otherwise, filmmakers are often better served by building their audience through strategic festival placements and social media.