Sundance advice: Don't forget your shorts!

What you hear about most coming out of Sundance are the big-budget semi-indies starring big name actors looking for street cred. Those are the films that sell out quickly; stories about them sell papers and drive clicks.

What often excites me most of all about the festival, however, are the shorts programs. There are animated and experimental shorts that can really push the envelope and make you think. Sometimes, though, what you get are simple stories that drive home a theme and deliver a feeling quickly, without needing to drag on for a couple of hours.

Indiewire has posted a list of a few of the most anticipated Sundance shorts here. I've had a chance to preview some fantastic shorts that are upcoming at Slamdance, and will report back on all my favorites later.

Still, since no one likes to wait, here's a short film playing at Sundance 2014 that's already online — "Gregory Go Boom," starring Michael Cera. (Wait, what was that I said about big stars seeking street cred?)