Film Fest submissions

Beat Takeshi

Beat Takeshi

Two-Hip Shakur
Hey, when you guys send your stuff out to film fests do you have a complete package with pictures and stuff or do you just send a printed DVD with a note?
I mostly wondering about short films because I would think a feature would include as much as possible.
 
Depends on the festival requirements. Withoutabox festivals tend to keep the process digital. Some require you to snailmail pics, bios, and synopsis. Once you do it for one fest you're pretty much set for the rest you apply to.
 
Yeah... like Isaac said. It depends on the fest. I highly recommend WAB (withoutabox) because you also have the option of an online press kit, you can upload photos there, and write a synopsis, bio, etc. Some fests will also not ask for the stuff until after they've made their selections. Then if you're selected, you'll send in your stuff.
 
What's driving me crazy is things like the submission "guidelines" for some places.

They'll accept almost any format... Yeah, well. That's nice. Which do they WANT? Which do they PREFER? There's a pretty big difference between a full frame DVD render and a webalized QuickTime. Y'know?
 
Rule of thumb. Always submit what you feel will show off your project the best way possible. (aka don't send a compressed MOV)
 
That's what I'd think...but then I cringe, imagining them popping the DVD in and ripping a compressed version from it. We all know how things change, how the target really should determine the settings of the render (if not the actual CC itself).
 
I use withoutabox all the time and just send the DVD in but sometimes i feel like I should be pimping it more and wished I sent in a more complete package.
I have a template i use for all the DVD prints onto the DVD and I just change the name of the film but I never make a cover that matches the movie or send in pics.
 
I always make a sleek customized DVD label for my submissions (usually containing shots from the film). That's the one thing I make sure and do for my submissions.
 
I happen to have the Director of the Eerie Horror Film Fest here in the office with me, and he says in all honesty sometimes the package makes a difference. As far as catching the eye in the pile. But people send out a lot of turds in pretty boxes, so it doesn't mean you're getting in just cause you are better at marketing. Nowadays if you send a VHS, they frown upon that (I would assume QT cds fall into this category). And if you have a pretty box and artwork and then you just stick a hand-written DVD in the package they usually look at that as kinda cheap. Don't know if any of this helps but this is from one of the guy's that looks at TONS of submissions each year, and when you're watching that many movies, sticking out is always a good thing.

Let me also note that briceman I was delighted to see you posting some great comments here, it's nice to see you contributing to the forum. There's still hope!
 
Yeah, I don't do anything too fancy. Just a nicely designed label for the DVD. I want it to get the screeners "in the mood" to watch the film.

John C Lyons said:
Let me also note that briceman I was delighted to see you posting some great comments here, it's nice to see you contributing to the forum. There's still hope!
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Thanks. I try to help out when I can :)
 
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