Carlton, I agree that short form storytelling / short films has become an increasingly viable way to make a mark in the industry. It’s also an enormous help for budding filmmakers to ply their craft. Nothing like actually MAKING something to learn boots-on-the-ground stuff you simply can’t mimic in a book environment.

Same things apply as with long-form storytelling: strong concept, solid story with a Beginning-Middle-End, good casting, directing, lighting, sound.