Do film festivals discriminate?

V

vip77

Active member
I know movies with "name" actors usually have an easier time getting into festivals because fests want all the press they can get.

But do some festivals discriminate against low budget productions?

Would it be better to exaggerate the production budget?
 
Not sure that the declared budget is all that relevant. Generally a recognizable name isn't going to waste their time appearing in a low-budget turd with story problems, a crew where the DP is also the writer, editor, director, and continuity.

Likewise a low budget project is probably not going to look as good as most movies that can afford to hire or attract someone with a name. I think if you have the budget and hire the right people you probably have as much chance at receiving recognition as a movie with a big name in it, provided you deliver a great production. Camera and tools are irrelevant to this discussion... its all about skill sets.
 
No. Do not exaggerate your budget. It will have the opposite effect than what you are wanting. If it looks "low-budget", but you say it was higher budget....... the festival panel will think you cannot film well even with a decent budget.

Every festival I have been involved with is primarily concerned with: Story, Technical Proficiency, and Interest. I could see them entering a film if it had a name actor, but not before at least some of the other criteria were met.
 
I concur with all of the above points.

But what percentage of movies submitted to festivals are actually good?

I can't remember ever seeing a really good micro budget independent film. Although my criteria may differ from others. I can name a few that got tons of hype but I personally found them grossly overrated.
 
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