I was just wondering at what point you all started applying to film festivals since you began making films? I have those feelings that maybe I shouldnt even look to submit to anything yet, but not sure. Ive done a few by now and think they rise as I go, but just not sure if I need to wait. And in addition, do you know of any festivals with no submission fee (Im guessing as a beginner to this I should start there, and financially want to) or festivals for youth (im 16) or just good festivals for starters? Thanks a lot!
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beginning film festivals
- Thread starter movieman1005
- Start date
Open a free account at WithoutABox.com
That way you can take a look at the majority of festivals (requirements, fees, special themes, whatever) and get an idea of suitable festivals to submit to.
You'll also be able to start budgeting for it; the costs can add up fast, and you don't want to waste your money & time.
You seem fairly unsure of whether your films are good enough - That's okay, 'cos you can do some research. When you have a few hours to kill, look up a festivals playlist for the previous years. (Not just the winners - everything they actually screened!), and then look those films up on YouTube or Vimeo. You'll find a good percentage of them, and you'll be able to get a rough feel for that festivals standards.
There are a few notorious festivals to stay away from, and they are easy enough to find reviews & opinions about. (Or if in doubt, ask here). Typically they are "pay to play", where everyone's a winner! You get a cheesey award certificate, and they roll you for as much cash as possible. Basically, if a festival tries to hit you up for more than the straight entry fee, tell them to get bent.
There's also a book by Chris Gore (the title which I have forgotten) that lists a tonne of festivals, their prizes, etc. It's not quite as good as researching on WithoutABox, but if you need a good book to kill time in the bathroom it's amazingly fun.
Good luck with the festivals!
.
That way you can take a look at the majority of festivals (requirements, fees, special themes, whatever) and get an idea of suitable festivals to submit to.
You'll also be able to start budgeting for it; the costs can add up fast, and you don't want to waste your money & time.
You seem fairly unsure of whether your films are good enough - That's okay, 'cos you can do some research. When you have a few hours to kill, look up a festivals playlist for the previous years. (Not just the winners - everything they actually screened!), and then look those films up on YouTube or Vimeo. You'll find a good percentage of them, and you'll be able to get a rough feel for that festivals standards.
There are a few notorious festivals to stay away from, and they are easy enough to find reviews & opinions about. (Or if in doubt, ask here). Typically they are "pay to play", where everyone's a winner! You get a cheesey award certificate, and they roll you for as much cash as possible. Basically, if a festival tries to hit you up for more than the straight entry fee, tell them to get bent.
There's also a book by Chris Gore (the title which I have forgotten) that lists a tonne of festivals, their prizes, etc. It's not quite as good as researching on WithoutABox, but if you need a good book to kill time in the bathroom it's amazingly fun.
Good luck with the festivals!
.