Festival Advise...

[rick_u]

I am a student attending television broadcasting school in Vancouver (BCIT). We have a great program and During the course of two years we have a total of four months to produce two drama/documentaries. I have since completed two dramas in the 30 min range. My instructors have commented that it is some of the best work they have seen in a long time, peers have had similar comments. They have advised my production team to enter it in festivals.

Can any one suggest festivals in Canada or Western USA, that would be appropriate for this?

And another question, I see people discussing film-outs, but the process of finding a distuributor is necessary. Is this only for features? Or would a good short be considered by distributors as well? I am only 20 and had only so much time to learn about this process. I am looking for any info and guidance you can offer. Thanks!

- Rick

[grinner]

just focus on the festivals you WANT to be in. Any festival will gladly take your entry fee. Just go for the ones you think will benefit you the most.
I've won festivals and gotten nothing out of it. I've not placed in others and earned great contacts and gigs out of em. It's a networking thang really.
The big fish in a small ponf mentality doesn;t apply in festivals. Leave the small ones alone and save yer money. Eneter the big ones, attend them and mingle.
good luck, man

[alveraz]

I read this GREAT book once, called Film Festival Survival Guide. I think the guy's name was Chris (something), but I forget. Anyway, find this book if you can, it's very informative and will answer all your festival needs. Don't let the title fool you, it's for filmmakers, not really for attendees, tho I'm sure attendees would benifit from it.

Good luck.

[Barry_Green]

That's Chris Gore, publisher of Film Threat on-line magazine. It is a very handy book.